By Abbey Cannan
The CEO of NoosaCare is celebrating 23 years of helping bring the goals of the founding members to life.
Although more than two decades have passed by, Megan D’Elton still loves arriving at work each day at the community based, not-for-profit organisation.
“To be in a position to continue the dream of the founding members who had a vision over 35 years ago to provide a safe and happy place to age and remain in the community is very special,“ she said.
“The founding members built a strong foundation for those to follow. I believe that I have respected their vision.“
Megan said when she first started in the role as personal assistant to the then CEO, she had no idea about aged care.
“My first day was 25 June 1998… In 2009 the board decided the time was right for a CEO position. I applied, there were four other candidates and I was successful,“ she said.
“Over the years I have been fortunate to have mentors. I am where I am today in my career because of how they have guided and supported me.“
Looking back, Megan said the aged care industry has changed immensely in her time.
“When I started the Aged Care Act and accreditation had just been legislated, every aged care provider all starting out on a level playing field,“ she said.
“In 2006, Carramar and Kabara merged, both boards wanted the organisations to remain community owned, and merging protected both from being taken over by larger providers.
“Combined, we provide care and services to over 229 residents, employed 383 staff, 100 volunteer base and purchase supplies from our local businesses.“
There are many achievements that Megan is proud of, but the most recent one being in 2019 when they received a call to evacuate immediately due to the threat of bushfire approaching.
“It was 4pm on a Friday afternoon. We put a call out over the internal speaker system, staff, residents and volunteers reacted with one purpose, to get every single resident out safely,“ she said.
“Over three hours we achieved just that. At 11pm a few of us walked around Carramar to lock up it was such an eerie feeling.
“For the very first time ever, it was empty. Carramar was empty for three days before we received the all clear to return.“
Megan said she planned to continue to lead the organisation through the many challenges and changes as a result of the Royal Commissions recommendations.
“Strategically, NoosaCare will develop assets and services to meet the communities needs,“ she said.
“We are researching how we can support the community with low cost rentals. It’s a desperate and urgent problem affecting so many locals right now.“
