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 fallout from the collapse of CJ Castle Care & Support Pty Ltd continues, with more former employees coming forward to share experiences of unpaid entitlements, questionable management practices, and concerns for vulnerable clients.
The company entered external administration on 29 August 2025, with Richard John Lawrence of Mackay Goodwin appointed as Receiver and Manager. In a letter to employees dated 5 September, Mr Lawrence confirmed that the business would not continue trading and that all staff were terminated effective immediately.
Screenshots Show Excuses Before Collapse
Screenshots of company communications seen by STPL News show management telling staff that accounting software glitches had delayed payslips and payments, with reassurances that issues would soon be fixed.
Within 24 hours, the company went into receivership.
One former employee, who asked to remain anonymous but whose identity has been verified, said the communications were part of a pattern:
“That’s three weeks’ wages he owes us plus almost a year of superannuation. The last few months our pay would be late or split into two payments, always with excuses — banking errors, hacked accounts, something different each time.”
Staff Testimonies
Another ex-employee, also verified by STPL News, claimed that clients were shifted from Somerville to Hastings in the days before the closure, despite management allegedly knowing the collapse was imminent.
“Now two clients need to find somewhere else to live. Families weren’t told the truth about what was happening.”
The same worker alleged:
- Certificates withheld: Staff completing traineeships allegedly had their competency sign-offs delayed, keeping them on lower pay rates.
- Selective rehiring: Only certain staff were invited to continue working at Arcadia Sport & Recreation in Hastings, with suggestions they register ABNs and subcontract back.
- Client trust issues: Families were more likely to remain if particular staff continued, creating pressure around which employees were retained.
Further Allegations
A third verified former worker told STPL News the collapse “was not an overnight thing,” and claimed staff and families were misled about the company’s financial health.
The worker alleged that:
- Complaints about workplace behaviour, including bullying, harrasment, gender based discrimination, led to staff being required to attend a seminar on workplace conduct.
- A workplace incident involving staff and clients in a public setting resulted in a complaint from a member of the public.
- Management appeared increasingly absent in the lead-up to administration, with staff alleging calls and emails went unanswered.
- Staff were left frustrated that despite financial concerns, management took multiple holidays earlier in the year.
The worker also suggested that agencies including the NDIS, Fair Work Ombudsman and ATO may be examining aspects of the company’s conduct. STPL News has not independently confirmed this.
Impact on Workers and Clients
With around 23 staff and 16 participants directly affected, the collapse has left both workers and clients without clarity. Families have told STPL News they are struggling to secure continuity of care.
Arcadia Sport & Recreation, another business operated by Richard Ingram, remains open and trading. Former staff allege assets and clients have been moved between the two entities, though these claims remain unverified.
Administrators’ Statement
In his letter to employees, Receiver Richard John Lawrence confirmed that:
- All staff employment was terminated on 5 September 2025.
- Employee entitlements including wages, annual leave, and redundancy are considered priority claims under the Corporations Act 2001.
- A further update will be provided in due course.
The letter also directed retrenched workers to government programs such as Workforce Australia and the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG).
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. However, he has since acknowledged receipt of several questions we have sent to him, he has not yet provided any further response.
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.
I believe he had approx 8 clients at Arcadia yesterday. And the conditions are not suitable! He still has 2 people movers also
If Richard Ingram honoured his staff ( not family) and gave them the credit they deserve, these issues would not have arisen… But Richard preferred to sit back and reap the rewards, counting the cash from the staff endeavours, the only time he crawled out of his office was to criticised and big noted himself.
You take out enough stones in the Castles foundation and it WILL COLAPSE.
Preferably with him in it.