From regional origins to SA-wide support
Community-based care has always been at the heart of who we are and what we do.
In 1994, Murray Schache, a community local, rallied neighbours to fix a problem: the need for specialised, elderly support services in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia.
From his advocacy, Murray Bridge, Karoonda East Murray, Mid-Murray, Coorong, and Southern Mallee councils united to build a non-profit organisation. MMACG. A Board of Directors was formed, comprised of local council representatives, many of whom remain today.
A vision for the future
Today, we continue to proudly service this region and have since opened a retirement living community, Warner Close, to support people at that transitional period – those who are downsizing and independent, but who would like the choice of aged care and medical services close by.
MMACG extended into the metropolitan Adelaide, after responding to a call from city communities for country-like care in the city.
Our vision for the future is here. To help more families – in regional, rural, and Adelaide – experience empowered aged care with a country and community heart.
1994
A vision for the future
Murray Schache, a community local, rallied neighbours to address a problem: the desperate need for specialised, elderly support services in the rural, remote Murray Mallee region of South Australia.
Representatives from the nine councils devised a concept: a unique collaboration that would be nationally recognised as a model for aged care services delivery.
Each council nominated a community representative who worked in aged care. Collectively, these advocates (the Board of Directors) identified needs, available resources, and communicated information throughout the region. Not-for-profit, each council agreed to commit to ongoing financial support.
The Federal Government’s introduction of Community Aged Care Packages (CACPs) inspired the ‘group’ to apply for 20 packages. With a successful first funding round, the ‘group’ formalised into MMACG.
1997
Nine become five
Amalgamation saw the nine councils shrink to five. MMACG now included Coorong District Council, Karoonda East Murray, Rural City of Murray Bridge, Mid Murray Council (previously District Council of Mannum, District Council of Morgan, District Council of Ridley-Truro, and part of the District Council of Mount Pleasant), and Southern Mallee (was Pinnaroo Council and Lameroo Council).
2005
MMACG transferred its ‘home’ base to an attractive 1940’s stone premises, prominently located at 74 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge.
2010
Our administration office shifted to 2A Myall Avenue, Murray Bridge.
2012
Award winning care
MMACG took home the Workcover SA Health Award (for the Murraylands and Riverland), as well as the Overall Winner at the Advantage Regional Awards.
2013
Continued excellence
Brand SA recognised MMACG as the winner of the Workcover SA Health Award (for the Murraylands and Riverland). The Australian Government established MyAgedCare as a single hub for information and access to subsidised aged care support.
2014
Hat trick
For the third consecutive year, MMACG won the Workcover SA Health Award (for the Murraylands and Riverland). Brand SA acknowledged MMACG becoming a Farmers Union Iced Coffee Hall of Fame Inductee.
2017
Headed for the big city
Adelaide metropolitan called for country-like, aged care support. MMACG heard. The group extended into the city, with a vision to help more families experience empowered aged care with a country-community heart. MMACG opened a division in Campbelltown, later moving to North Adelaide.
2018
Five pillars of reform
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety commenced, which led to 148 recommendations to reform the system. This created an opportunity for the aged care sector to be analysed in a public and considerate manner – improvements which MMACG welcomed. The five pillars of the reforms included home care, residential aged care services and sustainability, quality and safety, workforce, and governance. This led to thousands of new home care packages to assist the elderly remain in their homes for many years to come.
2019
A new venture
After 25 years proudly serving the Murray Mallee, a new opportunity to support seniors through the transition period arose – for those downsizing and independent but requiring aged care and medical services close by, MMACG opened its first retirement living community, Warner Close.
2020-21
Pandemic response
MMACG’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic required the team to develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that guided the day-to-day operations. Like always, the safety of clients was at the forefront of all decision-making, guided by the management team under the stewardship of the board. CEO, Anna Howard, shared how pleased she was in the organisation’s improved technological capabilities, adoption of a centralised quality management system, and tireless service.
2024
30th Anniversary Milestone
2024 marks a significant milestone in the history of Murray Mallee Aged Care Group as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. Over three decades, we have been dedicated to serving and caring for the elderly in our community. Our growth has been considerable, expanding our services from Murray Bridge to the Adelaide Metro area and establishing Warner Close, our retirement community. This development further exemplifies our commitment to comprehensive elder care. This anniversary commemorates our past achievements and reaffirms our dedication to the future and the continued well-being of those we serve.
