May 17th, 2022 – With aged care a headline issue in the upcoming election, it’s time to hear
from real people with real lives about why good care really matters.
This Tuesday, May 17th, is a rare opportunity to learn about the lives of valuable Australians
who deserve high quality care which puts their well-being and happiness centre stage.
The new edition of digital magazine Unsung Heroes is being launched, packed with moving
profiles from residents and carers at NewDirection Care Bellmere in Queensland.
NewDirection Care Bellmere (NDC) is a world-first aged care facility providing residents with a
level of care unmatched in traditional aged care operations. NDC is setting a new standard for
aged and dementia care and its founder and CEO Natasha Chadwick says this is a right for every
Australian.
“We really need to change this industry,” says Natasha who is the 2021 InnovAgeing Aged Care
Innovator of the Year and 2019 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year. “It’s not just service
providers, like myself, that need to change, it’s the whole industry.”
“I’m calling on government and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to come with us
on this journey to make real change for older Australians and for people living with dementia
here in Australia,” says Natasha.
In this edition of Unsung Heroes, there’s a profile about the distinguished life of Aussie Soldier
Tony Quark, OAM. Tony, 57, joined the NDC community after he was diagnosed with early on-
set dementia. His doting wife Carol visits him every day and volunteers at NDC to ensure fellow
residents are as happy and nourished as Tony.
We also meet Kerri Barbeler who is NDC’s Lifestyle and Events Manager. Kerri’s care for her
disabled daughter is what inspires her work and values.
“I felt I needed to do something with what I learned while my daughter was alive and to help
others feel that their needs were being listened to, that they are respected and supported while
they are at their most vulnerable,” says Kerri.
Other Unsung Heroes whose stories feature in this edition include Kay Whittington-Smith, Jim
McDonald and Grace Cowen who is a great, great grandmother and continues to live straight
from her heart.
Their stories are the reason all of us, especially candidates running for election this May, should
care about aged and dementia care.
Natasha Chadwick, a leading agitator for change in the industry, is
