Guided by a dedicated Board and strong Leadership Team, Aged Care Operations is managed by exceptional local professionals and volunteers with strong ties back to local community.
The Board and management team has significant experience in providing successful operational leadership in aged and health care.
Underpinned by a commitment to the wellbeing of older people, accountable decision-making, and leadership to drive high quality performance, the governance and performance of our organisations is impeccable.
The senior management team is strongly supported by experienced departmental and clinical managers demonstrating the necessary skills to implement policies, procedures and a caring framework within the evolving model of wellbeing for care recipients.
Our spirit of responsibility extends from those who guide us, to those who work with us.
Paul Thomas
Non-Executive Board Member – Chair
Anthea Pavy AM
B,Soc. Work, Ass. Dip. Social Work, GAICD
Non-Executive Board Member – Deputy Chair
Commenced 2018
Anthea has held a number of senior leadership roles over the last 35 years. Prior to retirement in 2021 she held the position of Chief Executive of Uniting Country SA for 17 years and has had over 35 years of experience working in and managing the delivery of social and community services in rural and remote communities. Anthea has served on several peak bodies and key groups during this time including the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) of which she is a Life Member, the UnitingCare Australia National Youth and Family Advisory Council and the Child and Family Welfare Association of South Australia.
Over the last 35 years Anthea has also had a range of board experience including chairing the Crystal Brook Hospital Board and the Mid North Regional Health Finance Committee as well as being a member of the Mid North Regional Health Board. Anthea is a current board member of the Uni Hub Spencer Gulf and Deputy Chairperson, as well as Chairperson of the Crystal brook Community Association.
Seeing regional and remote communities in South Australia not only survive but also thrive and flourish into the future is a passion which drives much of Anthea’s work.
Richard Ralston
Non-Executive Board Member
Commenced March 2019
Richard has an extensive background in Catholic Education spanning from 1986 to his retirement in 2013. This included 12 years as Principal at St Francis de Sales, Mount Barker and at St Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln.
Richard’s leadership in schools has provided him with a depth of experience in managing human resources, financial management, policy development, the planning of new buildings, and the maintenance of current building stock.
His long involvement in Catholic Education gives him a deep understanding of the Catholic Ethos and its associated values and how they apply to our Aged Care facilities.
Richard has a Bachelor of Applied Science from the South Australian Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in educational administration from the Australian Catholic University.
Richard is very aware of the evolving needs and responsibilities of aged care governance and thus has a strong commitment to developing strategy and improving policy. Objectively Richard adds to strengthening the consumer experience by enhancing livelihood while maintaining quality standards.
Maggie Penney
Non-Executive Board Member
Donna Preston
Non-Executive Board Member – Clinical Advisor
Commenced April 2024
Donna holds a master’s degree in Nurse Practitioner and specialises in Primary Health Care and Geriatrics. Donna has been caring for Older People for over 20 years. She is also a guest Lecturer at the University of Adelaide in the School of Medicine supporting medical students expand their knowledge and understanding on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.
Donna serves the board as a clinical advisor. She is committed to identifying clinical issues within Port Pirie Catholic Diocesan Aged Care facilities. Donna exercises excellent clinical judgement and analytical and critical thinking with her assessment and maintenance of clinical governance arrangements within the organisation.
Kaye Walkington
Non-Executive Board Member – Clinical Advisor
Cosimo De Cianni FIPA, FFA, FGIA, FCG (CS, CGP), MAICD.
Accountant, Chartered Governance Professional, Chartered Secretary
Diocesan Business and Finance Manager
Bishop’s Assistant Aged Care Operations
Executive Board Member
Commenced Sept 2010
Demonstrating strategic management and financial excellence, Cosimo is a Chartered Secretary and Accountant with 48 years of senior experience in management, corporate finance, and accounting. Cosimo displays a profound understanding of the complexities and responsibilities that come with senior financial roles in relation to the Aged Care sector and beyond.
Cosimo is a Fellow – Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA), Fellow – Financial Accountant (FFA), Fellow – Governance Institute of Australia (FGIA), Chartered Secretary (CS), Chartered Governance Professional (CGP), Fellow – Chartered Governance Institute (FCG) and Member – Institute of Company of Directors (MAICD).
Cosimo made an impact on the corporate sector early in his professional journey, when he became the youngest Financial Accountant for Monier Limited. He refined his knowledge and honed his skillset when serving 12 years in Sydney as the Southeast Asia Financial Controller for Kronos Incorporated where he was instrumental in overseeing the financial operations and ensuring compliance with regional regulations resulting in a significant contribution to the company’s overall growth and stability in the region.
Beyond the corporate lens, Cosimo’s deep commitment and involvement with Aged Care and diocesan finance, governance and compliance, manifests in the highest level of individualised care in accordance with best practice and quality standards.
“My long and distinguished career in business management, financial reporting, administration, and governance underscores my commitment to meticulous financial stewardship and ethical governance, ensuring that financial practices meet regulatory standards and support the well-being and sustainability of Aged Care services and other entities within the Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie. We continue to review our offering as we strive to be a centre of excellence and innovation in the provision of holistic care and service”.
Sharon Ley
Residential Manager Aged Care Operations
Residential Services Manager, St Joseph’s House
Sharon joined St Joseph’s House in 2020 and throughout the last few decades she has taken on various roles for multiple care-led organisations.
Since starting her journey as an enrolled nurse, Sharon has evolved and worked across a wide range of roles, making sure she has brought her can-do attitude to the residential aged care setting.
Sharon is an experienced registered nurse and clinical care manager and states she feels proud of what she has accomplished and grateful for the career opportunity at St Joseph’s House.
“I have been given these opportunities to progress my career through St Joseph’s House. I feel very fortunate to be able to work here,” Sharon stated.
In a managerial position, Sharon is able to gauge the roles and responsibilities of other staff and uses her experience to provide support and direction — all with the shared goal of delivering individualised care that can enhance day-to-day well-being.
“Every day is different, and we learn something new every day,”
“The team, residents and families have all made me feel so welcome and the support I have received from stepping into the residential manager role has been wonderful.”
Sharon’s interest in the aged care sector was borne out of the desire to make a difference in the lives of older people, inspired by the wholesome efforts of her family.
Sharon provides support and guidance to her team and collaborates with others to ensure that residents receive the best possible care.
Looking back at her journey, from childhood to adulthood, and as Australia’s aged care sector has become a trending topic in public discourse, government policy and economic debate, Sharon has a simple message for aspiring aged care workers.
“Working in aged care can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Be patient, compassionate and understanding as you work with older people. If you have a genuine passion, then do it,” she said.
“You never know where aged care could take you.”
Michelle Bown
Residential Service Manager, Star of the Sea
“It is a great privilege to care for those who once cared for others”
This is my 23rd year of nursing, 19 of those years I have been employed at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Elizabeth Vale, Adelaide. Most of my nursing career has been in the medical field which has exposed me to caring for people with dementia & delirium, chronic health conditions & people who are for palliation.
I have 10 years’ experience as a senior nurse providing leadership & management throughout that time in different roles. 4 months ago, I commenced employment at Star of The Sea as a Registered Nurse & immediately I felt at home with the residents & staff. I knew this was a place I wanted to work more & contribute to the organisation in a supportive way by providing leadership & kindness.
Mel King
Community Care General Manager
Mel has been working in aged care management for over 25 years previously in residential aged care facilities and is enjoying the change into the community care space as the Community Care General Manager. She is passionate about supporting our clients in the community and ensuring their needs are met with dignity and respect by the team.