Wallace Lodge Facility Manager
Barwon Health
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
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We, Barwon Health, acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We thank the Traditional Owners for custodianship of the land and celebrate the continuing culture of the Wadawurrung people, acknowledging the memory of honourable ancestors.
Executive Summary
- Lead the operational, clinical and strategic performance of a Residential Aged Care Facility within Barwon Health, one of Australia's largest and most respected regional health services.
- Drive the delivery of safe, person-centred aged care while ensuring compliance with contemporary aged care reform, quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams, shaping culture, workforce capability, service quality and resident experience across a complex care environment.
- Make a meaningful impact on the lives of older people and their families while enjoying the lifestyle and community benefits of Victoria's vibrant Geelong region.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Barwon Health is one of Australia's largest and most comprehensive regional health services, delivering care across the full continuum of health and wellbeing through a network of more than 20 sites serving a population of over 500,000 people. With more than 9,000 staff and volunteers, the organisation provides a broad range of services spanning primary care, community health, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute services. Recognised for its commitment to clinical excellence, education, research and innovation, Barwon Health plays a vital role in supporting the health needs of a rapidly growing and evolving regional community.
As the aged care sector continues to navigate significant reform, increasing service demand, workforce challenges and heightened regulatory expectations, the Residential Aged Care Program remains central to delivering safe, sustainable and high-quality care for older people. This appointment represents an opportunity to lead a critical residential aged care service at a time of ongoing sector transformation, ensuring the facility is well positioned to meet contemporary quality, compliance and resident experience expectations. Reporting to the Director of Aged Care, the Facility Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting organisational performance, strengthening service delivery and fostering a culture focused on resident wellbeing, accountability and continuous improvement.
THE ROLE
The Facility Manager is responsible for the efficient, safe and effective operation of the residential aged care facility and for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, resident-focused care that aligns with the Aged Care Act 2024, Aged Care Quality Standards, National Disability Insurance Scheme requirements and Barwon Health policies and procedures. As a designated Responsible Person under the Aged Care Act, the position carries significant accountability for governance, compliance, decision-making and the provision of safe and quality aged care services.
Leading a diverse multidisciplinary workforce, the Facility Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of facility performance. The role oversees Nurse Unit Managers, support services and broader care teams, ensuring residents receive care that reflects their individual needs, rights, preferences and goals. Working closely with residents, families, clinical leaders and support services, the successful candidate will foster a culture that promotes dignity, choice, cultural safety and person-centred care, while maintaining strong systems for communication, feedback and consumer engagement.
The position has broad responsibility for service delivery, workforce management, quality and safety performance, financial stewardship and risk management. This includes oversight of budgets, workforce planning, occupancy and funding performance, regulatory compliance, audit readiness, incident management and continuous improvement activities. The Facility Manager will lead responses to accreditation processes, regulatory reviews, Serious Incident Response Scheme requirements and quality improvement initiatives, while ensuring the facility operates efficiently and sustainably within organisational and legislative frameworks.
Working collaboratively with executive leaders, clinicians, community stakeholders and external agencies, the Facility Manager will contribute to the ongoing development of aged care services, support workforce capability and drive innovations that enhance resident outcomes and organisational performance. The role also plays a key part in strengthening governance, monitoring service performance and ensuring the ongoing delivery of safe, effective and responsive care.
THE CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and will bring significant senior leadership experience within residential aged care or a comparable complex health service environment. They will possess a strong understanding of contemporary aged care legislation, regulation, funding and quality standards, together with the ability to translate these requirements into effective operational practice and sustainable service outcomes.
A credible and respected leader, the ideal candidate will demonstrate experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex operational environments and delivering improvements across quality, safety, workforce and financial performance. They will be comfortable balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands and will possess the judgement, resilience and adaptability required to navigate a highly regulated and continually evolving sector.
Equally important will be the ability to build productive relationships with residents, families, clinicians, executives, regulators and community stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to continuous improvement and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional care and services for older people. This is an outstanding opportunity to lead an important aged care service within a highly regarded health organisation and to make a lasting contribution to the wellbeing, dignity and quality of life of older members of the community.
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact:
Pete Carter
Principal Search Consultant
HardyGroup
BARWON HEALTH
About Barwon Health
Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. We serve more than 500,000 people through the efforts of more than 9000 staff and volunteers across more than 20 sites. Barwon Health is committed to developing a vibrant culture of education, training and research that advances health and wellbeing for all.
