The Vacenti Story
A Proud Queensland Business
A Proud Queensland Business – Three Generations Strong
Vacenti is a business founded and run by the Casagrande family. This family has been caring for older Queenslanders since Dom and Lucy Casagrande built their first community back in 1973. When their son Mario and his wife Louisa took over the business, they built a retirement village and another four aged-care residences located throughout Brisbane.
Mario and Louisa’s three sons also hold pivotal roles in the business. Julian is Vacenti’s Chief Executive Officer (middle), Dom sources and supplies all the Vacenti communities with fresh fruit and vegetables each day (left), and Alfio manages all of Vacenti’s new builds and renovations (right).
Mario Casagrande
Co-Founder and current managing director of Vacenti. Mario has extensive experience in the aged care industry dating back to 1976 when Vacenti’s oldest aged care facility “Esida” was built, by Mario and his father. His passion for aged care is driven by his desire to provide care and services suitable for his own parents Dom & Luica, this was achieved in 2019 when they both entered Portofino Hamilton. Mario is still actively involved in the day to day operations of Vacenti, visiting the sites on a regular basis and engaging with residents and staff.
Louisa Casagrande
Co-Founder of Vacenti and has worked in aged care for over 20 years, alongside Mario. Louisa has been pivotal in the growth of Vacenti while ensuring that resident wellbeing is paramount. Louisa has been the backbone holding vital roles across the organisation including Marketing Manager, Finance Manager and Business Development. Louisa is still actively involved in Vacenti with her current focus on the procurement of furniture and equipment and interior design.
Our History
1973
Carindale Court opens an 80-bed residential service for spinal injuries and aged care.
1994
Poinciana Lodge a 39-bed residence was built and subsequently renamed Carindale Lodge.
2003
Carindale Brook opened as a 40-bed high care residence.
2006
Carindale Brook’s extension was complete – expanding the facility to a 50-bed high care residence with 2 dementia care units.
2012
Casa Dámore Apartments was the next 105 bed development at Coorparoo and represented a new 5 star standard in the quality of aged care buildings and furnishings.
2012
“Marebello” a 138-bed residence at Victoria Point was added to the QRS portfolio.
2014
QRS ventured into retirement living with Con Noi.
2017
The launch of the new QRS brand and trading name “Vacenti”. Name changes also for Carindale Court and Lodge to “Esida” and also for Carindale Brook to “Lorocco”.
2018
The planned opening of the luxury new residence Portofino Hamilton with 100 aged care suites, 15 aged care apartments and 35 large and luxurious senior living apartments.