About us

Independent. Local. Compassion-led.

Pioneers Lodge is an independent, charitable aged care provider serving the Griffith and District community for over 44 years.
We exist to provide, promote and assist in the delivery of high-quality aged care services — from residential and respite care to specialist support such as dementia and palliative care. As a not-for-profit organisation, compassion isn’t just part of our work — it’s ingrained in everything we do.

Care That Feels Personal

We believe care should feel like connection. That’s why we take a relationship-based approach — our team gets to know you, your routines, your history, and what matters most to you. Together with residents, families and carers, we co-design care plans that support both health and happiness.

Each of our four uniquely designed homes promotes comfort, independence, and familiarity, with open access to dining and sitting areas around the clock. Whether you need low care, high care, or something in between, Pioneers Lodge offers a calm and welcoming environment tailored to your needs.

More Than Care — A Community

We’re proud of the strong sense of family and community that exists within our home. Our lifestyle and wellness programs focus on healthy ageing, social connection, and meaningful activities. For us, aged care isn’t just about support — it’s about living well, every day.

And while we offer high-quality care and facilities, we remain accessible: your financial situation will never affect your ability to find a place at Pioneers Lodge.

Locally Governed. Community Focused.

Pioneers Lodge is incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 as a company limited by guarantee. We are recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution by the Australian Taxation Office, and all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Our organisation is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors:
  • Joseph Amato (President)
  • Tony Del Gigante (Senior Vice President)
  • Angela Favell (Junior Vice President)
  • Heather Baltieri (Secretary)
  • Neil Pilloni (Treasurer)
  • Robin Salvestro (Director)
  • Robert Sjollema (Director)

The Griffith Pioneers Trust Fund

Established by Stuart and Margaret McWilliam in 2012, the Griffith Pioneers Trust Fund was created to benefit one sole recipient: The Pioneers Lodge.
Donations to the fund are preserved in perpetuity, with investment income used to continually purchase and upgrade essential equipment. This ensures that the Lodge is always supported and can continue to evolve with the needs of our community. The Trust is managed by a board of five dedicated community members.

Staff Team

Kuda Sozinyu

Executive General Manager

Tara Harris

Clinical Care Manager

Fiona Kenny

Quality, Compliance & Education Manager

Graeme Cotton

People & Culture Manager

Daljeet Mann

Senior Accountant

Renu Bhardwaj

Unit Coordinator

Pam Kaur

Assistant Chef

Alfina Bianchini

Board Team

Joseph Amato

Joseph Amato

Tony Delgigante

Vice President

Angela Favell

Junior Vice President

Neil Pilloni

Treasurer

Heather Baltieri

Director

Robin Salvestro

Director

Robert Sjollema

Director

Directors

Joseph Amato, President
Tony Del Gigante, Senior Vice President
Angela Favell, Junior Vice President
Heather Baltieri, Secretary
Neil Pilloni, Treasurer
Robert Sjollema, Director
Robin Salvestro, Director

Trust Fund Committee Members

Joseph Amato, Griffith Pioneers Lodge Trust Fund
Meredith Fattore, Griffith Pioneers Lodge Trust Fund
Heather Baltieri, Griffith Pioneers Lodge Trust Fund
Tony Delgigante, Griffith Pioneers Lodge Trust Fund
Neil Pilloni, Griffith Pioneers Lodge Trust Fund

You can help

make a difference

As a charity, we’re committed to providing care for those in need, especially those who cannot afford it. Unfortunately for many older Australians, the cost of the services and support they need is out of reach. The Griffith Pioneers Trust Fund is dedicated to raising vital funds to address this.

While the Government does subsidise a range of services, the people in our care have complex needs that often can only be met through additional support. No matter how small or large your gift is, your donation will truly make a difference and help us to fulfil our purpose of delivering care services that enhance wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

Your home

away from home

Enquire now

Our journey

1970 > It was the late Mr. Don Isles through the Rotary Club of Griffith, who first suggested that there was a need for Nursing Home and Hostel accommodation in Griffith in 1970.