Formed in 1998, Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. Health services available through Barwon Health cover the full spectrum from primary care, community services, aged care, rehabilitation, mental health, emergency and acute care. With the exception of neurosurgery and transplantation, virtually all other specialties are available through University Hospital Geelong.
Barwon Health provides services for everyone who needs care, regardless of their financial status or the location of their usual residence. As a regional health service, we provide leadership and tertiary referral services across the Barwon South West region. Our local community is the G21 region which comprises the residents of the City of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe and Surf Coast Shire.
Care is provided to the community through:
- Community health services at key locations throughout the region.
- Aged care through the McKellar Centre and its sites in North Geelong and Charlemont.
- Rehabilitation services both as an inpatient at the McKellar Centre and outpatient services at North Geelong and Belmont.
- A major teaching hospital and its associated services.
- With more than 8,700 staff, we are one of Australia’s largest regional employers and a major education provider through our relationships with Deakin University, University of Melbourne, Monash University, the Gordon and a number of other educational centres and universities.
Barwon Health Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
- Barwon Health is committed to the health, safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and young people and has zero tolerance for child abuse.
- We are committed to providing a child-safe environment where the health of children and young people is promoted and where they are safe, feel safe, are encouraged to communicate their concerns, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their health and lives.
- We are committed to preventing child abuse and have processes in place to identify and respond to child abuse and to actively reduce risks.
- We are committed to providing training and education materials and resources to support and maintain the currency of the knowledge of our workforce.
- We value the role of families and carers in the lives of children and young people and have processes in place to involve them in decision-making and to support communications with them.
- Allegations of abuse and neglect and safety concerns will be treated seriously and consistently with our policies and procedures and legal obligations.
Families and Carers Rights and Responsibilities
The Carers Recognition Act 2012 acknowledges the important role of carers and introduced the principle that, where appropriate, carers should be involved in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that affect them and the care relationship.
Families and carers are important contributors to the care and wellbeing of our consumers and their ongoing recovery. Every effort is made to support the role of families and carers and to encourage and promote their involvement in all elements of our service delivery.
Barwon Health works in partnership with families and carers to bring about the best possible healthcare outcomes for consumers.
We provide health promotion programs that aim to improve the health and well-being of the population and address priorities in the Victorian public health and wellbeing plan 2023–27.
Barwon Health organisational structure
A high-level view of Barwon Health's organisational structure is shown below. To help illustrate where the role sits within the organisation, the relevant section of Barwon Health's organisational structure has been highlighted and enlarged to the right ➡.
Please refer to the full organisational structure PDF for a complete view of Barwon Health's organisational framework.
Wallace Lodge
Part of the McKellar Centre campus in North Geelong, Wallace Lodge is a modern 108-bed aged care facility featuring spacious design, modern décor, a contemporary colour scheme with natural lighting and connection to the external courtyards. The beautiful garden settings enhance emotional wellbeing and offer a sense of tranquillity.
It features pleasant surroundings in which to dine and socialise with family and fellow residents, including a multipurpose room, TV sitting room and kitchenette.
Vision, mission and values
Vision:
By 2050, everyone in our community enjoys the best health and wellbeing in Victoria.
Mission:
Provide best care, every person, every day, so that everyone feels better.
Values:
Respect – We respect the people we connect with.
Compassion – We show compassion for the people we care for and work with.
Commitment – We are committed to quality and excellence in everything we do.
Accountability – We take accountability for what we do and act with integrity.
Innovation – We drive innovation for better care.
Role Specification
Responsible for the efficient, safe and effective operations of the facility, and for the delivery and co-ordination of resident focussed care to a standard commensurate with the Aged Care Act (2024), associated legislation and regulations, Aged Care Quality Standards, NDIS legislation and regulations and Barwon Health Policy and Procedures.
This position is identified as a Responsible Person under the Aged Care Act 2024. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain all Responsible Person suitability requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025, including compliance with notification obligations relating to changes in circumstances. The incumbent is expected to exercise due diligence in supporting the safe, quality and compliant delivery of funded aged care services and comply with the Aged Care Code of Conduct and Statement of Rights.
Wallace Lodge budget: $18 million
Budgeted FTE: 84.37
Team Leadership
- Provide supportive leadership to ensure residents receive quality care and enjoy a quality of life meeting their assessed needs and preferences.
- Ensure the service supports the organisational governance systems and is compliant with the Aged Care Act, delegated legislation, Aged Care Quality Standards and NDIS practice standards.
