1994

A vision for the Future

Murray Schache, a community local, rallied neighbours to address a problem: the desperate need for specialised, elderly support services in the rural, remote Murray Mallee region of South Australia.

Representatives from the nine councils devised a concept: a unique collaboration that would be nationally recognised as a model for aged care services delivery.

Each council nominated a community representative who worked in aged care. Collectively, these advocates (the Board of Directors) identified needs, available resources, and communicated information throughout the region.

The Federal Government’s introduction of Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) inspired the ‘group’ to apply for 20 packages. With a successful first funding round, the ‘group’ formalised into MMACG.

1997

Nine Become Five

Amalgamation saw the nine councils become five. MMACG now included the Rural City of Murray Bridge, Coorong District Council, Karoonda East Murray, Mid-Murray Council (previously District Council of Mannum, District Council of Morgan, District Council of Ridley-Truro, and part of the District Council of Mount Pleasant), and Southern Mallee (previously Pinnaroo Council and Lameroo Council).

2005

New Home Base 

MMACG transferred its home base to an attractive 1940’s stone premises, prominently located at 74 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge.

2010

New Office

Our administration office shifted to 2A Myall Avenue, Murray Bridge.

2012

Award Winning Care

MMACG took home the Workcover SA Health Award (for the Murraylands and Riverland), as well as the Overall Winner at the Advantage Regional Awards.

2013

Continued Excellence

Brand SA recognised MMACG again as the winner of the Workcover SA Health Award (for the Murraylands and Riverland).

2014

Hat Trick

For the third consecutive year, MMACG won the Workcover SA Health Award (for the Murraylands and Riverland). Brand SA acknowledged the organisation by becoming a Farmer’s Union Iced Coffee Hall of Fame Inductee.

2017

Headed for the Big City

Adelaide called for country-like, aged care support, and MMACG heard. The group extended into the city, and opened a division in Campbelltown, later moving to North Adelaide, and now Fullarton under the name My Choice Care.

2018

Five Pillars of Reform

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety commenced, which led to 148 recommendations to reform the system. This created an opportunity for the aged care sector to be analysed in a public and considerate manner – resulting in improvements that MMACG welcomed. This led to thousands of new home care packages to assist seniors remain in their homes for many years to come.

2019

A New Venture

After 25 years proudly serving the Murray Mallee, a new opportunity to support seniors through the transition period arose – for those downsizing and independent but requiring nearby aged care and medical services. For this reason, MMACG opened its retirement living community, Warner Close.

2020-21

Pandemic Response

MMACG’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic required the team to develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that guided day-to-day operations. Like always, the safety of clients was at the forefront of all decision-making, guided by the management team under the stewardship of the Board.

2024

30th Anniversary Milestone

2024 marked a significant milestone of 30 years since MMACG was founded. The organisation’s growth from championing regional care, to providing care in Adelaide, and opening a retirement living complex, exemplifies a commitment to comprehensive care. This anniversary commemorates the organisation’s past achievements and reaffirms the team’s dedication to providing the continued wellbeing of those we serve.

2025

A Year of Recognition

The year began strongly with Warner Close Retirement Living reaching full capacity for the first time. Later, Murray Mallee Aged Care Group was honoured with the Best Care, Help or Support award at the Murraylands Business Awards, recognising our team’s commitment to delivering high-quality care to the community.

2025

A Reformed Program

In November, the Australian Government introduced the Support at Home program, replacing the Home Care Packages program. These significant reforms changed how services are delivered and strengthened protections for clients. To support the transition, our team hosted over 10 community ‘Town Hall’ information sessions, helping clients understand the changes and feel confident continuing their care at home.