28th November 2024

Do What you Love & Call it Work

By Graham Francis

In September 2005, I stepped into SwanCare, fresh from a role with the Town of Kwinana, managing the town’s aged care and retirement living interests. Little did I know then that this chance connection with the aged care sector would spark a passion that would become my life's work. Over nearly two decades, SwanCare has become a place I deeply cherish, filled with remarkable people, and it’s those people—both staff and residents—that have made this journey unforgettable.

My start was as the Director of Business and Support Services, charged with driving redevelopment, fostering new business, and helping coordinate village operations. These early days were invigorating, but it was the promotion to CEO in 2008 that allowed me to work even more closely with the extraordinary team here. Together, we worked through major milestones, enduring challenges like the 2009 Global Financial Crisis and later, the complexities brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, we were driven by our unchanging commitment to one another and our residents.

One of SwanCare’s greatest strengths lies in our unique setup: everything—from Administration to Resident Services—is under one roof. This setup makes us more than a place to work; it’s a tightly woven community where everyone from executive teams to front-line staff shares a commitment to truly support our residents. When the pandemic struck, it wasn’t just policies and protocols that made a difference; it was the visible, steady presence of our staff that provided comfort and security. Residents never felt alone, and that’s a testament to the heart and spirit of this community.

I’m immensely proud of our SwanCare team, not only for the work they do every day but for the personal and professional growth I’ve witnessed over the years. I’ve seen staff develop into leaders, refine their skills, and embrace their roles with passion and empathy. Seeing them thrive is one of my greatest joys, and it reinforces that what we’ve built here is truly special.

Our culture—this vibrant sense of family—didn’t just happen. It’s been built on trust, respect, and shared values. From the beginning, I believed in setting egos aside, empowering each team member, and ensuring everyone felt valued. This approach fostered a unique environment, one where everyone contributes to the shared goal of creating a place where people want to live, work, and grow. The friendships I’ve forged with both staff and residents are among my most treasured relationships; they are friendships rooted in mutual respect, kindness, and shared memories.

Reflecting on my time here, it’s hard to pinpoint a single "greatest achievement," because each success is woven into the fabric of SwanCare’s story. But if I had to name one, it would be leading SwanCare through a transformative journey, back to our roots and then forward to where we are now. When I first took over as CEO, SwanCare was facing challenges; we needed to refocus on our core values and rebuild our financial and operational foundations. By grounding ourselves in our purpose—caring for people—we were able to pull through and emerge stronger.

Now, as I approach my retirement, I am filled with pride when I look at the SwanCare community. Bentley and Australind Rise are no longer just places to live; they’re vibrant homes where people feel safe, valued, and free to live life fully. The true heart of SwanCare isn’t found in our buildings but in the people who fill them. The warmth, dedication, and resilience of our staff and residents define who we are. It’s these connections, these friendships, that I will miss most.

I hope my legacy here will be seen as a time when we truly defined ourselves, discovering the "DNA" of SwanCare and nurturing a supportive, thriving community. Together, we’ve modernised our facilities, created a better living environment, and lifted the quality of life for everyone. I am incredibly proud to have played a part in that.

As I look to SwanCare’s future, I am filled with hope and confidence. Our commitment to providing integrated aged care and retirement communities remains strong, and I am certain that our foundation of compassion, respect, and community will carry us forward. SwanCare has always been about people—from our founder’s original vision to today’s dedicated team—and I trust it will continue to be a place that celebrates and uplifts every person who calls it home.

Do what you love… and call it work. That’s the joy SwanCare has brought to my life. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable journey.