- Act in accordance with the Aged Care Act Responsible Person requirements, ensuring appropriate decision-making, escalation, and accountability.
- Lead and manage Aged Care and NDIS Registration Audits, unannounced visits, Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) notifications and complaints processes in conjunction with relevant stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of ethical practice, open disclosure, continuous improvement, and psychological safety.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to Nurse Unit Managers and staff across the facility and the wider Residential Aged Care Program.
- Develop, deliver and evaluate the annual education and staff training plan in conjunction with education supports.
- Lead and support multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated, resident-focused care.
- Lead and coordinate recruitment, selection, induction and ongoing staff support, ensuring appropriate skill mix.
- Ensure employment practices comply with Barwon Health requirements.
- Monitor staff Professional Development Reviews and training to ensure compliance with policy and aged care requirements.
- Maintain staff registration and ensure education is provided to all relevant clinical and non-clinical staff.
- Ensure nursing scope of practice aligns with the Decision-Making Framework, Codes of Conduct and Ethics.
- Support improved employee engagement and satisfaction as reflected in staff surveys.
- Undertake special projects, reports and additional duties as required.
- Perform all duties within scope, competence and training
Resident Rights and Person Centred Care
- Provide visible, values-based leadership that embeds a rights-based approach to care in accordance with the Statement of Rights.
- Embed the Statement of Rights into everyday practice, policies, procedures, and staff education.
- Ensure residents’ rights, dignity, autonomy, privacy, and cultural safety are respected at all times.
- Support residents to exercise choice and control over their care, daily living, and decision-making.
- Ensure effective systems for supported decision-making, informed consent, and involvement of families, carers, and representatives.
- Maintain accessible, transparent, and responsive feedback and complaints management systems, ensuring no adverse consequences for residents who raise concerns.
- Ensure residents' needs are met, considering individual, cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.
- Promote person-centred care for residents and their families.
- Review incidents, complaints and care issues with NUMs and ensure appropriate follow-up.
- Coordinate Lifestyle Programs in consultation with NUMs and Lifestyle Officers.
- Ensure smooth and sensitive pre-admission, admission, respite and discharge processes.
- Manage mandatory reportable incidents (including SIRS) and external regulatory reporting requirements.
- Monitor and action monthly Safety and Quality Scorecards/data.
- Support resident and family satisfaction and improved survey outcomes.
Facility Management
- Prepare and manage the budget, including workforce, non-capital and capital equipment planning.
- Ensure efficient and effective operation of all clinical and non-clinical systems, equipment and services.
- Monitor and manage supply, consumables and equipment requirements.
- Liaise with Environmental and Food Services to support facility work practices, service delivery and education.
- Monitor external providers and contractors to ensure compliance with Barwon Health policies, WHS obligations and legislative standards.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative and statutory requirements including WHS, Aged Care Act, Privacy and Equal Opportunity legislation
Business and Risk Management
- In consultation with the Director of Aged Care, manage business operations, risk and budget within the facility.
- Implement and monitor effective risk management systems.
- Ensure the facility operates efficiently, within budget and quality standards.
- Manage and monitor workforce, non-labour and equipment budgets.
- Ensure resident needs are optimised within the AN-ACC funding model.
- Ensure all Registered and Enrolled Nurses maintain AHPRA registration.
- Identify, implement and monitor improvement opportunities and plans.
- Monitor financial performance, AN-ACC and occupancy indicators with the Director of Aged Care.
- Approve resident entry to the service and ensure AN – ACC assessments meet statutory timelines and reflect resident acuity.
- Manage workforce and care delivery within budget and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitate claims, submissions and invoicing.
- Ensure costs remain within budget and revenue is optimised
Professional Development
- Maintain a program of continuous professional development in conjunction with the Director of Aged Care.
- Complete required annual education, competencies and performance discussions in a timely manner.
Customer Service and Collaboration
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service and a positive workplace culture.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with residents, families, community and health professionals.
- Act professionally, courteously and responsively in all interactions.
- Promote Barwon Health positively and demonstrate commitment to organisational values.
Quality Improvement
- Lead regular reviews and implementation of Aged Care Quality Standards and continuous improvement initiatives, including maintaining and progressing the service and aged care directorate continuous improvement plan.
- Support innovation and best practice within the facility.
- Lead and promote a culture of continuous improvement, research and innovation.
- Participate in and contribute to quality and governance meetings.
