Testimonials for the Aged Care National Leadership Program from some 2006 participants

Kerry Haggar (Major)
Territorial Aged Care Program Administrator
The Salvation Army Australia
Eastern Territory

“To be able to put general leadership principles into a specific Aged Care context has been beneficial - it has assisted to provide an appropriate framework for my consideration, exploration and application of leadership concepts.

I have found the teaching of the Program to be relevant and dynamic using a variety of teaching styles to consolidate the ideas presented and stimulating significant discussion.

One unexpected benefit has been the informal networks formed with other professionals working in similar areas of interest and expertise. I have already appreciated the support provided by my fellow program participants and I look forward to continuing to develop the friendships and professional relationships that have been initiated."

Suzanne McLoughlin
General Manager
Care Connect Ltd.
Melbourne

“The National Aged Care Leadership Program has offered me a rare opportunity to share, reflect, explore and learn with a group of committed leaders from the aged care sector, both residential and community. I would encourage others to take up this opportunity, not only to strengthen their own leadership skills through the inspirational workshops, but also through the opportunity to network with other leaders in the sector, who are committed to facilitating industry innovation and improvement. An inspiring experience provided in a trusting environment. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is in the job of leading or aspiring to lead. Well done Anthea and Richard. Thank you for the experience!!!”

Darolyn Harris
RSL Care
Queensland

“Hi my name is Darolyn Harris in 2006 I have had the opportunity to be sponsored by RSL Care to participate in the Aged Care Leadership program through the Australian College Health Service Executives in conjunction with RH Penny LTD. I would like to share with you why I wanted to attend this National Aged Care Leadership program.

I am a registered nurse who is passionate about the influencing the direction of care practice, that is driven by the person who has dementia and their care partners. I have been working in aged care since 1993 across the continuum of care, always with a special interest and focus on improving outcomes for the person. In 2005 I commenced in a new role as one of three Dementia Specialists for RSL Care. RSL Care is a non for profit organization that provides services across the continuum of care for veterans and the wider community in QLD, and most recently NSW. The key purpose of the Dementia Specialist’s role is to act as a specialist Leader and resource for Dementia across Retirement Villages, Community and Residential Care Services is to contribute to the delivery of dementia programs and provide consultative services to internal and external clients.

Over the last seven months I have been meeting with other health professionals who provide leadership within their organizations across Australia. This network of shared knowledge and experience, and if you like ‘tribal knowledge’ has provided an exceptional resource for me now and will in the future. Initially I completed the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) which gave me self awareness and an understanding of influencing factors which drive my own leadership style. This knowledge provided clarity to my strengths and has helped me develop a future career pathway. It also highlighted the difference between leadership and management and reinforced for me that my passion is to lead other people, & to enable them to make a difference. By having the skills and qualities of acceptance, openness, reliability and congruence, together we can build exceptional teams. Being part of this program has invigorated me to continue ‘reaching’ others, influencing my organizational culture & ensuring innovative practice meets the needs of our changing workforce and the current and future customers in the aged care industry.

I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to participate in this program. The presenters such as Associate Professor Jeffery Braithwaite, other international academics facilitated by Anthea Penny have given me a greater understanding of myself, team dynamics, organizational culture/change and how to be a leader in aged care that empowers others to grow.

Viki Brummell
Program Coordinator Ongoing Care (Northern)
HNEHEALTH

"The National Aged Care Leadership Course has provided me with a wonderful professional and personal development journey throughout 2006. Topics covered throughout the learning modules have provided new information as well as enhancing existing knowledge I have in relation to leading and managing aged care services. The opportunity to learn new information and reflect on existing knowledge, skills and leadership styles has been invaluable. Somehow fate has also stepped in making each module particularly relevant to issues currently being dealt with in my workplace. The supportive group environment has allowed me as a participant to feel comfortable exposing my weaknesses which has then been the basis of further skill development and enhancement.

As a manager working in an Area Health Service the course has provided skills and knowledge which are equally applicable across health and aged care.

All I can say is "don't let the opportunity to do this course go by!"