After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Allambie Heights Village Ltd. farewells Chief Executive Officer Ciarán Foley, who concluded his role on 8 July 2026.

Having joined the organisation in 2006, Ciarán has led Allambie Heights Village Ltd. through one of the most significant periods in its history. Working alongside the Board of Directors, management, staff, residents, volunteers, members and community partners, he has overseen a period of sustained growth, innovation and financial strength while remaining committed to the organisation’s core purpose of providing quality retirement living and residential aged care.

Reflecting on his decision to step down, Ciarán said he felt the time was right to “pass the baton on”.

“Allambie Heights Village Ltd. is an outstanding organisation, consisting of a diverse range of people who are its Residents, Members, Directors, Management, Staff and Volunteers, together representing 34 nations from across the world.”

He leaves the organisation in a position of considerable strength.

When Ciarán commenced as Chief Executive Officer in 2006, the organisation held approximately $4 million in cash and investments, with total assets of around $11 million. Today, cash and investments are approximately $52 million, while total assets exceed $120 million.

During his leadership, the organisation expanded significantly. William Charlton Village Retirement Village became part of the organisation, Bellburra Retirement Village was successfully planned, developed and opened, and substantial investment was made into facilities, services and the ongoing renewal of Allambie Heights Village and William Charlton Village.

The successful completion and rapid occupancy of Bellburra Retirement Village marked another significant milestone. Within just three weeks of opening, the organisation repaid its Westpac development loan in full. Westpac advised this was the fastest repayment of a retirement village development loan in the bank’s history and presented Ciarán with a special award during the organisation’s 101 Years of Combined Services celebrations on 1 July 2026.

As a result, Allambie Heights Village Ltd. once again stands debt free and well positioned for the future.

Perhaps no period better demonstrated Ciarán’s leadership than the COVID-19 pandemic. While aged care providers across Australia faced unprecedented challenges, Allambie Heights Village Ltd. became recognised for its unwavering commitment to protecting residents and staff.

Through meticulous planning, decisive leadership and the extraordinary efforts of every member of the team, the organisation achieved the remarkable milestone known as “Fortress Allambie 645”—645 consecutive days before recording its first resident case of COVID-19. More than six years after the pandemic began, the organisation has never lost a resident to COVID-19.

Reflecting on those years, Ciarán acknowledged the enormous sacrifice made by aged care workers across Australia.

“The COVID-19 Global Pandemic hurt badly. We lost many good staff and managers across our industry, and I have always believed Australia’s aged care and disability workforce deserved far greater recognition for the service they gave during those years.”

While acknowledging the challenges of both the Global Financial Crisis and the pandemic, Ciarán says the greatest highlights of his career have always been the people.

“It will always be the people—the Members, Directors, Residents and their families, Managers and Staff, and the many consultants, contractors, health professionals and colleagues I have had the privilege to work alongside. The generosity of their time, experience and support has been simply outstanding.”

Those who have worked alongside Ciarán know his greatest passion has always been protecting and advocating for older people. Long before joining Allambie Heights Village Ltd., he was recognised internationally for developing Ireland’s first national training program on elder abuse. Throughout his career he has remained a passionate advocate for ensuring older Australians are treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

These values have become deeply embedded within the culture of Allambie Heights Village Ltd. and continue to guide the organisation today.

As he reflected on his time with the organisation, Ciarán expressed confidence in its future.

“The organisation is in a strong position culturally, financially, in its governance, leadership and management. I wish everyone at, and associated with, Allambie Heights Village Ltd. every success for the future.”

On behalf of the Board of Directors, residents, members, staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors and community partners, we sincerely thank Ciarán for his outstanding leadership, dedication and service over the past two decades.

His influence extends far beyond the buildings constructed and the financial growth achieved. The welcoming communities, strong organisational culture and enduring reputation of Allambie Heights Village Ltd. stand as a lasting legacy of his leadership.

We wish Ciarán every success and happiness in the next chapter of his career and thank him for the remarkable contribution he has made to the lives of so many people.