Strong governance often works quietly behind the scenes, yet its impact is felt in every safe decision, every supported staff member, and every resident receiving quality care. With the recent appointment of Kirsten Rodger as Chief Governance Officer, Doutta Galla is reinforcing these foundations at a pivotal time of reform across the aged care sector.
Kirsten views governance as an essential way to foster trust rather than a set of strict processes. She describes her role as “supporting the organisation to ensure that we’ve got good governance in place, sound decision-making, and appropriate structures to strengthen our accountability and transparency.”
Leading Through Reform
The timing of her appointment is no coincidence. Following the Royal Commission and the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, Kirsten emphasises that providers must demonstrate an unwavering ability to deliver “effective and quality care in a safe and consistent manner.” For her, the goal is simple: ensuring that “everything we do is outcome focused and centred around the individuals receiving our services.”
Grounded in Clinical Excellence
Kirsten’s perspective is anchored in decades of frontline leadership. Trained in London and professionally shaped in Melbourne, she has navigated the complexities of community, subacute, and acute settings, including senior roles in clinical operations and as a Director of Nursing. Her diverse experience spanning residential aged care, palliative care, and even correctional health, has equipped her to support people with complex needs and unique life stories.
This background has fostered a leadership style defined by fairness and respect. “I come to this position with a strong commitment in advancing health equity,” she explains. “It is about ensuring that for every person, regardless of their life story, we engage with them to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Empowering Teams on the Ground
In her first weeks, Kirsten is prioritising time where it matters most: with teams and in our homes. With a professional background in nursing, she is focused on driving continuous improvement in a “person-centred and engaging way.” Colleagues will discover a leader motivated by the human side of healthcare; she finds her greatest professional joy in “developing capability in teams to achieve their full potential engaged in delivering exceptional and compassionate care.” She knows that excellence is not just a policy, but rather is built by staff who feel confident and supported.
Outside of the office, Kirsten finds balance through physical and mental challenges. She recently completed the 106-kilometre Great Ocean Walk, finding that being immersed in nature provides a necessary grounding amid the demands of executive leadership.
Looking Ahead
Kirsten’s appointment is a clear signal of Doutta Galla’s commitment to quality and accountability. As expectations across the sector rise, her blend of clinical expertise and thoughtful leadership ensures that our governance supports more than just compliance, it supports care delivered with dignity and purpose.
