About Us

About Scalabrini

 

As a not-for-profit (or for-purpose) aged care organisation, Scalabrini puts resident needs first. We aren’t driven by profit maximisation and we aren’t guided by cost-cutting or revenue. Instead, we continuously invest back into our villages, to maintain our position as the aged care choice for migrant communities across New South Wales.

Each of our six villages is unique and exceptional; from our state of the art facility in Drummoyne, with its magnificent village piazza and neighbourhood living concept, to Scalabrini Griffith, set on seven acres of planted gardens; all feature comfortable living spaces and a wonderful village atmosphere.

Scalabrini’s philosophy places the individual first, giving people choice, control, dignity and respect. With this comes a true sense of belonging, a feeling of being in control and a feeling of being home.

Our History

 

Just like our residents, Scalabrini has a deep sense of tradition and heritage.

Our services continue to evolve and improve based on the very best in aged care and retirement living, but our mission and our values are deeply-held and unwavering.

Our founder, Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, an Italian Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Piacenza from 1876 until his death in 1905, is commonly known as the “Apostle of Migrants”. His tireless work providing religious, social and humanitarian assistance to millions of migrants across the globe led Pope Pius XII to state that Scalabrini was “an apostolic man to whom both Church and country owe a great debt of gratitude.”

Today, we follow in his footsteps to provide migrant communities the best care possible, respecting each individual’s unique story and ensuring a dignified and purposeful life.

Who We Are

Upholding our Christian faith and Italian heritage, we serve people of all faiths and cultures, supporting them to live life with self-worth and dignity.

  • 1

    Courage

    My decision making and actions will be shaped by courage as I aim to be the positive difference for those I support, serve and work with.

  • 2

    Respect

    I will always show respect in all my conversations and interactions, recognising the uniqueness and value in others.

  • 3

    Integrity

    My actions will always be honest.

  • 4

    Kindness

    My thoughts and actions will be shaped by kindness and a desire to do the best thing for those around me.

Belong at Scalabrini

A New Approach to Community

 

At Scalabrini, we believe that everyone deserves to feel understood and valued. That’s why we’ve developed “Belong,” our new model of care that ensures every resident becomes an essential part of our community.

Our Belong Customer Promise:

From day one, you will be an important part of our community, bringing with you all your history and experience. We will understand you and your specific needs and will find ways for your personality and spirit to flourish. At Scalabrini, we promise to create an environment where you can truly belong.

The Seven Pillars of Belong:

At Scalabrini, our “Belong” model of care is guided by seven pillars, each designed to ensure our residents feel supported in every aspect of their lives. These pillars represent our commitment to providing a personalised, dignified and enriching experience for everyone who calls Scalabrini home.

At Scalabrini, we believe that your life story is important. We take the time to document and fully understand your journey, including your past experiences and future aspirations. This personalized approach allows us to provide care that respects and enhances your unique path.

Your voice matters at Scalabrini. We ensure that every resident feels heard, with feedback quickly acted upon and communicated back to the community. Your thoughts and opinions are essential in shaping a place where everyone can thrive.

We know that your interests are a big part of who you are. That’s why we offer a variety of activities and events tailored to match your passions and hobbies. Whether it’s art, music, gardening, or something entirely different, there’s always something for you to enjoy.

Good food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. At Scalabrini, we provide a choice of tasty and nutritious meals that you can enjoy when, where, and in the quantity you prefer. Dining here is about more than just eating—it’s about experiencing food that brings joy and comfort.

Your dignity is our top priority. We are committed to treating every individual with the utmost care, respect, and dignity. Remember, we are in YOUR home, not the other way around. At Scalabrini, you are always in charge.

Life doesn’t stop at Scalabrini. We believe that every person has something valuable to offer, regardless of age. That’s why we provide opportunities for you to continue using your experience and skills for the benefit of your community, giving you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

We respect and celebrate all beliefs at Scalabrini. Our community encourages everyone to practice and express their beliefs in a respectful and joyful environment. We believe that diversity is a strength, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome.

At Scalabrini, “Belong” is more than just a model of care; it’s a commitment to creating a place where every resident feels connected, respected, and truly at home. Join us, and experience the difference of a community where you truly belong.

Meet our Team

 

Board Members

Our board of directors is tasked with ensuring we remain true to our values and mission as a faith-based, for-purpose aged care organisation.

Rob Freeman

Rob Freeman

Chairman

Fr Nacho

Father Ignatio

Director

Father Delmar

Father Delmar

Director

Illana Halliday

Illana Halliday

Director

Natasha Gerhardt

Natasha Gerhardt

Director

Graham Hall

Graham
Hall

Director

Niamh Mannion

Niamh Mannion

Director

Prof

Kathryn Goozee

Director

Leadership Team

Our leadership team is tasked with ensuring Scalabrini continues to offer migrant communities the very best aged care possible, delivered by people of kindness, warmth and generosity.

