Executive Manager to retire after 18 years
After almost two decades in the role, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, has announced that she will retire in March 2023.
CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘I would like to thank and acknowledge Sue for the significant contribution that she has made over the past 18 years and the wonderful legacy that she has left for Resthaven.’
‘Sue commenced with Resthaven as Executive Manager Community Services in November 2004.’
‘Since then, Resthaven Community Services has grown from a small metropolitan-based operation to be the largest home care service for older people in South Australia, delivering a broad range of services across the entire continuum, employing more than 1,000 staff.’
‘This is a credit to Sue’s leadership, deep understanding of aged care, and her ability to negotiate outcomes across all levels of government. She has influenced the ongoing sector transformation and reform over the past two decades.’
‘More recently, Sue and her team have skillfully navigated the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with multiple changes in Emergency Directions, including border restrictions and limitations on public activities.’
Reflecting on her career, Sue says that she has ‘enjoyed the opportunities and challenges of executive leadership.’
‘I acknowledge the work of all Resthaven leaders and staff in community services who have provided such committed care and support to older people and their carers throughout my time with Resthaven.’
‘Highlights for me have been to be able to influence national aged care policy and the design of Consumer Directed Care and Home Care Packages, Short Term Restorative Care, Regional Assessment and Care Finder Services, bringing these to Resthaven also.’
‘I have appreciated the acknowledgement of my contribution to industry from Aged and Community Services Australia and the National Innovation and Excellence in Aged Care Better Practice Award in 2017.’
‘It has been a privilege to work for Resthaven as Executive Manager Community Services.’
Darren says, ‘Please join me in congratulating Sue and celebrating a wonderful career. We wish her all the very best for the future.’
Click here for more information about Resthaven Community Services.