Skip to main content

About Us

Our History

In 1938 Charles Inman left the Red Cross his home and property ‘Airlee’ on the Esplanade at Point Vernon to provide accommodation for elderly ladies.

The deeds of the home were handed over by Cecil Inman, son of Charles Inman to Lady Wilson, wife of the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson. She accepted them on behalf of the Red Cross. By 1974 the Inman Home was operating at a loss and the Red Cross had to close it and the elderly lady residents were forced to find alternative accommodation. Only two found accommodation in the district and the rest were forced to move elsewhere.

Don McBain and his wife Valerie had worked as volunteers in the Inman Home and called a meeting of concerned residents to see what they could do to prevent this happening again. They decided that there should be a permanent home for seniors in Hervey Bay to provide secure accommodation and to meet their ongoing needs. This concern and dedication still drives the organisation today.

Following the first meeting, they launched an appeal for funds and had an overwhelming response. in 1974, Mr Walter Burton, a blind pensioner, donated 10 acres of land adjoining his residence in Exeter Street Torquay.

In 1981 the Committee changed the organisation to a company called the Hervey Bay Retirement Village Limited. This name continued until 2007. Hervey Bay Retirement Village Limited was constituted as a company limited by guarantee.  In 2007 the name was changed to Torbay Retirement Villages Limited.

  The Hervey Bay community was heavily involved in the development of the first aged care accommodation in Hervey Bay.  Funds were raised via raffles and donations.  The first nursing  home units were built in 1977 with further development continuing up to 2005.  Villas were also built to accommodate independent retirees.  The official opening of the Torbay Retirement Village was on 6th August 1977.

In May 2011 we commenced a building division called Torbay Constructions to do our own building and to generate additional funds for the aged care facilities by undertaking external work. This division was changed to a company in November 2012. The new company is called Torbay Constructions Pty Ltd.

In October 2016 the company changed its name to Torbay Lifestyles & Care Limited and is still a company limited by guarantee and community owned.

Torbay Lifestyles & Care Limited

is a public company limited by guarantee. The company is a registered charity and public benevolent institution.

Torbay Aged Care & Retirement Village

was commenced in 1974 and consists of 159 Independent Living Units and associated recreational facilities and service centres and a 134 care place Aged Care Facility.

Torbay Constructions

is responsible for Torbay's entire building program and also successfully tenders for and constructs outside contracts.
Nurse with aged care resident

Our Board and Management

President and Chairman of the Board - Mick Kruger

Mick joined Torbay in September 2012 and has held the position of President since October 2021.

Mick brings local government and business experience to the Board of Directors.  Mick has been an active member of Hervey Bay community organisations such as Torbay for many years and contributes his commercial acumen to the role.

Chief Executive Officer - Christine Lilley

Christine has been with Torbay since 2013 and was appointed the CEO in March 2022. Christine has a Bachelor in Business and is also a Chartered Accountant. She is passionate about providing outstanding accommodation, care and services to the community of Hervey Bay.

Torbay Constructions Manager - John Sheehan

John Sheehan has managed Torbay Constructions since its inception in 2011. Having both Trade and Tertiary qualifications, he heads up a specialist team of construction professionals. Torbay Constructions has consistently delivered many Education, Aged Care, Commercial and High End/Multi Residential projects throughout SE QLD to satisfied clients. Torbay Constructions as a subsidiary company to the Torbay Lifestyle and Care Organisation provides directly to this regions ageing community. Something both he and his team are very proud of.

Director of Care - Lisa Nitschinsk

Lisa is a Registered Nurse with 15 years’ experience in Residential Aged Care and is committed to ensuring quality care and service for our residents. Lisa’s experience working at all levels of nursing in the Residential Aged Care sector allows her to provide a supportive management style for staff across the service.

Environmental Services Manager - Paul Rohan

Paul has been a senior leader for the past 25 years, working in the airline industry and then entering the aged care sector as operations manager at Kincare, leading 650 homecare workers, providing in home aged care support. Paul joined Torbay in 2022 to lead the organisation in providing safe and comfortable living environments and nutritious and healthy meals. His leadership style in very consultative, he will definitely ask for your opinion and input.

Retirement Village & Sales Manager - Rachel Neck

Rachel has worked for Torbay since 2016 where she started her role as Sales Consultant for the Independent Living Village. As her role expanded she then added Lifestyle to the mix & became the Retirement Village & Sales Manager in 2022.
Rachel’s background is local government & further back owned & operated a franchise for 13 years. Providing a safe, happy & cohesive atmosphere in the Retirement Village is her top priority. Her belief is when you choose a job you love you will never have to work a day in your life.