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Mission & Values
Mission & Values
We exist so older people live their best lives, on their own terms.
Integrity, Respect, Compassion and Innovation.
Leadership Team
With a wealth of expertise and a shared vision, they guide our organisation toward its mission of creating inspiring communities and offering services that empower independence, respect, happiness and connectedness amongst older people.
Jenni Hutchins
Chief Executive Officer
Joining Warrigal in 2022 following a rich career working for Not for Profits, Jenni brings a wealth of experience working within community-focused organisations. Click below to learn more.
Craig Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Craig’s Portfolio Focus: • Residential Care Homes • Village Services • Home Services • Club Socials • Operational Quality & Compliance Team • Wellness & Lifestyle
Peter Hutchinson
Chief Property Officer
Peter’s Portfolio Focus: • Asset Maintenance • Property Development • Sustainability
Suze Mandicos
Chief Finance Officer
Suze’s Portfolio Focus: • Finance • Procurement • Work, Health & Safety • Payroll • Rostering • Risk
Maree Healey
Chief People & Culture Officer
Maree’s Portfolio Focus: • Clinical Education • Culture • Organisational Development • Talent Management & Recruitment • Industrial/Employee Relations • Volunteer Management
Amanda Archer
Chief Design & Growth Officer
Amanda’s Portfolio Focus: • Marketing • Customer Relations • Mergers & Acquisitions • Reforms • Social Policy • Innovation
Daniel Saffioti
Chief Information Officer
Daniel’s Portfolio Focus: • Information Technology
Leadership Team
With a wealth of expertise and a shared vision, they guide our organisation toward its mission of creating inspiring communities and offering services that empower independence, respect, happiness and connectedness amongst older people.
Wynand Janssen
Chairperson. Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr. Janssen was appointed a director in 2012, and chairman in 2016. He has worked in commercial financial roles for over 40 years. Previously a Director and Treasurer for Warrigal from 1997-2009.
Roger Downs
Vice Chairperson. Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr. Downs was appointed a director in 1997. He is Chairman of Illawarra Credit Union Ltd and a board member (and Chair of the Planning Committee) of Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.
Helen Newman
Independent Non-Executive
Mrs. Newman, appointed in 2004, is a Registered Nurse with a Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Critical Care) and extensive experience in Nursing Administration at Shellharbour Hospital.
Philip Thompson OAM
Independent Non-Executive Director
Mr. Thompson was appointed a Director in 1999, and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2011 for his contributions to aged care.
Lorna Moxham
Independent Non-Executive Director
Ms. Moxham, appointed in May 2024, brings 44 years of nursing, specialising in mental health. She is currently a Professor of Mental Health Nursing at UOW and has over 175 publications.
Nicky Sloan
Independent Non-Executive Director.
Nicky is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Industry Group, and has extensive experience in the community services industry, particularly working in women’s, family and aged care services.
Daniel Rowan
Independent Non-Executive Director.
Daniel, former MD at Internetrix, brings expertise in management, IT, and digital transformation. His governance roles, including RDA Illawarra Board Member will add strategic insight.
Towards 2030 is Warrigal’s roadmap to the future. Our strategic plan outlines Warrigal’s strategic direction and the outcomes that make us a high quality provider of aged care.
Annual Reports
Warrigal is committed to transparent communication and disclosure, showcasing our dedication through notable achievements. We are proud recipients of the 2020 Silver Award, the 2019 Silver Award, the 2018 Bronze Award, and the Silver medal in the Australasian Reporting Awards in 2006, 2013, 2021, and 2022. Furthermore, our commitment to best practices has been consistently acknowledged with the prestigious Gold Award, which we proudly secured for three consecutive years in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
To access and review Warrigal’s annual reports, simply click on the links below.
Annual Report 2024
|Annual Report 2023
|Annual Report 2022
|Annual Report 2021
|Annual Report 2020
|Annual Report 2019
|Annual Report 2018
|Annual Report 2017
|Annual Report 2016
|Annual Report 2015
|Annual Report 2014
|Annual Report 2013
|Annual Report 2012
|Annual Report 2011
|Annual Report 2010
|We’ve been creating inspiring, supportive and connected communities for older people for almost sixty years for our efforts in improving the lives of older people. Our thanks go out to our staff, volunteers, customers, families, partners, and the whole community who support our mission to provide exceptional service.
