Jacqueline Quirke has been recognised as one of Australia’s aged care leaders, receiving Highly Commended in the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards under the Leader of the Year category. This award recognises a senior executive in aged care who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the industry over the past two years. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on August 29, 2024…To view all of the winners. Editor: The award was based on Ms Quirke’s achievements in the role of Engagement and Purposeful Living Manager at Southern Cross Care NSW & ACT, where she spent close to 5 years before joining RSL LifeCare.
The recognition highlights Ms Quirke’s outstanding contribution to advancing person-centred care, transforming the role of recreational therapy, and embedding meaningful engagement into every aspect of aged care service delivery. With over two decades of experience, she has led a cultural and operational shift at SCC — placing purpose, dignity and wellbeing at the centre of resident care.
Raising the bar for engagement in aged care
A key element of Ms Quirke’s achievements was through SCC’s Model of Care and Engagement — an award-winning framework that integrates physical, emotional, social and spiritual care across all 27 residential aged care homes. Since taking on the role in 2021, she expanded the model’s reach and improved engagement outcomes, underpinned by data-driven insights and professional expertise.
Under her leadership, SCC has seen:
- A 25% increase in resident engagement levels.
- A significant rise in staffing, with seven homes now employing degree-qualified Recreational Therapists, compared to just one in 2021.
- A sector-leading average of 17 minutes of engagement per resident per day, more than double the national average.
- The implementation of automated reporting tools to measure resident wellbeing and link engagement with outcomes such as depression, aggression and falls.
“Engagement should never be an add-on — it’s a core part of quality aged care. We’ve created a system where every resident’s voice matters, and their day-to-day experience is shaped by what gives them meaning.”
Jacqueline Quirke
Global influence and sector advocacy
Beyond her time at SCC, Ms Quirke has contributed significantly to the broader aged care sector in Australia and overseas. In 2023, she was awarded a Fellowship from the International Specialised Skills Institute, focusing on innovation in ageing. As part of the Fellowship, she travelled to Canada and the United States in May 2024 to observe best practice models, connect with global leaders, and present at international conferences.
Her research focused on improving multidisciplinary care for residents with complex behaviours and exploring how engagement and environmental design can drive better outcomes.
She has also been a long-time advocate for the role of recreational therapy in aged care, volunteering her time with the Australian Recreational Therapy Association to influence policy and raise concerns about the impact of mandatory care minute reforms on engagement services. In 2023, she met with the Aged Care Minister’s Senior Advisor to present these concerns firsthand.
Innovation in practice
Ms Quirke’s leadership has also extended into aged care innovation, including securing an ARIIA Innovation Grant in 2023 to pilot the ‘Sit and Shower’ automated bathing system at SCC’s Thornton Park home in Penrith. Designed to enhance dignity, independence and safety, the technology enables residents to shower with minimal assistance, potentially reducing staff burden and improving the resident experience.
She has also led dementia-friendly refurbishments at SCC homes in Bateau Bay, Tweed Heads and Young—transforming indoor and outdoor spaces to promote wellbeing, reduce confusion, and stimulate sensory engagement.
A trusted leader and mentor
- Mentored new graduates and senior leaders through formal programs
- Facilitated training for more than 20 staff in Certificate IV Leisure and Health
- Supported SCC staff participation in the ARIIA Innovator Program
She also regularly shares her expertise at national and international conferences, including the Australian Recreational Therapy Association, Future of Aged Care Summit, and Canada’s Walk with Me conference.
Described by colleagues as passionate, generous, and visionary, she continues to challenge the boundaries of traditional aged care, proving that leadership grounded in empathy, evidence, and innovation can make a measurable difference.
Entries are currently open for the 2025 Future of Ageing Awards…
