About Us and … You

Woorayl Lodge Inc is a respected, long-standing Not For Profit (NFP) aged care facility in Leongatha.

The Lodge was founded in 1956 by the local Rotary Club. It opened on 14th December 1960 with only three permanent residents. The Lodge is still proudly community run and owned and boasts a voluntary Board of Management.

We understand the importance of specialist residential aged care facilities in small communities. We thrive on building long-term relationships within our Gippsland community.

Inclusiveness is vitally important to us – no matter your background, you are our priority. We welcome everyone here at Woorayl Lodge. We will respect you and provide ongoing support whenever you need it.

Woorayl Lodge is a wonderful choice

Our qualified and caring staff understands the emotional transition you may feel moving from your own home to your new home with us.

If you are local to the Leongatha area, you won’t be moving too far from your current home. Maybe you moved away from the region but want to come back to your old stomping ground. Or perhaps you are a newcomer to our beautiful pocket of South Gippsland. Wherever you are coming from to join our aged care community, we do all we can to welcome you and make you feel at home.

Our Aged Care facility is accredited by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (AACQA).

Professional Care

To help you live your best life, our care team consults with you and your family, your carers and allied health. We can assist with co-ordinating your medical appointments and getting financial, legal, and social support when needed.
Doctors and physiotherapists attend the lodge regularly, and your personal needs are looked after by our visiting hairdressers and podiatrists. Our goal is for you to have the best personalised care and services to suit your needs.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

Your home should be your happy place – and we work hard to create a warm and inviting home environment for you and your guests.
You can invite guests for meals and special occasions in one of our three furnished common areas. Tea and coffee making facilities are offered if you simply want to relax and chat with them over a cuppa.
Woorayl Lodge also has a large dining room and separate lounge room for residents to gather and for indoor activities. We offer a small private room for personal appointments.

Keeping Active

The importance of staying physically and mentally active is promoted here at Woorayl Lodge. Professionally organised activities are arranged with the assistance of community volunteers. Getting outdoors into the fresh air is encouraged. All residents have access to an external courtyard, enclosed paths and maintained gardens.

Who We Are

We are a diverse team with the same goal – making our residents feel relaxed, happy and at home.
We have skilled management and staff, a voluntary Board of Management, and a Fundraising Auxiliary.

Barry Westhorpe
Chief Executive Officer

Barry proudly accepted his appointment as Woorayl Lodge’s CEO at the beginning of 2022. Stepping into the role after almost 2 years of lockdowns and restrictions had its challenges but Barry was determined to help everyone move forward. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and people skills and is intent on continuing to improve the facility and the lifestyle of the Lodge’s residents.

Bernadette Rocca
Director of Nursing

Bernadette started her career in nursing in 1982, progressing to Director of Nursing with hard work and determination. Bernadette is dedicated to her job and rides the highs and lows with tenacity. Getting through the lows faced during 2020 and 2021 strengthened her resolve to make 2022 the beginning of a better and happier life for everyone at the Lodge.

Board of Management

Woorayl Lodge boasts a voluntary Board of Management of local people from a cross section of the community. The hardworking board members are committed to their roles, knowing that they are helping to make a difference to the lives of the residents.

All members are local volunteers

Pictured: Mary Aldred BM; Leo Argento BM; Barry Westhorpe CEO; Robert Bruce BM; Garry Van Sinderren BM; Dennis Swan BM; Peter McAlpine BM; Bernadette Rocca Dir. of Nursing; Andrew Ross Mgr Fin. & Admin; Linda Fiddelaers Chair; Kaye Warren BM.