1971 > Soon after on 8th November 1971, the first public meeting was held to gather support for the project and as a result of this meeting a working Committee was formed to promote the Project.

1972 > On 10 February 1972, the Pioneers Lodge Ladies Auxiliary was founded primarily to raise funds for the project. Between 1972 and 1975 the working Committee and the Ladies Auxiliary was busy raising funds.

1975 > In 1975, the NSW Department of Health approved the lease of approximately 0.4832 hectares of land on the hospital site, Animoo Avenue Griffith, for the project.

1976 > In December 1976, a tender from Warburton Constructions was selected for the construction of the 62 bed facility.

1978 > On 26th August 1978, the facility was officially opened by Stuart McWilliam Presdient of Pioneers Lodge Board of Directors.

1997 > The Pioneers Lodge has always been an independent organization but initially it contracted a wide range of services from the Griffith Base Hospital including management, clerical, maintenance, linen and food services.
The arrangement served both organizations well until 1997, when the newly formed Area Health Service decided to centralize and rationalize many of its services, to concentrate on “core services”.
1997 also saw the introduction of a radical funding system for Aged Care. The “deficit funding system” was replaced by a new system which funded Aged Care providers according to the care needs of their residents. The subsidy provided had an inbuilt profit margin which was meant to fund future capital needs.

2008 > With the introduction of the new funding system the Commonwealth Government also announced that new building standards for aged care would apply by 2008. Aged Care providers were put on notice that they had 10 years to meet these standards or leave the industry.
This new funding system served the The Pioneers Lodge well and by 2008 it had purchased land at 15-23 Sidlow Road, Griffith and built a new 75 bed facility.

The new facility;
The Architect, Mr. Mark Boffa of Boffa Robertson Group, was chosen to design and manage the building project. Forlico Builders of Griffith was awarded the contract to build the new facility. Building commenced in December 2006 and the project was completed by July 2008. The project was funded from Accumulated funds, Accommodation Bonds and a bank loan.

The new facility consists of:
The Don Mackay Unit – 40 beds high care.
The Curtis Chauncy Unit – 19 beds low care.
The Stuart & Margaret McWilliam Unit – 16 beds low care dementia specific.
The new 75 bed facility is situated on a 2.75 hectare site at 15 – 23 Sidlow Road with ample room and associated support infrastructures already in place for the addition of a further 25 high or low care beds, as well as the addition of Assisted Living and Independent Living Units in the future.

The main features of the new facility are:
It is a local community funded and managed aged care facility.
Friendly and caring staff.
The site is very secure with a 2 m high perimeter fence and internal fencing.
All bedrooms have large separate en-suites.
“State of the art” reverse cycle air conditioning system.
Hair salon, Podiatry, and private functions room.
Large central lounge/ dining rooms with sitting rooms at the end of every wing for use by residents and their families.
Large central activities room opening out onto large central courtyard.
Phone, TV and Pay TV access in every room.
Close to City Centre (2.2 kms from the Post Office)
Sophisticated resident night monitoring system is available to be activated if required.
All bedrooms, lounge rooms and sitting rooms look out onto extensive landscaped gardens.
Extensive outdoor garden areas for use by residents and their families/visitors.
High quality furniture and well appointed spacious rooms.
The design of the facility features great use of natural light to brighten the interior.
2017 > 2017 brought about many new exciting changes and additions to the The Pioneers Lodge. 20 new beds were made available through various extensions, these were opened in August by President of the Board of Directors Darryl Baltieri. The Settlers unit opened with 16 new beds available in the new high care dementia unit. Extensions to the Mackay West Wing went ahead with 4 extra beds as well as extensions to the units dining and lounge areas coupled with a renovation of the servery. The new Gymnasium opened up as an exercising area for residents and complimentary Wi-Fi became available throughout the Facility. In November 2017 The Pioneers Lodge opened its own laundry on site. This is to ensure all residents personal clothing is given the appropriate care and attention and returned to residents rooms in a timely manner.

Join our community

Contact our team to start a conversation about the next steps for you or your loved ones.