Partnerships
Warrigal is committed to building meaningful partnerships and promoting a philosophy that uplifts older people. Our emphasis is on developing authentic connections, joy, dignity, and autonomy. We advocate for a rich and rewarding life for older people, inspiring them to enjoy diverse community activities and connections that embody fun, freedom and fitness. Through dynamic collaborations with local clubs and communities, we actively create opportunities for social and recreational fulfilment, ensuring vibrant and engaging experiences for older people while building strong, interconnected communities.
Our Story
In 1964, the Shellharbour Lions Club recognised the need for safe services for older people. In 1967, a collaborative effort between Shellharbour Lions Club, Kiama Soroptomists, Rotary, and Apex led to the establishment of Mount Warrigal Retirement Village. The founding board members, including Norm Rowland, Brian Mackander, Joan Pearce, Anthony Bilton, Ken Stuart, Reg Simpson, and Harry Bush, played a pivotal role in creating this community initiative.
Enid Grant became the first resident of the 10-bed “rest home” on Native Dog Hill (Mt Warrigal), with Mrs. Enid Baker serving as the first matron, pictured. The staff consisted entirely of volunteers, and community donations provided the funding. The land for the facility was leased from Shellharbour Council.
In 1971, Warrigal initiated expansion efforts, welcoming sixteen more older people. Local service clubs played a pivotal role in meeting furnishing and building costs. By 1976, Fay Smith became the first president of the inaugural auxiliary, and the home expanded further to provide a safe and secure environment for an additional 28 residents.
During the 1980s, Warrigal experienced substantial growth, opening new homes and community villages throughout the Illawarra. Changes included the opening of the Ladies Auxiliary Op-Shop in Warilla (group pictured), the opening of a Warrigal Community Village in Arcadia Street, and the expansion of Warrigal Mt Warrigal.
In 1991, Warrigal expanded its commitment to providing a safe space for older people by constructing 16 units to form Reg Simpson Court (pictured) at Albion Park, named after one of our founding Chairmen. A community day respite centre named after Beryl Lewis commenced operations at Lake Illawarra. Our community villages expanded, with 101 additional spaces added to our Warrigal Community Villages in Figtree and Coniston, and our Residential Care homes growing in Albion Park Rail and Goulburn. Our Warrigal Administration Centre opened at Warrigal Albion Park Rail, and the Property Services Department at Oak Flats was established.
Continued expansion occurred throughout our Warrigal Community Villages and Residential Care Homes, with 137 more beds added. The year 1999 marked a significant milestone as Warrigal Care became the registered trading name, accompanied by a new logo and corporate colours of blue and green (pictured).
In 2000/01, Warrigal Care expanded its care services by welcoming 17 residents from Pencomas Lodge in Goulburn. Warrigal Connect also initiated its services in Goulburn during this period. Additionally, Warrigal Community Village in Albion Park Rail opened its village community centre.
Warrigal Care continued to take significant steps of expansion, with the purchasing of land at Beach Street in Wollongong, the completion of the Warrigal Bundanoon care home, and the Warrigal Connect services expanding to the Illawarra, Goulburn, and Queanbeyan. In the 2010s, Warrigal embraced the power of social media, marking a new era with the development of the state-of-the-art Shell Cove community and the establishment of its own social media presence.
In 2011, Warrigal expanded its Community Connect with the acquisition of AllCare In-Home Services. The Albion Park Rail Community Village also grew with the addition of 8 villas, and the Administration building underwent expansion. In 2013, Warrigal demonstrated its commitment to resident safety and care by developing a new Philosophy of Care. Additionally, a forward-looking Strategic Plan titled ‘Towards 2020’ was created, accompanied by a refreshed brand and the introduction of a new purple look for Warrigal.
In 2014, Warrigal achieved significant milestones with the official opening of Goulburn Community Village, featuring 36 new villas and 40 care suites. Additionally, a substantial funding of $17 million from Restart NSW was approved for the construction of a new Residential Care Home in Shell Cove.
