Chair, Director and Company Secretary – Burnie Brae

Burnie Brae’s journey began in 1984, following seven years of dedicated fundraising by the Rotary Club of Chermside. Its name originates from the historic homestead that once stood on the site, and from the beginning, it has served as a vibrant hub for the North Brisbane community. 

What started as a local centre offering social activities has evolved into a leading provider of aged care, wellness, and community support services. Over the decades, Burnie Brae has expanded its offerings to include respite care, home maintenance, a café, an exercise studio, and more.   

Today, it operates a thriving Community Centre in Chermside and has extended its care and allied health services across Brisbane North and the Moreton Bay region. This growth allows it to reach even more individuals and families, providing the same level of personal, compassionate support it has always been known for. 

Its mission has remained the same: to support older adults in living independently, staying connected, and leading enriched, meaningful lives. 

While proud of its legacy, Burnie Brae is even more excited about the future. As the aged care landscape continues to evolve, it remains committed to adapting, innovating, and growing alongside the community. 

Burnie Brae empowers older adults to embrace a fulfilling life, both at home and within the community. Recognizing that life is better when shared, it is dedicated to supporting every milestone, moment, and connection that makes life meaningful. 

Whether providing clinical care in the home or creating opportunities for social engagement, Burnie Brae is at the heart of facilitating these experiences. Its team is focused on helping individuals remain independent, safe, and socially connected, ensuring they can live life on their own terms. The community is stronger because of Burnie Brae’s presence, and it is proud to walk alongside its members through every chapter of life. This is the story of its people, its purpose, and the Burnie Brae community. 

Client Website

ACNC Profile

Burnie Brae Annual Report 2024

Burnie Brae Strategic Plan

Burnie Brae has operated as a not-for-profit organisation for 40 years, primarily in the home care and aged care sector, with a current annual turnover of approximately $17–18m.   In recent years, the organisation has been focused on consolidation and remains stable, although the upcoming aged care reforms (changes to Home Care Packages/Support at home and CHSP) instigated by the Federal Government (effective 1st July) are expected to shift its financial position from one of profit ($1.5m) to possible loss ($1.5m).  They currently have 3,800 members in their members services area, comprising of ~290 home care packages, ~2,800 CHSP clients and ~370 allied health memberships with a workforce of around 160 staff. A new CFO joined 6 months ago and is conducting a detailed review and analysis of current program delivery to review the standardised costing model to inform future forecasting. 

The board has undergone a refresh over the last two years, with new members bringing clinical, health and aged care expertise. However, there is a need for additional commercial acumen, potentially around mergers and acquisitions going forward and an increased focus on governance processes to ensure compliance with the new Aged Care Act 2024. 

Current Board Composition 

• Five board members:  

• Bernadette Dutton & Sharon Sweeney (newer directors) 

• Belinda Llamas (second longest-serving) 

• Steven O’Donoghue (joined after Belinda) now acting as interim Chair 

• Carolyn Robinson (longest serving, planned retirement at the next AGM) 

Meeting Frequency and Committees 

• The board meets approximately 11 times per year, open to reviewing this in the future. 

• Two subcommittees, Consumer Advisory Committee (represents the voices of care recipients and their families, providing feedback and guidance to ensure services are aligned with need), and the Quality Care committee ensures clinical oversight across aged care services. 

• AGM will most likely be convened in Oct/Nov. 

Burnie Brae is at a critical strategic juncture, requiring strong board leadership, financial acumen, and governance expertise to navigate upcoming changes with the Federal Government reforms to in home care, industry shifts and ensure long-term stability and sustainability. 

Understanding the environment and the challenges (internal and external) 

• The organisation faces significant sector shifts and financial sustainability concerns. 

• Given Burnie Brae’s subscale operations, discussions around mergers/acquisitions and/or strategic alignments are underway. 

• Potential constitutional changes may impact membership structure and governance. 

• The CEO will look to the board for direction and guidance to drive organisational growth.  

Board Roles and Recruitment Needs 

Chair (Experienced NFP, Sector knowledge) 

• Steven O’Donoghue has been acting as Chair but cannot continue due to his corporate commitments. 

• The previous Chair stepped down due to geographic constraints and retirement. 

• The organisation requires a Chair who can provide strategic leadership, strengthen governance, and guide the board through upcoming industry changes. 

• The role involves understanding sector shifts, overseeing potential mergers or strategic alignments, and potentially managing any constitutional updates related to membership. 

Director (Experienced, Preferably Clinical Background) 

• An experienced director is required as one board member will retire at the AGM. 

• Preference for a candidate with current clinical experience, while also strengthening the board’s strategic and commercial expertise. 

Position Description

Company Secretary 

• Governance-focused role to professionalise board operations and improve strategic oversight. 

• Key responsibilities include preparing and reviewing meeting papers, standardising board meeting agendas/minutes, recording minutes, and ensuring governance standards are met. 
• Collaboration with the Chair to oversee the organisation’s financial strategy and governance framework. 

• Volunteer 
• Company Secretary may be reimbursed at an hourly rate 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number KCCCHS to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Dylys Bertelsen or Kym Cheatham on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

View the live job advertisement and apply here.