Executive Management Group
Anna Howard
CEO
Since 2014
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Anna Howard
CEO
Since 2014
Anna came on board as Chief Executive Officer in 2014. She’s led the expansion of home care services in metropolitan Adelaide, providing services to older people, and particularly Italians. Anna has also been pivotal in helping diversify MMACG into supported affordable rental accommodation for people 55 and over, culminating in the completion of the 50-unit village in 2019.
Anna brings experience in local government and the non-profit sector of more than 25 years, including an intimate understanding of aged care, specialising in services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and Indigenous Australians.
Proudly representing MMACG on the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), Divisional Council, Retirement Living Advisory Committee, and the Community Care Advisory Committee, Anna was also Chairperson of Multicultural Aged Care for over a decade.
Anna holds a Bachelor in Communication Studies, Master of Business Administrative Management, and is a Justice of the Peace.
Foster Davis
Deputy CEO & Operations Manager
since 2013
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Foster Davis
Deputy CEO & Operations Manager
since 2013
Foster was born and raised locally in Murray Bridge, graduating amongst the top of his class at Unity College. Foster began studying a Bachelor of Communications before deferring his studies to take up a traineeship in Business Administration with the Murray Mallee Aged Care Group in 2013. After completing his traineeship Foster joined the group as the full-time Receptionist before completing a second traineeship, gaining a Diploma of Business Administration.
Since then, Foster has demonstrated his commitment to the group, holding several positions in the organisation, such as Finance Officer and Marketing and Communications Manager. In early 2020, Foster was promoted to the position of Deputy CEO. Foster has been recognised with a number of awards for his achievements including 2x Murraylands Trainee of the Year awards, South Australian Trainee of the Year, Runner-up National Trainee of the Year.
Foster was also selected to participate in the Skills for All program in Canberra and was thereafter made a Skills for All Ambassador and Training and Apprenticeships Ambassador for South Australia. Foster now holds a Graduate Certificate in Management and is currently undertaking his MBA.
Wendy Bartlett
Finance Manager
since 2001
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Wendy Bartlett
Finance Manager
since 2001
Wendy joined MMACG in 2001 and has since managed finance administration. After graduating from Walford Girls Grammar, she worked at Finance Corporation of Australia (in Debentures and Fixed Deposits) until the ANZ merge in 1984.
She later worked at Frigrite Air Conditioning in the accounts department until having children. Wendy also dedicated a decade of her time to her to husband’s mechanical tractor repair company until the family moved to Wellington in 1998 to manage the CYC El Shaddai Campsite for a couple of years.
Today, Wendy continues her 23+ year finance role at MMACG, while also overseeing the finance of her husband’s manufacturing business, and her son’s window tinting business.
Amy Joinbee
Home Care Manager
since 2023
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Amy Joinbee
Home Care Manager
since 2023
Amy has been in the aged care sector for over 15 years. She started her career working as a Support Worker in nursing homes. Amy is passionate about aged care as she feels it's a very fulfilling career.
She started working for MMACG in March 2020. She enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures. She has so far visited six different countries.
When Amy is not working you will find her often away for the weekend camping with her husband and two dogs. Her favourite regular holiday destination is Stansbury SA, where she enjoys a break with her whole family.
Heide Callery
Clinical Manager
since 2016
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Heide Callery
Clinical Manager
since 2016
Heide started her journey with MMACG in 2000, as a Support Worker in Coonalpyn and Meningie. After moving to Murray Bridge, she transferred to a Registered Nurse position and is now the Clinical Manager. Heide is one of our most treasured team members.
She holds a Certificate IV in Emergency Care, a nursing degree, and a post-graduate certificate in nursing. Heide dedicated the early years of her nursing career to the Keith Hospital and spent 10 years as an Ambulance Volunteer.
Before care work, Heide enjoyed working in the wine industry – a very different, yet equal love of hers.
Board Members
Trevor Kerley
Chairperson
Representative since 2011
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Trevor Kerley
Chairperson
Representative since 2011
Trevor has sat on the MMACG board since 2011. He was Chairman from 2014-18 and resumed the role of Chairperson in 2020.