In 2015, Warrigal commenced the construction of their flagship community at Shell Cove, including a state-of-the-art residential care home, community village, and integrated community spaces. The following year, this project achieved remarkable success with all 33 villas and 47 apartments selling off the plan at the Warrigal Shell Cove village.
Warrigal continues substantial growth with the completion of the first stages of Warrigal Shell Cove, and acquisition of a further 3300sqm to expand the village even further with an additional 24 apartments. In 2018, Warrigal once again demonstrated its commitment to The Warrigal Way by winning the ACSA Aged Care Provider of the Year Award in Australia, and becoming the first aged care provider to achieve Gold Level membership with the State Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program.
In 2019, Warrigal secured the future of aged care with the completion of the $32M flagship Queanbeyan residential care home, representing a transformative approach to aged care living.
In 2021, Warrigal expanded its reach and offerings by welcoming two new sites in Canberra, acquiring residential care homes in Calwell and Stirling. This strategic move solidified Warrigal’s strong presence in Canberra/Queanbeyan. Warrigal once again received the ACSA Aged Care Provider of the Year Australia award, and developed a future strategy titled Towards 2030.
In 2022, Warrigal expanded its services in Wollongong by welcoming Warrigal Wollongong, the Links Seaside by Warrigal from IRT, and Multicultural Village Warrawong. Unfortunately, Warrigal Warilla RCH had to be closed. Warrigal bid farewell to Norm Rowland, Warrigal’s inspiring founder who passed away. Warrigal was recognised with the Excellence in Large Business Award at the Business NSW State Awards.
In 2023, Warrigal welcomed its new CEO, Jenni Hutchins, who led the organisation through the initial stages of aged care reform implementation. The Royal Commission recommended 148 changes to be implemented in aged care homes from July 2023 to July 2025. Warrigal introduced the Norm Rowland Award, acknowledging the significant contribution of volunteers as a tribute to the legacy of the late Norm Rowland OAM, the organisation’s founder.
Current Research Projects
At Warrigal, we are committed to staying at the forefront of knowledge and innovation in the realm of senior care and well-being. Our ongoing dedication to improving the lives of older individuals extends to engaging in meaningful research projects that contribute to our understanding of aging, health, and happiness.
Lived Experience Study
This study initially delves into the lived experiences of aged care residents as new models of care are introduced and implemented. Subsequently, it examines how future models can enhance the lives and wellbeing of residents, aiming to identify improvements in care practices.
UC Care Trial
Following on, the UC Care Trial focuses on the impact of understanding compassionate care. It emphasizes the importance of awareness, respect, and empathy-focused care and support in Aged Care. Furthermore, it explores the benefits these practices offer to aged care residents, highlighting the positive outcomes of a compassionate approach.
DTEXT
A text-message based program aiming to reduce barriers to diabetes education and support self-management strategies for people of all ages with type 2 diabetes.
Golden Angels
Translating a hospital-based volunteer dementia and delirium program to residential aged care. Golden Angel volunteers provide additional personal care towards residents with dementia and delirium, supporting them through daily tasks such as eating and engaging in activities.
Kickstart Cohousing for Older People
This program explores the opportunities presented by co-housing for seniors in NSW. Additionally, it identifies the existing barriers to uptake, and thoughtfully proposes ideas for overcoming these barriers.
Enablise Project
The Enablise Project aims to improve our understanding of the assistive technology needs of people with mobility issues, and how older people can benefit from assistive technology tailored to their needs.
Smart Shoes Project
An innovative project testing ‘smart shoes’, designed for older people to help improve mobility. The shoes learn the wearer’s walking behaviours and patterns and send haptic feedback when unsafe behaviours and environments are detected.
PCOC Study
A study on palliative care, creating evidence-based improvement plans for patients, their family, as well as their care providers.
Inspiring Stories
“What I love most is that every day is different, and I’m out in my community meeting a lot of different people from different backgrounds.”
Sri | Warrigal Employee
November 13, 2024
We’re so excited to share the journey of our brand-new community village with you.
October 30, 2024
We’re so excited to share the journey of our brand-new community village with you.
October 16, 2024
We’re so excited to share the journey of our brand-new community village with you.
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