Australia’s population is aging.
Soon, aged care services will
be driving the healthcare
industry. And as the ACT’s
largest provider to the aging
population, Goodwin Aged
Care Services is upgrading
facilities and incorporating
new innovations now to be
ready for the increase in
business and a complex new
clientelle.Goodwin provides its high-
quality aged care services
and accommodations across
the ACT through experience-
driven developments in
independent living villages,
reliable in-home community
care, and pioneering
residential aged care facilities.The independent, not-for-
profit organisation was
founded in 1954 by the
National Council of Women,
which proposed a housing
settlement for the elderly
in the region. Now the
organisation manages 449
independent living units and
360 aged care places across
four sites in the ACT with
assets of over $350 million.VENTURE Magazine had the
opportunity to speak with
Liesel Wett, Chair of the Board
of Directors, and Sue Levy,
CEO, about how Goodwin is
approaching the future froma facility, employment, and
technological standpoint.Major Milestones
Before a conversation about
the future could begin
however, a celebration of the
past and present had to take
place. Goodwin recognised its
60th anniversary in 2014—no
small feat for any organisation.“I think our longevity and
success can be attributed to
our strong and established
brand. The Goodwin brand is
all about doing something to
be proud of, bringing talented
people together and creating
something that’s going to
make a real difference to older
people’s lives,” said Levy.
“These last 60 years have
provided the foundation for
future work and growth.”“We’re part of an iconic
brand,” shared Wett. “I
think our founders would
be proud of the work we’ve
accomplished. I’m proud
of our standing in the
community: how we give
back and are a part of life in
Canberra.”The corporate knowledge the
organisation has gathered
since its inception will allow it
to serve the growing number
of aged people. Levy knows
Goodwin is a part of one ofthe fastest growing industries
in Australia, and that a key
for success for the next 60
years will be flexibility, as
well as understanding that
technology will be central
to most—if not all—changes
and advancements in
the future.“Innovations in technology
are already assisting care
functions, taking strain
off workers, easing record
keeping for a mobile
workforce, and helping
make smarter homes that
include 24/7 monitoring
or emergency service in
various forms,” she said.
“It also helps seniors stay
connected.”Employer of Choice
Flexibility is key in other
areas of the organisation,
particularly employee
retention. To maintain the
quality of services, Goodwin
attracts and retains staff
that is passionate about
providing this quality on a
daily basis.Long hours and an
emotionally tough work
environment might be seen
as deterrents to working in
aged care, so Levy and Wett
understand the importance
of employees balancing their
work lives with home lives.62 | VENTURE Best-In-Class | June 2018
GOODWIN AGED CARE SERVICES