Julie Evans – Chief Executive Officer

For over 30 years, Julie has served as a Registered Nurse in a range of clinical and leadership roles across aged care, acute care and community settings. Julie is experienced in senior operational and strategic management, with a track record of delivering high quality service outcomes.

Julie has worked for Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Ltd since 2020, initially as a Registered Nurse and then joining the corporate team in governance and service operations roles in 2021.

As CEO, Julie is responsible for leading and managing all organisational aspects of strategy, structure, systems and services at Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Ltd, ensuring that business practices are in line with the objectives of SCCAC. Her commitment to fostering a diverse, skilled and adaptable team ensures we are well placed to meet the changing landscape of aged care.

Julie is proud to be part of a community with a rich history of putting people first; she is committed to building strong partnerships with that community, developing cooperative and effective relationships with all key stakeholders. She has a genuine interest in people and a passion for ensuring SCCAC delivers sustainable services into the future.

Jo Deacon  – Chief Operations Officer

Jo has over 25 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse across the aged, community and healthcare settings.  Jo’s diverse background has included senior leadership roles within the private and public health sector, including project management, education, operations, and clinical governance.  This experience has helped build expertise in regulatory compliance, clinical process as well as staff and resource management.

Jo is a solution focussed healthcare leader, used to working with diverse teams and developing individual strengths. Jo is committed to her personal growth and is continuing her education, currently undertaking a Master in Public Health.

Jo started with Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Ltd in 2022 as the Clinical Governance Manager, in June 2023 Jo has commenced as the Chief Operations Officer and continues to provide oversight to the clinical teams across residential and home care services ensuring SCCAC meet the requirements of aged care standards in clinical care and continuously improving the service we deliver.

Jo brings passion and enthusiasm to the service as she works with leaders and clinical staff to bring our purpose – ‘Your Life, Your Choice, Our Care’ – a reality each day for our customers.

Gai Lyon-Priestley – Finance Manager

Gai manages and oversees all of the financial functions of the company with her Finance Team.

Gai has been with Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care Ltd since 2014. At that time, The Oaks Country Village Ltd was a separate entity in the group, and Imlay House belonged to a different operator altogether. Gai was instrumental in the merger of all of these businesses into the burgeoning structure we have today.

Gai has been a Certified Practising Accountant for 25 years and has extensive experience in both public practice and in corporate and management accounting. She has worked with organisations of all sizes, from just a few employees up to listed public companies. The depth of knowledge she has gained allows her to offer analysis and insights that drive positive change at every level.

Gai is very much enjoying being part of a community-owned PBI, and is planning to continue with SCACC until she is ready to move in.

Steve Canby – Facility Manager, Imlay House

As Facility Manager, Imlay House, Steve manages 70 staff and oversees Imlay’s operational activities and human resources.

Steve began working in the care industry some 30 years ago, with a degree in Community Education, majoring in Advocacy and Disability Studies. Steve began his career as a Carer in a brain injury unit, where he progressed to Team Leader. He went on to serve as Manager of Disability Services (including overseeing nursery, outdoor gardening and accommodation teams) before serving in Senior Management roles.

Steve has worked at Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care since 2019, initially as Home Care Manager and now in the role of Facility Manager. With so many changes in the world and the industry since 2019, the last three years have been a very steep learning curve — though, for Steve, there will always be new things to learn.

The provision of client-focused services has always been a passion of Steve’s. The drive to develop and implement new and exciting innovations is a key factor in all future planning.

Koula Koolis – Facility Manager, Hillgrove House

Koula is a Registered Nurse with 18 years experience in vaious clinical settings including theatres, neonatal intensive care, general practice nursing, community nursing, aged care and management.

Joing the team at Sapphire Coast Community Aged Care in 2019 originally as a Registered Nurse, then Care Manager at Imlay House and recently moving to Hillgrove House as Facility Manager. Koula has been able to demonstrate great leadership and clinical skills across the service. Koula is passionate about ensuring that customers receive the best quality care and is driven by best practice in clinical and management strategies.

Koula is committed to ensuring that every resident is given the opportunity to continue to live the life they choose, while being provided with the quality care they deserve. One of Koula’s goals is to ensure that residential aged care is a home like setting, where our elderly population feel safe and valued. The values of SCCAC, with a strong commitment to compassion, accountability, respect and empowerment resonate with Koulas personal beleifs and leadership style.