Leadership and Administration

Viv Allanson
GN. Renal. Mid. Dip Nurs Admin. Master HSM.

Viv was appointed to the new position of CEO of Maroba, a growing Aged Care Service in Newcastle, in 2000. Whilst beginning her career in the Public Health sector she has not looked back when in 1992 she made the move to Aged Care. However, during those 17 years she enjoyed a variety of clinical, teaching and management roles as well as being the first staff elected representative on the Area Health Service Board in the Newcastle Area. Her qualifications are numerous including a Master of Health Service Management.  Viv took the leap into the new position of CEO at Maroba in 2000 and has found it most rewarding in every way. Bringing the experience of being DDON, DON, and Exec DON to the CEO position has enabled her to maintain her focus on the clinical and care issues whilst progressing the organizations business performance. The focus now is to diversify the range of accommodation & services provided by Maroba to ensure it continues to be a relevant and dynamic organisation for all its stakeholders.

Chris Boyce
B Bus (Accy); CPA

Chris was appointed to the position of Director of Finance and Corporate Services of Maroba in 2003. He came to Maroba from a strong background in corporate accounting with BHP Billiton.

Early in Chris's career he travelled to Ethiopia to work as a volunteer on a Food Aid Program as Financial Controller. This position involved the implementation of all financial policy and maintainance of financial records to be be reported to Financial Contributors including Canadian and United States government organisations.

During his time at BHP Billiton, Chris worked in a number of roles including Senior Specialist in Joint Venture Accounting and Team Co-ordinator responsible for preparing financial results for BHP Billiton's Queensland Coal Operations.

Chris comes to us with a wealth of experience and his input into Maroba's future is proving to be invaluable.

Clinical Management Team

Karen Best

Director of Nursing- Maroba Nursing Home

Karen was appointed to the position of Director of Nursing of Maroba Nursing Home in July 2006. She brings with her 14 years experience in the Aged Care industry in a diversity of roles including RN, CNS, CNE and Hostel Manager. Karen has also been the Director of Nursing at 2 other large facilities. Her qualifications include a graduate certificate in Aged Care Management, Return to work co-ordinator, External assessor & Workplace training and assessment. Karen has a passion for Aged care and a focus on the improvement of outcomes for residents. She was recently elected president of the Hunter Region Residential Aged Care Managers Association and is a staunch advocate in the promotion of the highly skilled workforce required in the Aged Care industry.

Leeanne Dove

GN. Dip Bus
Director of Hostel & Self Care Unit Services

Leeanne started her career in general nursing at Gosford District Hospital where she worked in a variety of specialty areas including the Medical Unit. In her many years of nursing experience she has worked in both public and private hospitals as well as Aged Care facilities in the Newcastle area. In 1992 Leeanne made a career change working in the administration area. During this time, Leeanne worked in a retirement village and realized her depth of commitment to the elderly. As a result she returned to nursing at Maroba Nursing Home where she gained valuable experience in the care setting and in various areas of management. Leeanne has completed post graduate study in the area of Aged Care Nursing and Diploma of Business She is currently the Director of Hostel and Self Care Unit Services.

Debbie Laver

Deputy Director of Nursing

Maroba Nursing Home

Debbie has been working as Acting DDON for over 12 months and we are pleased to announce her appointment to the position of Deputy Director of Nursing.

Dementia Support Group

Maroba provides an extensive support network for all residents and their relatives and friends. As part of this service, Edith Adams our previous Deputy Director of Nursing initiated and developed a support group for relatives who care for people with dementia. This group meets on the third Thursday of the month. The group participates in education about dementia, support programs to encourage each other and social support. The group is also actively involved in encouraging a better quality of life for residents. All relatives are welcome to join the group and meet new friends who will understand their special situation having a relative in residential aged care.