The ‘aged care warrior’s’ dedication to the elderly goes beyond his role as Elderbloom chief executive to providing a voice for the aged community.
Mr Spinks has spent more than a decade on Aged and Community Services (WA and Australia) committees and regularly contributes to state and national conferences.
The organisation of not-for-profit aged and community care providers often calls on his expertise when lobbying on various government issues.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMr Spinks also goes ‘over and above’ to represent ACSWA on the Department of Commerce retirement villages’ legislation working group.
This dedication coupled with ‘enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of humour’ paid off last month with the ACSWA Aged Care Excellence Award for consistently, expertly and inspirationally serving the industry for 10-plus years.
The Edgewater resident said he appreciated acknowledgement for working to benefit the industry and Elderbloom, which has facilities in Wanneroo and Kingsley.
‘We have to look after our ageing population and I feel a responsibility to do so,’ Mr Spinks said, noting that the Federal Government’s July 1 aged care changes would be ‘tougher’ on prospective residents.
‘It’s important to keep a sense of humour as it’s a pretty tough industry,’ he said.
‘I love Elderbloom and aged care generally.’
Mr Spinks joined the aged care sector in 1989, serving asfinance-IT manager for Anglican Homes (now Amana Living) until 1995.
After a stint with St John of God Health Care, he becameElderbloom’s financial controller in 2000 and chief executive in 2002.
He likens the organisation to ‘a big family,’ offering asense of belonging to its 180 staff and 450 residents.