Staff Break Silence After Somerville NDIS Provider’s Collapse

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 — Disability services provider CJ Castle Care & Support Pty Ltd has entered external administration, with multiple former staff and clients reporting uncertainty about wages, superannuation and continuity of care.

ASIC’s company extract confirms CJ Castle Care & Support Pty Ltd (ACN 655 316 911) is under external administration. The company was registered on 15 November 2021 and lists its registered office in Somerville, VICdownload.

STPL News observed the company’s public website offering limited operational information, while some social media pages linked to the business appear to be unavailable as at 8 September 2025. A separate website for Arcadia Sport & Recreation in Hastings—also operated by Somerville businessman Richard Ingram—remains publicly accessible and advertising programs for all abilities. Arcadia’s operating status has not been independently verified by STPL News beyond its web presence.

STPL News contacted Mr Ingram for comment; he declined to respond.

Allegations from verified former staff

STPL News has spoken to multiple verified former employees, whose names are being withheld for their protection. Their allegations—not independently verified—include:

• Asset movements between CJ Castle and Arcadia, and suggestions of related-entity charging.
• Service delivery concerns, including one worker supporting multiple clients when 1:1 support was billed, and program substitutions (e.g., activities at Arcadia in lieu of scheduled external programs).
• Safety and equipment issues reported at Somerville and Hastings facilities (e.g., exposed wiring, unfinished works, lack of lifting equipment).
• Estimated scale: about 23 staff and ~16 participants affected.
• CCTV/vehicle cameras allegedly used to monitor staff behaviour beyond security purposes.
• Payroll deductions for documentation errors or for not cleaning vehicles, and claims of unpaid shifts and superannuation.

One verified former worker told STPL News they were still owed wages and superannuation and alleged that management withheld payments, penalised staff for raising issues, and discouraged staff from discussing conditions.

Testimony from an original staff member

Another person, who identified themselves as one of the five founding staff members, described how dedicated workers initially built and maintained the Somerville facility under difficult conditions, often “working a 24-hour rotating shift” with limited resources.

They allege that over time:

• Family members of Mr Ingram were prioritised with shifts, while other staff saw hours reduced or cut.
• A culture of bullying developed, where staff who became ill or raised concerns were berated or lost clients.
• At least a dozen issues were formally lodged with the NDIS complaints department, including claims about client funding, staff treatment, lack of transparency with families, unsafe vehicles, and “fudging of numbers.”
• Promises made to staff and families were not honoured, leading to resignations of the original team—taking with them “over a hundred years of experience.”

The source described CJ Castle as having started with promise but alleged it became “purely a money grab,” adding that they felt sorry for clients, families, and non-family staff who had been “taken advantage of and promised all.”

Additional Allegations Circulating

STPL News has also sighted messages shared among staff and families following the collapse of CJ Castle Care. These messages contain claims that:

• Company vehicles were removed late last week.
• Staff have not been paid for two weeks and that superannuation has not been paid since October 2024.
• Some clients have been picked up and taken to Arcadia in Hastings, with suggestions the business is now trading under the Arcadia name.
• Families allege overcharging of clients.
• Clients have allegedly been asked to re-sign agreements under Arcadia, and some staff encouraged to register ABNs to continue working.
• Wages were reportedly paid late on several occasions, with responsibility deflected.

Administrators and next steps

Workers told STPL News they received email correspondence naming Mackay Goodwin in connection with the external administration and outlining next steps for staff and creditors. STPL News is seeking formal confirmation of the appointment details and any first-circular documents.

What employees and participants can do now

• Employees seeking unpaid wages: Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to lodge a claim or enquiry.
• Employees seeking unpaid super: Lodge an unpaid super claim via the ATO.
• NDIS participants/families: Make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if supports have been disrupted or concerns arise about quality/safety.

STPL News understands Arcadia Sport & Recreation continues to operate publicly; there is no confirmed indication at this time that Arcadia is subject to external administration.

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.