Richard 1 - Headshot

Richard de Haast

Chief Executive
Officer

About

Richard de Haast is an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience across multiple industries and five countries. Originally trained as a human rights lawyer in South Africa, Richard transitioned to hotel operations after the unbanning of the ANC and Nelson Mandela’s release. His career spans roles in human resources, professional services, and leadership positions in aged care. Highlights include serving as CEO of Metlifecare in New Zealand, Sales Director for a health insurer in Australia, and National Director for Salvation Army Aged Care. Since 2018, Richard has been CEO of Scalabrini Villages, where he leverages his global insights and diverse expertise to drive transformation and innovation in the aged care sector.

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Doug MacColl

Chief Financial
Officer

About

Doug MacColl is a seasoned senior executive with expertise in finance, governance, IT, and risk management across aged care, NFP, and community sectors. Recognized as a finalist for AFR CFO of the Year, Doug has led teams to achieve transformative growth and efficiency. At Scalabrini, his leadership has driven record-breaking results, earning accolades such as Employer of Choice and Change Champion awards. With a focus on innovation and strategic turnaround, Doug continues to deliver impactful financial and operational outcomes.

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Adam Woods

Director of Customer Experience, Communications and Marketing

About

Adam Woods brings over 20 years of marketing expertise to Scalabrini, specialising in brand strategy and customer engagement. With a career spanning architecture, live events, retail, and aged care, Adam is known for his innovative approach to solving customer challenges. As a former agency founder and global presenter, he combines entrepreneurial insight with strategic leadership to elevate customer experiences. Adam’s creative solutions and passion for exceeding expectations make him a driving force in marketing and communications.

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Aleksandra Villegas

Director People, Learning & Culture

About

Aleksandra Villegas is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in human resources and organizational development. Renowned for driving cultural transformation, Aleksandra has achieved remarkable results, including reducing voluntary turnover from 23% to 4.9% and boosting employee engagement to 93%. Her expertise spans industries such as finance, healthcare, and aged care, where she excels in creating people-focused strategies. Aleksandra’s passion for fostering high-performing teams has cemented her reputation as a catalyst for organizational growth and success.

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Nick Akon

Director - Development and Property

About

Bio Coming Soon...

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Sr. Maria Elena Figueroa

Pastoral Care
Coordinator

About

Sister Maria Elena Figueroa brings over 36 years of dedication to pastoral care at Scalabrini Villages. Originally from Peru, she joined the Daughters of St. Anne and began her journey with Scalabrini Griffith in 1988. With degrees in Psychology, Nursing, and a Diploma in Ageing and Pastoral Care, she provides compassionate emotional and spiritual guidance to residents, staff, and families across six villages. Fluent in Italian, Spanish, and English, Sister Maria Elena empowers individuals facing emotional challenges, including trauma and domestic violence. Her empathetic and joyful approach breaks barriers of age, culture, and religion, fostering healing and positivity in the community.

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Eric Aldeguer

Co-Director Quality and Clinical Governance

About

Eric Aldeguer has over 30 years of experience in aged care, with expertise spanning residential care, retirement living, and therapy services. As Co-Director of Governance & Quality at Scalabrini, Eric applies his leadership skills developed across roles in government and charitable organizations, including Anglicare and Wesley Mission. Previously, he oversaw Anglicare’s Castle Hill site, managing a vast community of 2,000 retirement residents and 750 residential care beds. Eric’s commitment to holistic care and operational excellence has made him a trusted leader in the aged care industry.

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Birgit Burge

Co-Director Quality and Clinical Governance

About

Birgit Burge is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in aged care. With a BA (Hons) from Sydney University, she has excelled as a clinician, educator, and quality systems manager. As Co-Director of Governance & Quality at Scalabrini, Birgit specializes in developing quality management systems that ensure person-centred care and successful accreditation. Her expertise in change management has supported aged care homes across Australia in achieving outstanding clinical and lifestyle outcomes, fostering excellence in governance and compliance.

Amber

Amber Vega

General Manager Residential Services NSW

About

Coming Soon

What's Next?

Work with us

Do our mission, values and our focus on tradition and heritage match well with your own? Do you seek deep meaning and purpose in your work life? Do you want to join an organisation that puts care before all else? 

If so, we would love to hear from you. We are always looking for passionate and compassionate individuals to join the Scalabrini family.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. Through helping others, you also learn new skills and feel a great sense of achievement and fulfillment; as we give, we get so much back.

When you become part of the Scalabrini Team, we will provide you with a volunteer induction plan, relevant training and regular ongoing support.