New industry appointment

A former corporate executive of one of the most famous trading ports in NSW has been appointed by not-for-profit provider, IRT, to steer the organisation through the changing tides of aged care.

IRT’s new human resource specialist, Leanne Taylor, has taken up the position of general manager, people and culture, based in Wollongong, NSW.

Ms Taylor’s appointment follows on from a previous two-year stint working for Port Kembla Port Corporation as its former general manager- corporate services and company secretary.

More than seven years ago, Ms Taylor also held a management role in aged care. Memories of this experience, she said, stayed with her for a long time after she left the position. This was one of the main reasons she considered returning to the sector.

“It’s one of those things where you get to a point in your life and you look at what you’ve done and what you would like to do,” Ms Taylor said.

“[My new role] is all about having an impact on the way that staff progress in their careers, which will have an ongoing impact on the way that residents enjoy their lifestyle.

“…Given the break I’ve had from aged care I’ve collected a wide range of experiences that will also enhance what I’m doing too.”

IRT chief executive, Nieves Murray, welcomed Ms Taylor to the organisation during what will prove to be a very significant point in time within the sector.

“The aged care sector is going through a lot of change partly driven by our stakeholders and partly driven by the Federal Government’s desire for reform to meet the emerging needs of ageing Australians,” Ms Murray said.

“Leanne is well placed to assist IRT in meeting these challenges. She has already worked as a change agent in both government and non-government roles, helping large organisations address the complexity of issues that come with the evolution and growth of a business across a spectrum of needs.

“This will be invaluable to IRT as we work together to continue to create communities where older people achieve their optimum quality of life, either within seniors living communities or through in-home care.”