- Seek regular feedback from residents and their significant others about service quality.
- Ensure accurate data collection and timely reporting.
Work Health and Safety
- Ensure compliance with WHS policies, procedures and legislative requirements.
- Report incidents, hazards and feedback via RiskMan.
- Support WHS planning, injury management, early intervention and return-to-work programs.
- Maintain a safe working environment and participate in WHS discussions and monitoring.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Registered Nurse with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency.
- Evidenced values-based leadership and a strong focus on person centred care.
- Previous experience in a senior management position within residential aged care.
- Ability to take a leadership role in strategic and daily issues.
- Demonstrated ability in the development of cohesive teams and sound knowledge of team functioning.
- Proven commitment to flexibility and innovation in practice including an evidence-based approach to care.
- Demonstrated ongoing commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Outlook (or other e-mail system), Word, Excel, MS Teams and Internet skills to enable quality communication.
- Understanding of and commitment to Health Service and/or Aged Care Key Performance Indicators.
Desirable
- Management qualification.
- Membership of an appropriate professional association.
Reporting
Reports to: Director of Aged Care
Direct Reports: ?
Key Relationships
Internal
- Barwon Health Executives
- Directors and Co-Directors
- Departmental Heads
- Senior Medical and Nursing staff
- Finance, Billing Workforce, WHS, Injury Management, People and Culture and other Relations Partners
- Support services such as environmental services, food services
- Clinicians, allied health and other care service supports
External
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Department of Health, Victoria
- Tertiary education institutions
- Professional organisations
- State and Federal Government authorities
- General Practitioners
- Primary Health Networks
- Clinicians and Allied Health Providers
- Community Agencies including but not limited to Local and other Government Authorities, NDIS providers and health services
Base salary: $162,500 + super+ on-call allowance (on-call occurs one week per month)
Classification: Grade 7
Unit/Department: Residential Aged Care Facility
Division: Aged Care
Location: Geelong, Victoria
Additional Requirements
- Obtain a NDIS Worker Screening or police/criminal history check prior to employment.
- Not be registered on the Aged Care Banning List.
- Prior to commencement with Barwon Health, all new employees are required to provide a completed Barwon Health Immunity Status form and have Staff Care clearance.
- Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during your employment.
- Protect confidential information from unauthorised disclosure and not use, disclose or copy confidential information except for the purpose of and to the extent necessary to perform your employment duties at Barwon Health.
- Adherence with requirements of the Aged Care Act (2024), Aged Care Rules (2025), Aged Care Quality Standards and other relevant regulatory requirements including the Child Safe Standards.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
The reference number to include in your application is H26_5558.
Note: Please use the online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Sarah Prebble: M: +61 (0)430 219 787 / E: sprebble@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
1. Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
2. A written response addressing the key selection criteria and
3. An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae
It is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Pete Carter
HG Principal Search Consultant
M. +61 (0)448 729 077
E. pcarter@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN
GEELONG, VICTORIA
A place for everyone, Geelong offers a relaxed lifestyle close to beaches and the countryside, yet is only an hour away from Melbourne. As one of Australia’s largest urban centres, Geelong has a big city feel without the commotion, and combines a beautiful coastal location with a friendly multicultural community. With excellent events and festivals, accessible public transport, quality educational precincts, and a vast array of sport and leisure activities, Geelong provides the perfect environment for individuals and families to achieve enhanced work-life balance.
With a low commute time, affordable house prices and a booming infrastructure, Geelong is a city difficult to compete with. The region is bounded by the Moorabool Shire, the Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire and Surf Coast Shire and Bass Strait.
At Geelong's core sits Barwon Health, the state's largest regional health service with 23 sites.
The City of Greater Geelong covers 1245km2 with a contrast of landscapes including urban, country and coastal. Only 75 kilometres outside Melbourne CBD, Geelong has become a popular tourist destination. Elements of the region includes a bustling city centre framed by water which includes the multi-award winning waterfront, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Barwon River that runs through the region and it is also the gateway to the world-renowned Great Ocean Road.
Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city after Melbourne with a population of over 245,000 people and a forecast that shows it will grow a further 150,000 people within the next 20 years. The local government has placed a great emphasis on innovation, employment and economic growth in the Geelong region. The city has a broad industry of 17,000 businesses and a labour force of 110,632 (2016 Census estimate). The sector includes health and allied services, education and research, advanced manufacturing, tourism, agribusiness, construction and professional services.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
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