Steve Bruechert
CEO
Steve joined John Curtin Aged Care in August 2021 after working on the board since 2017. Steve is a multi-skilled and experienced manager, leader, project manager, consultant and facilitator in leadership, management, strategic planning, business planning, team building, change management, quality, human resources, learning and development in community services, aged care, disability and health. Steve brings extensive experience in organisational management, business management as well as a clinical background in disability, aged care and psychogeriatric nursing. As CEO, Steve is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the facility, accreditation, personnel management and working alongside the Board in planning future directions and developments.
Karen Robinson
Acting CEO
As Acting Chief Executive Officer, Karen brings a strong track record in governance, compliance, quality and leadership across complex care and education environments.
For more than a decade, Karen successfully founded and led a not-for-profit organisation, building it from the ground up and delivering sustainable impact for the community. She has also driven major transformation projects in large organisations, strengthening compliance, streamlining operations, and embedding cultures of accountability and respect.
Karen holds postgraduate qualifications in management and governance together with sector-specific training in disability, aged care and community services. This blend of leadership experience and practical qualifications in the caring sector underpins her commitment to high-quality, compassionate care.
She is passionate about supporting staff, residents and families, and is focused on listening carefully, responding transparently, and working collaboratively to guide the organisation through this important chapter.
Karen is dedicated to honouring the trust placed in the organisation by residents and their families, while ensuring staff are supported to deliver the very best care each day
Cleo Chisaka
Clinical Manager
Mr. Cleo Chisaka is a dedicated healthcare professional currently serving as the Clinical Manager at John Curtin Residential Aged Care, a position he has held since September 12, 2022, after moving to Australia with his wife and children. With a robust background in aged care, Cleo brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously worked in New Zealand as the Care Coordinator for a 130-bed residential aged care home. His leadership skills were further honed during three years as a Registered Nurse in charge of a 53-bed facility, which included a dedicated dementia unit.
Cleo’s expertise encompasses a comprehensive range of responsibilities, including overseeing clinical staff, managing admissions and rostering, developing care plans and assessments, conducting audits, and preparing monthly reports. He is committed to education, quality improvement, and addressing complaints, while also serving as a vital liaison for families and conducting staff appraisals.
His extensive understanding of Aged Care Standards and funding models, particularly through the Aged Care Assessment and Accreditation Framework (ANACC), is complemented by his additional qualifications in the Management of Dementia. Prior to his roles in aged care, Cleo held a senior registered nurse position at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand from 2009 to 2017, where he developed a solid foundation in clinical practice and patient care.
Cleo is multilingual, speaking both English and Shona, having gained his qualifications in his home country of Zimbabwe. His educational background includes a General Nurse qualification (1999-2000) and a Certificate in General Nursing (1992-1994) from Zimbabwe, along with several post-registration courses, including a Certificate in Nursing Management of Dementia, Depression, and Delirium (2006, CPIT-New Zealand) and the InterRai assessor course (2018).
With a passion for improving the lives of older adults, Cleo continues to make significant contributions to the field of aged care through his leadership and commitment to excellence.
Karen Farrington
Administration Manager
With over 30 years experience spanning finance, agriculture, hospitality and aged care, Karen brings a grounded, community centred perspective to her role.
After starting her career in finance, she spent 11 years running a dairy farm in regional Victoria—an experience that taught her resilience, strategic planning, and balancing competing demands. She then moved into hospitality, working 17 years at Kyneton Bushland Resort in guest services and operations.
In 2017 Karen transitioned into aged care in Ballarat, advancing from support roles to Lifestyle Coordinator and earning her Certificate IV in Ageing Support and Leisure & Health. In December 2020 she joined John Curtin Aged Care as Admin & Support Coordinator, later becoming Administration Manager.
In 2023 she commenced a traineeship in community sector management, completing her Advanced Diploma in September 2024. Today, as Operations Manager, she works alongside the CEO and Board to ensure all aspects of the organisation, from staffing and compliance to resident care, align with our values.
Deeply rooted in the regional community and drawing on her farming background, Karen is passionately committed to the wellbeing of our staff, residents, and the broader Creswick community.
Ross Waddington
Organisational Development Manager
Coming from a background of caring for aging family members in both their and his family homes, Ross was drawn to a career in health and human services sector now exceeding 50 years working throughout Australia in acute, sub-acute, mental health, community health, primary mental health, plus localised and national aged care services.
Specialist areas of interest saw Ross gain and apply knowledge and experience in health services management ranging in size from small rural through to national corporate organisations including Clinical Education program evaluation, health planning and architecture, facilities design, and project management.
Guided by a system wide perspective, Ross’ formal and ongoing education over a 40-year period provided detailed understanding of support services, business management, health economics, and healthcare quality systems culminating with a Master of Health Administration though research.
Application of Ross’ skills and experiences have included roles in operational management, industrial relations, education, corporate governance, community engagement and executive management.
Throughout his career, Ross has applied change management techniques fundamental to meeting and maintaining improved care within health, human and aged care services and readily shares with his colleagues his many experiences of aged care, but none more so than those stemming from his early childhood experiences.
Simon Coope
Finance Manager
Mr. Simon Coope is a Chartered Accountant and a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. He joined John Curtin Aged Care in June 2024, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in financial management and accounting, specifically focused within the not-for-profit (NFP) and community sectors over the past 15 years.
Simon excels in evaluating organizational needs and distilling complex data into clear, actionable insights. His analytical thinking and problem-solving skills enable him to deliver practical, detailed, and innovative solutions to challenging financial issues. Known for his proactive and strategically focused approach, Simon has extensive experience in providing timely, accurate, and high-level support to stakeholders, ensuring their needs are met with precision and care.
At John Curtin Aged Care, Simon’s expertise plays a crucial role in enhancing financial sustainability and operational efficiency, allowing the organization to focus on its mission of delivering exceptional care to its residents
Mahi Christoforou
Environmental Services Manager
