From Steve's desk

We are now a team of more than 15,000 people working together to meet the increasing needs of our ageing population. It’s a privilege to do this important work and to support an improved ageing experience for more people right across Australia.

2023 has been an exceptional year for our organisation –­ thanks to YOUR efforts our list of achievements is extensive. To name just a few, we:

• Welcomed McKenzie Aged Care, continuing our growth and integration activities.
• Completed another year of record growth in Home Care Packages and residential care and retirement living occupancy levels.
• Maintained accreditation for all our at home support, residential care and retirement living services.
• Continued our exemplary health and safety performance.
• Successfully met reform requirements including the 24/7 registered nurse responsibility, new National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicators measures, and putting in place the first of the mandatory care minute targets.
• Welcomed residents to Willowdale – our 88^th residential home – and advanced construction on Callisto Place, our latest Victorian retirement village.
• Progressed and expanded Research Institute projects to support older people to live full, happy and healthy lives.
• Received an impressive range of awards and recognition including being named an Employer of Choice in the Australian Business Awards 2023 – testimony to the calibre of all our teams.
• Stepped closer to a single brand. From the messages of thanks campaign, to positive ageing workshops, creating your own personalised picture of positivity and sharing a first look at our refreshed wardrobe, all these activities are taking us closer to a single brand in 2024. Thank you for getting involved and helping us shape our brand story together. 

This edition of Montage is jam-packed with these highlights and some of the many celebrations, stories and special moments you’ve made happen across our sites and services. A few must-reads include Abi the robot – part of an innovative STEM program for residents, learning about AHS’s great new Cook, Eat, Chat classes, meeting the Willowdale team, and some holiday reading with a bumper Year in Review and Research Institute Report.

On a final note, I’d like to acknowledge our Chairman Pat McIntosh who retired this year as part of a well-planned transition. Pat has played an extraordinary role as Chairman over the last 12 years. His vision and guidance have been at the core of some pivotal chapters in our history, from the RDNS and RSL Care merger to our more recent growth. In sharing this news, I also welcome Tony Crawford who will take over from Pat as Chairman. Tony is an experienced board chair and non-executive director with over 30 years’ experience across a variety of sectors including not-for-profit, health, insurance, legal and sport.

As we approach the close of another year, I want to thank you all for your outstanding commitment to care and quality in all you do. My appreciation particularly extends to frontline teams who will be working through the holidays to support clients and residents. 

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and relaxing festive season.

Take care.

Steve