From finance to aged care –
Kimberley’s leadership story
3rd April 2025 | 4 min read
Kimberley Richter, Customer Support Manager at Burpengary Gardens Care Community, has never shied away from a challenge.
After getting her start in finance, Kimberley became the youngest branch manager at what was then known as Queenslanders Credit Union.
After starting a family, Kimberley’s drive to support her community in new ways saw her switch to aged care.
Recognising Kimberley’s initiative
Kimberley joined the Burpengary Gardens team in late 2022, as a General Services Officer.
As well as supporting the laundry and kitchen teams, Kimberley saw the opportunity to help in customer support.
This led to her taking on the role of Customer Support Assistant, where General Manager Chanelle nominated her for Opal HealthCare’s Emerging Leaders Program.
The Emerging Leaders Program provides a pathway for team members to fast track their career into a leadership role or improve skills for those already in leadership.
It’s a structured program, completed over 12 months.
The program has three key learning components – leading self, leading others and leading change, culminating in a leadership challenge project.
Making every post a winner
Kimberley was welcomed into the Emerging Leaders Program after completing 12 months employment with Burpengary Gardens and demonstrating her leadership even further by developing a newsletter for our team.
Inspired by reading The Leadership Challenge (James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner) and gaining confidence from the program, Kimberley moved into the role of Customer Support Manager.
“The Emerging Leaders Program assured me I was on the right career path, that I was doing all the right things, and I could do even more,” says Kimberley.
“I was empowered to challenge the status quo and share a vision with our team.”
“Chanelle and the leadership team at Burpengary Gardens Care Community and Opal HealthCare really support career growth. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to go when I started here but my leaders and our team have been so supportive.”
"Chanelle’s unwavering support, strategic guidance, and belief in my potential have pushed me to achieve my goals I once thought were out of reach."
“Kimberley has grown significantly since she started at Burpengary Gardens Care Community,” says Chanelle.
“Her commitment to ‘being better’ every day and her willingness to be open and learn from all experiences has seen her excel. The Emerging Leaders Program has further enhanced her skillset, making her a very valuable team member."
That’s a view residents and family share.
“Kimberley is always approachable, she will go above and beyond for anyone and is always willing to help us,” says one resident.
As well as supporting our residents and their families at Burpengary Gardens, Kimberley is expanding her leadership skills even further by taking on project roles with Opal HealthCare’s Learning and Development team.
Visit the Opal HealthCare Academy site to learn more about how you can build a rewarding career in aged care.
Care Community stories
Resident-led committees a meaningful forum for participationHaving a voice in daily life is central to living wellResident-led committees at our Care Communities enable older people to actively shape the place they call home, contributing t…
2nd November 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Second love blossoms at Springwood GreensJohn and Frances found companionship and love after meeting at Springwood Greens Care Community. Brought together by a lucky gold chocolate coin, a shared love of education and som…
19th October 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Helping Sandra achieve her goal of going homeWhen Sandra arrived at Gawler Hillside Care Community in South Australia, she was living with chronic pain, unable to walk and fully dependent on others for her care. Through perso…
18th September 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Julie’s inspiring journey to general managerFrom retail management to aged care leadership: Julie Moss's journey to General Manager For Julie Moss, general manager at Victoria’s Inverloch Coast Care Community, a career in ag…
27th August 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Big hearts, big impact at Rutherford ParkRutherford Park Care Community gives back to families in needResidents at Rutherford Park Care Community in the NSW Hunter region are helping local families experiencing hardship t…
16th July 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
How personalised dementia care helped Sharon reconnect through netballSharon, a resident living with dementia at Gawler Hillside Care Community in South Australia, struggled to adjust to residential aged care after moving into the community. Through …
9th July 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Bringing generations together through volunteeringHow shared time and kindness enrich life for residents and volunteers alikeVolunteering at our Care Communities enables people to make a real difference in the lives of older peopl…
17th June 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Support groups for families and carersWe established Dementia Connections Cafés to provide families and carers with opportunities to connect in person, share experiences, and support one another in a safe and welcoming…
4th June 2026 | 4 min read
Care Community stories
Human connections at Blacktown TerraceAt Blacktown Terrace Care Community in Western Sydney, a meaningful friendship between resident Paul, affectionately known as "Grand Paul", and team member Paul demonstrates the po…
28th May 2026 | 4 min read