Philanthropy and partnership to shape the future of care for Bolton Clarke

As Bolton Clarke celebrates 140 years of impact, partnerships like those with Equity Trustees are helping the organisation drive innovation, connection and wellbeing for future generations.

In 1885, a nurse from the newly formed Melbourne District Nursing Society walked the narrow laneways of inner Melbourne, tending to the city’s sick and poor. By lamplight, she offered care and dignity to those who could not reach a hospital. From that single act of compassion grew a 140-year legacy that’s today known as Bolton Clarke – Australia’s largest independent not-for-profit aged-care provider.

“Bolton Clarke is Australia’s largest independent nonprofit aged-care provider,” says Alex Cross, Head of Fundraising. “From that one nurse helping the sick and poor, we’ve grown to a national organisation with 43 retirement villages and 88 residential care homes.”

Founded as the Melbourne District Nursing Society – later the Royal District Nursing Service – and merged with RSL Care Queensland in 2017, Bolton Clarke has always evolved with Australia’s needs. Its name honours two early champions of service: Lady Janet Clarke, a philanthropist who helped build Melbourne’s nursing movement, and Brigadier William Kinsey Bolton, a Gallipoli veteran and first national President of the RSL.

Across generations and global challenges, from world wars to pandemics, Bolton Clarke’s focus has remained clear: helping people live well and independently. Today it supports more than 130,000 Australians each year through home nursing, dementia and palliative care, restorative programs, retirement living and research-driven innovation.

“We’re focused on optimising health, wellbeing and reablement for clients and communities,” Alex says. “Our work is underpinned by research, education and innovation that enhance lives.”

A shared mission for longer, healthier lives

It’s predicted that by 2066, nearly one quarter of Australians will be aged over 65, and many will live beyond 100.

“The challenge for us, as we move into the future, is to grow people’s health span, not just their lifespan,” says Alex. “The length of time people can expect to spend in good health is also increasing, but there’s still a gap between health expectancy and life expectancy. It’s particularly evident for older women.

“We’re focused on closing that gap. We want to help Australians age positively.”

To achieve this goal, Bolton Clarke’s Research Institute works with national and international partners on chronic wounds, frailty and loneliness, translating research into real-world care. New living environments are also currently being co-designed with residents to support independence, while telehealth and assistive technology improve access across regional Australia.

However, the advances made through Bolton Clarke’s Research Institute and community programs are only possible because of the partnerships and philanthropy that power them.
“Philanthropy helps us respond to emerging needs, advance research and deliver care that goes the extra mile.”

Community generosity has shaped Bolton Clarke since its earliest days, from Lady Clarke opening her home for fundraisers to Dame Nellie Melba performing at charity concerts, and veterans taking to the skies in a live radio appeal to fund the Fernhill home in Brisbane. “That spirit of giving continues in what we do today.” 

Since 1995, Equity Trustees has been one of Bolton Clarke’s most valued supporters, strengthening this proud tradition of care. Its funding has helped expand the Connect Local program in Glen Eira, helping older adults who are socially isolated or at risk of loneliness reconnect with their communities through trained social connectors.

Equity Trustees has also backed the Mable Alice Sharott Accommodation Fund, providing more than $750,000 over five years to assist nurses and care workers facing hardship, helping them pay mortgages or rent and cover essential repairs.

Together, these initiatives show how philanthropy and partnership fuel Bolton Clarke’s mission – extending lives not just in years, but in quality and connection.

“These partnerships amplify our impact. They help us keep building on a legacy that began with one nurse in Melbourne’s laneways: a legacy of care, connection and community that continues to grow stronger every year, and one that will guide us well into the future.”

“Philanthropy helps us respond to emerging needs, advance research and deliver care that goes the extra mile.”