Helen has been leader of the Not For Profit for the past five years after being appointed from her previous role as Head of Care Services at the Sydney-based operator of home care, retirement living and aged care services.

A Registered Nurse by training, Helen started with Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) in 2013 as a Project Officer, then General Manager: Residential Services, then Head of Care before accepting the CEO role in August 2018.

In a statement, Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) said Monique Reynolds will take on the role of interim CEO from today (18 September). Monique, who served on the Board from 2017 until recently, has a proven record in finance having worked as a regional general manager for Westpac and Suncorp.

“Helen leaves Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) in excellent shape. All residential aged care facilities have obtained full accreditation, home care services and retirement living have transition plans for a positive future,” Board Chair Lawrence Hallinan said.

“The importance that Helen placed on the role of registered nurses, both in care and in management, will rank high among her legacies. She will also be remembered for her mantra: ‘ageing is everyone’s business’.”

Helen said it is “sadly all too common to talk about aged care in a negative context”.

“Yet the work I have seen our team doing for our residents has been nothing short of inspiring. I’m so proud of what we have achieved together at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) during my time here,” she said.