It really does take time to grow into these types of roles and be comfortable with all the different elements the position demands, and I hope that I have done the role justice during my time as the CEO.

Looking back over these twenty years fills me with immense pride and gratitude. Together, we have transformed St Andrew’s Village from a large care centre with virtually no retirement village, into a well-respected Integrated Village offering a full continuum of care from independent living through to end of life, along with an amazing social hub and restaurant that welcomes the wider community.

This has been achieved through extensive rebuilding projects, creating a modern, vibrant community while preserving the warm, family atmosphere that makes our village so special. Our commitment to excellence has earned us international recognition, including three prestigious international awards, establishing St Andrew’s as a benchmark for exceptional retirement living and aged care not just locally, but nationally and internationally.

The success of St Andrew’s Village is a testament to you – our extraordinary staff.

Your unwavering dedication to our residents, your support for one another, and your commitment to our shared values have been truly inspiring. Every day, I witness countless acts of kindness, professionalism, and compassion that make our village a genuine home for our residents.

I want to assure you that I am committed to a thorough and thoughtful transition. I will be working closely with the Trustees to implement a comprehensive succession plan. Our priority is finding a successor who not only possesses the necessary skills but, most importantly, embodies the caring values that are the cornerstone of our community. I will remain in my role until we find the right person, and I am committed to providing an extensive handover to ensure continuity in our high standards of care and service.

I also want to take a moment to thank and acknowledge the Board of Trustees. Organisations thrive when the Board and CEO can work together with an aligned set of values and goals. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked with such a high calibre of Trustees whose every action and decision has the best interests of our staff and residents at the core.

Despite this announcement, our focus remains firmly on the future. We have exciting redevelopment projects on the horizon that will further enhance our village and the lives of our residents. These initiatives will ensure St Andrew’s continues to lead the way in innovative, resident-centred care, and will help to safeguard our ongoing financial sustainability.

The decision to step down after twenty years has been incredibly hard. St Andrew’s Village has been much more than a workplace – it has been my second home, and you have been my second family. The relationships we’ve built, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the achievements we’ve celebrated together will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you for your understanding and continued dedication to St. Andrew’s. I look forward to working alongside you in the coming months as we prepare for this transition while maintaining our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and support to our residents.

Kindest regards

Andrew Joyce

CEO