Trevor served as an elected member of the Karoonda East Murray Council for over 18 years, Trevor is actively involved with sporting clubs, the Local Hall committee (Sandalwood), and is Chair of the Recreation Ground Committee (Karoonda). He maintains a lifelong love for sports and music.
Trevor had a diverse career, as a farmer and business owner. The Sandalwood Post Office and Sandalwood Telephone Exchange kept him busy for nearly four decades. Trevor was also a windmill contractor, with 15 years of positions across his industry.
Robert Sexton
Public Officer
Representative since 2002
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Robert Sexton
Public Officer
Representative since 2002
In 2002, Robert was nominated onto the MMACG board, as a Council Representative of the Southern Mallee Council. During this time, he sat as Chairman for two years. Robert is a life member of the Geranium and District Bowling Club, after 25 years of involvement and contributions and has held various management positions.
Robert proudly spent 16 years as Councilor for the Southern Mallee Council, where he fulfilled the role of Mayor for some time. He’s actively involved in the Murray Bridge RSL Club and the RSL Bowling Club.
Helping people in need is a priority for Robert, as one of his grandsons has a disability. He works closely as his advocate, navigating through the NDIS.
Noel Kneebone
Community Member
Representative since 2022
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Noel Kneebone
Community Member
Representative since 2022
Noel is well known in the Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend communities as a former school principal and as a musical entertainer. Noel, accompanied by his wife, performs voluntarily at private and corporate functions. Noel has even performed at Kaleidescape functions.
Noel is also the current president of the Murray Bridge RSL Bowling Club and a board member of the Murray Bridge Players and Singers.
Robert Macdonald
Community Member
Representative since 2019
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Robert Macdonald
Community Member
Representative since 2019
One of the board’s more recent additions, Robert joined in 2019, after overseeing the development of Warner Close, our retirement living estate in Murray Bridge where Robert led the team as a Project Manager.
His property career started in the early 70s, joining Lenswood Finance as a Representative and Cadet Valuer – and rose to Director of the Property Division Elders Finance and Elders IXL.
Robert’s successes haven’t slowed down. As Managing Director of R.A.Macdonald and Associates, he specialises in consultancy and investment for residential retirement, industrial and commercial developments.
His long list of professional affiliations includes the Australian Institute of Valuers, Australian Institute of Land Economists, Urban Land Institute, ULI International Committee, and Urban Development Institute of Australia (South Australian Division). Robert is known for his associate, member, and president roles.
Linda Beauchamp
Community Member
Representative since 2009
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Linda Beauchamp
Community Member
Representative since 2009
Linda joined the MMACG board in 2009, contributing her office administration, accounting, and sales experience. She’s currently the Office Administrator and Bookkeeper at the Adelaide Business Bureaux after much of Linda’s working life was immersed in the printing industry.
For two decades, Linda was heavily involved with the Camden Community Centre, supporting the organisation as a volunteer and Board Director, and is now a life member. It’s here where she enjoys her intersection of interests: sport, volunteering, and music.
Aged care and elderly health are extremely important to Linda. Her operational skills, community spirit, and contributions continue to help to expand MMACG.
Melanie Avion
Community Member
Representative since 2021
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Melanie Avion
Community Member
Representative since 2021
Melanie joined the MMACG board in 2021, bringing an array of clinical skills to the organisation. Melanie has a background in nursing and education with a continuing passion for remote and rural communities. Melanie brings a range of diverse skills and experiences across leadership, strategic planning, evaluation, and effective decision-making approaches. Melanie currently works as a Professional Officer at CRANAplus.
Lesley Zadow
Community Member
Representative since 2024
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Lesley Zadow
Community Member
Representative since 2024
Lesley began her career as a dental nurse before transitioning to general nursing. After raising four children as a stay-at-home mom, she became involved in community activities and led the Girl Guides as the District Commissioner for Murray Mallee. Later, she opened a Craft and Gift Shop, teaching crafts for 25 years, and traveled extensively across Australia.
A dedicated volunteer, Lesley spent ten years with the Heart Foundation, led crafting sessions for U3A, and volunteered in palliative care at Resthaven. An avid sportsperson, she played multiple sports and served as the president of her croquet club for a decade.
Today, Lesley contributes to the Murray Mallee Aged Care Group and knits for charity. Her commitment to service and community makes her a treasured member of Murray Mallee, continuously striving to make a difference.