Three leading Baptist care providers in Australia—Baptcare, Baptist Care SA, and BaptistCare—have announced their merger into a single, yet-to-be-named organization, making it one of the largest care associations in the country. The merger, publicly unveiled in November 2024, is set to be completed by March 2025.
The new organization will employ more than 12,000 staff and serve over 38,000 customers across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. It will provide a broad range of services, including retirement living, residential aged care, home care, community and affordable housing, disability support, foster care, chaplaincy and spiritual care, mental health services, and family and community support.
Tim Farren, chair of the Baptcare board, will lead the new organization as chair, with Robert Dunn, chair of the BaptistCare board, serving as vice chair. Charles Moore, currently CEO of BaptistCare, has been named CEO-elect of the merged entity.
Farren emphasized the benefits of the merger, highlighting increased advocacy for vulnerable communities and the ability to address growing sector pressures. “As Baptist faith-based organizations, we have a shared mission to strengthen communities by valuing people and supporting them to have hope, dignity, and a fullness of life,” Farren said. “Coming together will help us continue delivering that mission while staying true to our legacy.”
The joint organization aims to unlock operational efficiencies, improve services, and create innovations to address increasing demand and resource challenges. Moore stated, “This merger will create a stronger organization by combining our resources, expertise, and market reach. It will enhance services, amplify our mission, and provide greater career opportunities for our workforce.”
Baptcare, established in 1945, operates in Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, offering care and support to people in need. Baptist Care SA has served vulnerable individuals in South Australia for more than 110 years, providing services such as drug rehabilitation, mental health care, and homelessness support. BaptistCare, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2024, supports 19,000 people with residential care and related community services across New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia.
A name for the new organization will be announced following a consultation process. The leadership has committed to integrating the strengths and cultures of each entity while remaining focused on their shared mission and values.
