From finance to aged care –
Kimberley’s leadership story

Kimberley Richter, Customer Support Manager at Burpengary Gardens Care Community, has never shied away from a challenge.

After getting her start in finance, Kimberley became the youngest branch manager at what was then known as Queenslanders Credit Union.

After starting a family, Kimberley’s drive to support her community in new ways saw her switch to aged care.

Recognising Kimberley’s initiative

Kimberley joined the Burpengary Gardens team in late 2022, as a General Services Officer.

As well as supporting the laundry and kitchen teams, Kimberley saw the opportunity to help in customer support.

This led to her taking on the role of Customer Support Assistant, where General Manager Chanelle nominated her for Opal HealthCare’s Emerging Leaders Program.

The Emerging Leaders Program provides a pathway for team members to fast track their career into a leadership role or improve skills for those already in leadership.

It’s a structured program, completed over 12 months.

The program has three key learning components – leading self, leading others and leading change, culminating in a leadership challenge project.

Making every post a winner

Kimberley was welcomed into the Emerging Leaders Program after completing 12 months employment with Burpengary Gardens and demonstrating her leadership even further by developing a newsletter for our team.

Inspired by reading The Leadership Challenge (James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner) and gaining confidence from the program, Kimberley moved into the role of Customer Support Manager.

“The Emerging Leaders Program assured me I was on the right career path, that I was doing all the right things, and I could do even more,” says Kimberley.

“I was empowered to challenge the status quo and share a vision with our team.”

“Chanelle and the leadership team at Burpengary Gardens Care Community and Opal HealthCare really support career growth. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go when I started here but my leaders and our team have been so supportive.”

Chanelle’s unwavering support, strategic guidance, and belief in my potential have pushed me to achieve my goals I once thought were out of reach.

“Kimberley has grown significantly since she started at Burpengary Gardens Care Community,” says Chanelle.

“Her commitment to ‘being better’ every day and her willingness to be open and learn from all experiences has seen her excel. The Emerging Leaders Program has further enhanced her skillset, making her a very valuable team member."

That’s a view residents and family share.

“Kimberley is always approachable, she will go above and beyond for anyone and is always willing to help us,” says one resident.

As well as supporting our residents and their families at Burpengary Gardens, Kimberley is expanding her leadership skills even further by taking on project roles with Opal HealthCare’s Learning and Development team.

Visit the Opal HealthCare Academy site to learn more about how you can build a rewarding career in aged care.