Peak body focuses on supporting young leaders

As one of the key drivers of LASA’s successful Next Gen forum in Western Australia last year, Ms Bowen’s role will build on that foundation, LASA Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney says.

“The industry needs to attract and develop young leaders to ensure the growing numbers of older Australians receive the best possible care, support and service,” he says.

“Next Gen is designed to promote the changing face of aged care – and profile the aged care sector to young professionals as dynamic, innovative and potentially life-changing.

“These people may already be working in the sector or be a young professional seeking a dynamic new career path.”

Mr Rooney says Samantha’s work will align closely with the Aged Care Workforce Strategy.

Key projects will include the development of an emerging leader’s strategy, a young leader’s national network, a mentoring program, and promotion of best practice in leadership development.

“We need to attract the best and brightest young leaders and professionals to steer the age services industry through a period of unprecedented growth and change and into the future,” Mr Rooney says.

“Samantha’s skills and commitment to this objective will be a great benefit to LASA, our Members and indeed the industry.”

Founding Director of Acorn Network, Ms Bowen has been keenly focused on supporting emerging leaders in the aged care industry for five years, creating national events and a mentoring focus on next generation leaders.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the growth of Next Gen and continuing to promote aged care as a dynamic, positive and life-changing career, where all ages can be involved in building a future we can all grow old in,” she says.