Editor’s note: Allegations in this article are presented as claims by verified former staff members and founding staff. STPL News has not made findings of fact. If Mr Ingram or the administrators provide a response, their statements will be added to this article in full.
SOMERVILLE — The collapse of CJ Castle Care & Support Pty Ltd continues to deepen, with director Richard Ingram confirming in an email that his personal bank accounts have been frozen. Former staff meanwhile have stepped forward with a growing list of allegations.
Richard Ingram & Families Personal Accounts Frozen
In an email sent Wednesday, at 2.06pm to insolvency firm Mackay Goodwin and copied to staff, Ingram pleaded for outstanding wages to be released and disclosed that his own accounts, along with those of his wife Louise and daughter, had been frozen.
An experienced accountant consulted by STPL News said freezing of personal accounts in such cases is “not the norm”, suggesting additional scrutiny may be underway beyond routine administration.
Normally, only a company’s accounts are frozen during insolvency. Personal accounts may be frozen if:
- A court orders asset preservation due to suspected misuse or attempts to move funds.
- Banks or regulators detect suspicious transactions.
- Creditors or the ATO act to recover debts.
Staff Allegations
Verified former employees who spoke to STPL News have alleged:
- Unpaid entitlements: Up to three weeks’ wages and nearly a year of superannuation remain unpaid.
- Excuses for delays: Management blamed “bank glitches,” “hacked accounts,” or “software issues” in the months before collapse.
- Relocation of clients: Participants were shifted from Somerville to Hastings shortly before closure, leaving families uncertain about care.
- Selective rehiring: Some staff were invited to continue under Arcadia on ABN contractor arrangements, while others were excluded.
- Financial hardship: One worker said she had to borrow money to buy food and groceries after not being paid; others reported missed mortgage repayments.
- Forged paperwork: A staff member alleged her signature was added to an employment contract after she refused to sign.
- Workplace conduct issues: Staff reported bullying, gender based discrimination, delayed certificate sign-offs affecting pay rates, and pressure around workplace behaviour.
These allegations have not been independently verified. Mr Ingram has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
Right of Reply
STPL News has contacted Richard Ingram with detailed questions regarding the administration, unpaid entitlements, and the future of Arcadia. Initially, he declined to comment.
Since then, he has acknowledged receipt of questions sent by email but has not provided any further response.
On Wednesday morning, Mr Ingram also posted a public comment suggesting he had been unable to share his side of the story with STPL News. Shortly after, the comment was deleted.
Administrator’s Position
Receiver Richard John Lawrence of Mackay Goodwin confirmed all staff employment was terminated on 5 September 2025, with employee entitlements ranking as priority claims under the Corporations Act 2001.
Ingram, in his email to Mackay Goodwin, claimed he had been told days earlier that CJ Castle was “in a good financial position” and accused administrators of withholding processed payroll.
The administrators have not publicly responded to these claims.
Uncertain Future
With around 23 staff and 16 clients affected, the collapse has left workers without wages and families without clarity on care.
Arcadia Sport & Recreation in Hastings, another business operated by Ingram, remains open. Allegations of asset or client transfers between CJ Castle and Arcadia remain unverified.
Why we’re reporting this
This story involves vulnerable participants, workers in low-paid caring roles, and a provider based in our coverage area. We are reporting in the public interest to help affected community members understand their options and to seek accountability from decision-makers.
Have information?
Current or former workers, participants or families with documentation (payslips, super statements, administrator emails, safety photos, program invoices) are invited to contact STPL News securely. We will protect sources where legally permissible. Email conact@stplnews.com.au.
Editor’s note: Allegations in this article are presented as claims by verified former staff members and founding staff. STPL News has not made findings of fact. If Mr Ingram or the administrators provide a response, their statements will be added to this article in full.
