LASA announces changes
Industry peak body for age service providers, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), has announced the appointment of Dr Graeme Blackman OAM as its independent chair, taking over the role from Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC.
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) new independent chair, Dr Graeme Blackman OAM.
Dr Blackman brings to LASA a range of skills and experience in the charitable, church, philanthropic and commercial domains. His appointment is a coup for LASA and strongly underlines the commitment for a sustainable and best practice services industry for older Australians.
He has had an exemplary career in both the business and voluntary sectors, including as a director of Medicines Australia, chairman of the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia, chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Industry Action Agenda and as chairman of the Australian Council of National Trusts, which is the nation’s top national community heritage body.
Dr Blackman was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and a Centenary Medal for services to the pharmaceutical industry and to the community through a range of Anglican Church, heritage and welfare organisations.
“LASA members provide essential frontline services and constantly aspire to support and respond to the needs of all older Australians regardless of their culture, background, location or need. It is with a sense of great pride and purpose I take this role with LASA, committing myself and the organisation to the task of being the influential voice of all age services, in order to help older Australians live well,” Dr Blackman says.
His experience in the community and aged care industry is considerable having previously held roles as chairman of Anglicare Victoria and director of Benetas Aged Care. During his tenure with Anglicare, Dr Blackman assisted the organisation with a range of amalgamation activities and ensured that, during this change, the financial management and governance of the organisation remained strong, qualities that will assist LASA with its charter.
Dr Blackman will begin his appointment at the LASA National Congress in Adelaide in October.
LASA Victoria also announces its new chief executive, Trevor Carr. Mr Carr joins Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) Victoria after eight years as chief executive of the Victorian Healthcare Association.
Here, he was responsible for leading a highly competent team in representing the interests of public sector health and aged care service providers to government.
Ingrid Williams, president of LASA Victoria, says Mr Carr’s professional background in the health services industry, his considerable experience in leading a member based organisation and comprehensive understanding of the aged care environment means he will be a “valuable” addition to the LASA Victoria team and the industry as a whole.
“We are looking forward to working with Mr Carr who is such an experienced and accomplished chief executive,” Ms Williams says.
“He will be a great asset to our organisation as we move forward in supporting the age services industry here in Victoria,” she adds.
Prior to his role at the Victorian Healthcare Association, Mr Carr was the chief executive of Numurkah District Health Service and has held positions on health services boards for more than 30 years.
He holds a Bachelor of Health Administration, an MBA (Executive) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
Mr Carr will begin his role of chief executive of LASA Victoria later this year.
