Chairman’s Report

This year has been another challenging year, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to have a significant impact on organisations such as Brightwater.

Brightwater’s swift response to each change – whether it was Government Directions, changes to border controls, lockdowns, or the COVID-19 vaccination rollout – has been exemplary. This has seen the organisation manage the risk of the pandemic on clients and staff and ensure that all key stakeholders were informed during each changing situation.

The final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was also welcomed this year and the organisation adapted to several key legislative changes, including the Serious Incident Reporting Scheme (SIRS) in residential aged care, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguarding Framework and the National Quality Indicator Program.

Amongst the changing landscape, Brightwater has remained focused on the future. It was wonderful to be part of the turning of the sod ceremony on the new Inglewood development this year as well as see the completion of our $11 million refurbishment project across all of our residential homes.

To my fellow Directors, thank you for your commitment and diligence this year. I would like to pay a special acknowledgement to Paul Sadlier, Deputy Chairman of the Brightwater Board. Paul retires from the Board this year and his oversight and expertise will be missed by us all. Paul has served on the Brightwater Board since November 2010 and he has been a strong contributor to the Board, particularly as Chair of Brightwater’s Business Committee, which oversees some of our most important commercial decisions. In addition, in his role as Deputy Chairman, he has been of great support to me as Chairman. I have often sought access to his considerable business and governance experience when considering issues coming before the Board.

Finally, I would like to thank the people at Brightwater who continue make this organisation what it is. This includes our Subscribers, who provide their support year on year, as well as Brightwater’s Leadership Team, led our Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer’s leadership and agility during a challenging year has been outstanding and greatly appreciated by Brightwater’s clients, their families, our staff and the Board.