Western Australia’s Juniper Aged Care has appointed a new CEO, with Russell Bricknell announced in the role today.
Mr Bricknell acknowledged he is starting with the organisation at what is a critical time for aged care organisations in Australia as they face massive reform.
“You only get one or two goes in your career to participate in the transformation of an industry or sector, and this is the opportunity the current Aged Care reforms offer. We get to map and transform ourselves to adapt to the Aged Care reforms,” Mr Bricknell said.
Mr Bricknell has an extensive background in the aged care and community services sector and has led major organisational transformation and change management in aged care.
“We will face head-on the workforce challenges of growing the organisation. We will continue to grow Juniper’s Home Care to support more people to live life well in their own homes and offer services and create fantastic communities in our Residential and Retirement Living locations,” he said.
Prior to his role at Juniper, Mr Bricknell was the CEO of Baptistcare WA, and the Global Chief Executive of Aged Care Channel Australia, overseeing operations in Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.
He was previously also Chief Operating Officer of Australian Home Care, a provider of home-based care to people with disabilities in NSW and Victoria; a General Manager of Baptistcare NSW and ACT, and Executive Director of Churches of Christ Care in
Queensland.
When asked why he joined Juniper, Mr Bricknell explained that it was the company’s values and regional locations that drew him to the organisation.
“I particularly connect with Juniper’s value of courage. We need courage to face the challenges of the upcoming reforms. Juniper has a solid resource base to face up to the upcoming changes, some of which we are already experiencing,” Mr Bricknell said.
“Another drawcard was Juniper’s regional locations, particularly the Home Care services and Residential Aged Care homes in the Kimberley where Juniper works in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations to deliver culturally appropriate care. For me, my challenge is for Juniper to deliver excellent care and to grow as an organisation so that our services and care for our clients are continually improved.”
Mr Bricknell replaces Chris Hall AM, who announced his retirement in April this year.
