Seabrae Manor Expands to Meet Critical Aged Care Shortage as 'Chapman House' Honours Foundational Leader

As Australia faces a growing shortage of aged care beds, Seabrae Manor Aged Care is stepping in to help meet urgent local demand, announcing the opening of a new wing delivering 37 additional residential aged care places for the Moreton Bay community.

The expansion comes at a critical time, with thousands of older Australians currently stuck in hospital beds waiting for aged care placement and Queensland identified as one of the hardest-hit regions.

At the heart of this milestone is the naming of Chapman House, recognising Janet Chapman, the leader who helped build the organisation from a blank canvas into the provider it is today.

When Janet first joined Castalia Group, there were no systems, no policies, and no blueprint, only a vision to create a high-quality aged care service.

Over more than a decade, she developed the operational foundations that continue to guide the organisation today, from clinical governance and care frameworks through to workforce structures and even the practical detail of how each home would be fitted out.

Originally from Manchester in England, Janet began her nursing career at just 19 years of age before progressing into leadership roles in the UK. After relocating to Australia in 2001, she continued her work in aged care before taking on the rare opportunity to help build a provider from the ground up.

"It was a chance to create something meaningful from the very beginning," Janet said. "Starting with a blank canvas allowed us to design not just a building, but a way of caring that truly puts residents first."

Her leadership was instrumental in opening Seabrae Manor and later Narangba Aged Care, as well as shaping quality systems across the organisation during a period of growth.

Now, as Chapman House opens its doors, her legacy is being recognised in a way that also directly benefits the community, increasing access to care at a time when it is urgently needed.

Andrew Meek, CEO of Castalia Group, said:
"Janet Chapman is truly the architect of what Seabrae Manor has become. From her very first day, she built the foundations of our organisation, from policies and processes to the practical details that ensure our homes are always welcoming, safe, and high-quality. Her vision, leadership, and dedication have shaped our culture and the way we care for residents. Naming Chapman House in her honour is a fitting recognition of the lasting legacy she has created, not just for our homes, but for everyone who lives and works here."

The additional 37 beds will provide much needed capacity for the local community, helping reduce pressure on families and the broader health system.

With demand for aged care continuing to outpace supply nationally, the expansion positions Seabrae Manor Aged Care as part of the solution, delivering high-quality care while addressing one of the sector's most pressing challenges.

For Janet, the recognition is both professional and deeply personal.

"To see Chapman House open and know it will support more people in our community is incredibly special," she said.
"It represents everything we set out to build - care, dignity and a beautiful place people can truly call home."

To be one of the first to call Chapman House home, call Seabrae Manor on 07 3053 3333 or email: info@seabraemanor.com.au