Coroner sets scope for inquest into death of aged care resident
Clare Nowland, a resident of Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, fell and suffered a brain injury after being tasered by then Police Officer Kristian White.
Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Sophie Callan SC, has outlined the focus of the upcoming inquest into the death of aged care resident Clare Nowland.
Addressing the NSW Coroners Court on Tuesday, Ms Callan said the inquest would primarily examine how staff in aged care facilities – and first responders – are trained to respond to people experiencing symptoms of dementia.
The hearing will examine the training and processes that guide how professionals communicate with a person in distress, including how they attempt to de-escalate and manage challenging situations.
Ms Nowland, a resident of Yallambee Lodge aged care facility in Cooma, 114km south of Canberra, fell and suffered a brain injury after being tasered by then Police Officer Kristian White. She died a week later in hospital.
White was found guilty of the manslaughter of Ms Nowland in November 2024, and was handed a two-year community correction order in March 2025. An appeal against the sentencing on the basis it was “manifestly inadequate” was dismissed.
Respect Group took over the aged care home in April 2024.
An inquest into Ms Nowland’s death will be held on 13-15 May 2026 in Queanbeyan Court, southern NSW.
