Ms Power was named aged care CEO of the year at the 2019 Australian Healthcare Week Excellence Awards on Wednesday night.

Ms Power said she was humbled to be nominated for the award and was "in a bit of disbelief" to win. "It's quite amazing," she said.

"It makes everything we've done together as a team worthwhile. What an honour, not only to be nominated by my staff, but then to win. The reality for me was 'wow I got to the finals'. That was an achievement in itself.

"It's been such a great journey for Lyndoch. I'm absolutely passionate about Lyndoch and aged care and the changes that we're doing for Lyndoch. I'm moving it from an insular old people's home on the hill, to a vibrant community of elders living well and engaging with and being an active part of the community."

Ms Power credited her passionate and staff for their engagement, ideas and working together to epitomise "the values and the Lyndoch way". 

"This is why it works, because it's been so successful over the past four years. I can't think of any project that we've done that hasn't worked out.

"Yes it's leadership but it's also everyone working together. I'm so proud of my staff."

Ms Power said she was five years into the role she loved at the Warrnambool facility. "Lyndoch is a special part of this community and I'm very happy to come to work to really think what difference can we make. I think we're doing something amazing for aged care." 

She said the refurbishment of the Swinton Wing, which is part of the Lyndoch Living masterplan, would begin end of April/ early May. 

"We're going to really modernise Lyndoch so that she really does stand proud and the community should be proud of her. I often talk about how I want Lyndoch to be the jewel in the crown for Warrnambool. There's lots of programs and lots of activities that we're doing. I think it's all coming together.

"As a community we should be really proud. Lyndoch does really have to be held up as a leading aged care facility that is there for the community and our elders."

The  Australian Healthcare Week Excellence Awards recognise the facilities, teams and individuals who are making the greatest contributions to the healthcare community across health and aged care.  

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