The Company
Western District Health Service (WDHS) is a progressive regional health provider that offers a comprehensive range of acute inpatient services, residential aged care and primary and community health services across Hamilton Base Hospital, Coleraine, Penshurst and Merino. WDHS is part of the Southwest Local Health Service Network and is the region’s largest employer, with a bold vision to create Australia’s Healthiest Rural Community.
The Role
With continued growth, Western District Health Service is looking to appoint an Executive Director of Aged Care (EDAC) to be based at its main site at Hamilton Base Hospital in Hamilton, Victoria. Reporting to the CEO, this pivotal, newly created position will have full strategic oversight of the provision of aged care services delivered by WDHS, including residential sites, independent living units and community-based services. The EDAC will play an active role in the South West Local Health Service Network across key initiatives in Aged care. The role will ensure safe, high-quality, person-centred care for all older people, providing strategic direction, upholding compliance with aged care legislation, and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and empathy. The role will prepare WDHS for current reform changes and strategically position WDHS as a key provider of aged care into the future.
Key Responsibilities
As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the EDAC will oversee a total FTE of approximately 160 and a budget of $21 million, across 6 residential Aged Care facilities (174 beds in total), Transitional Care Program beds and a range of home-based Aged Care services under Support at Home, CHSP & HACC funding streams. Key focus areas will include:
- Leadership and Strategic Management
- Clinical and Care Governance
- Compliance and Accreditation
- Financial & Resource Management
- Workforce and Human Resource Management
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
- Consumer-Centred Care and Resident Advocacy
- Risk Management and Emergency Preparedness
Required Skills & Experience
This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic, values-driven Health or Human Services leader with deep clinical insight, strategic acumen, and a passion for person-centred care to lead our Aged Care Services into the future. You’ll bring executive-level experience, a strong grasp of aged care legislation and quality standards, and the ability to drive transformational change across complex, multidisciplinary teams. If you’re a Registered Nurse with a proven track record in clinical governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement and you thrive in environments where compassion meets innovation, we would love to hear from you.
Additionally, you will bring:
- Strong operational and financial management acumen, ensuring efficient service delivery, optimised resource utilisation, and achievement of financial targets while maintaining high-quality care
- Proven experience managing resources effectively and leading teams through complex change in alignment with Aged Care reforms
- Qualifications as a Registered Nurse with current registration with AHPRA
- Executive leadership experience in aged care, health, or human services with demonstrated ability to manage large, multidisciplinary teams
- Strong knowledge of Aged Care Quality Standards, the Aged Care Act and contemporary aged care service delivery models
- Proven ability to lead organisational change, service improvement, and compliance reform
- Demonstrated skills in financial and operational management, including budget development and reporting
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, including community consultation and advocacy
- Knowledge of workforce development, industrial relations, and employee wellbeing strategies in complex care environments
Benefits
- Vehicle included
- Flexible working arrangements with additional leave purchase options
- External professional development funding support after 12 months
- Internal training and development opportunities
- Salary packaging options
- Free on-site car parking
The Greater Hamilton region offers a rich lifestyle with proximity to Grampians National Park, beaches in Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland, and local wineries.
Next Steps
For further details, please contact Zoe Allan at Miller Leith for a confidential discussion on 0417 558 531 or zoe@millerleith.com.au.
WDHS values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions of our staff and visitors. First Nations people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of all ages, with disabilities, and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.
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