IRT marks a year of progress and purpose as it strengthens services for older Australians
IRT has delivered a year of meaningful progress and renewed focus on its founding purpose – to improve the lives of older Australians – as outlined in its 2024/2025 Annual Report.
CEO Ross Gallagher said the past year marked a period of transformation, resilience and an unwavering commitment to the values that have guided IRT for more than 55 years.
“IRT was founded on the belief that older people deserve dignity, connection and choice,” Mr Gallagher said.
“Every decision we’ve made this year has been grounded in that purpose. As the sector undergoes its biggest reform in decades, we’re working hard to make sure our services remain not only compliant and high-quality, but genuinely life-enhancing for the people we support.”
Mr Gallagher was appointed CEO on 31 July 2025, following the resignation of former CEO Patrick Reid after eight years of leadership.
“Patrick guided us through some of the most challenging times our sector has ever faced – from the Aged Care Royal Commission and the introduction of the Aged Care Quality Standards to the bushfires, floods and global pandemic.
“He left us with a strong foundation, and my vision is to now build on it – to bring greater structure, precision, and purpose to everything we do,” Mr Gallagher said.
Throughout the year, IRT strengthened its readiness for the new Aged Care Act, the Support at Home Program and the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards ahead of their deferred implementation on 1 November 2025. Preparations included enhanced systems, improvement plans, integrated operational structures and a new customer management system for home care.
Mr Gallagher said these reforms represent a significant shift for all providers but also an opportunity.
“These changes are about lifting the standard of care across the country,” he said. “We welcome anything that helps us better protect the rights and wellbeing of older Australians. Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure we’re not just prepared – we’re well positioned to lead.”
Several key development projects advanced during the year, including:
- Completion of IRT Woodlands Retirement Village in Queensland, marking ten years of development and deep community connection.
- Development approval for the transformation of Diment Retirement Village, the organisation’s first seniors’ living community in Wollongong built more than 50 years ago.
- Development approval for refurbishments at Marco Polo Unanderra Aged Care Centre, which will bring online an additional 48 care beds with the support of a $15.8 million grant under the Australian Government’s Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
- Lodgement of the State Significant Development Application for the renewal of Woonona Place, bringing IRT a step closer to delivering its next generation of seniors’ living communities.
“Our priority with these developments is to create environments where older Australians can live with confidence and comfort,” Mr Gallagher said. “Connection, safety and belonging are central to every community we design.”
IRT was also recognised internationally for Project Welcome, its workforce initiative that supported more than 150 workers from the Philippines and 14 from Fiji to join its care team. The program won Innovation of the Year for Productivity by Operator at the 13th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2025.
“Our people are at the heart of everything we do,” Mr Gallagher said. “The compassion they show every day is extraordinary. It’s their dedication that enables us to turn our purpose into real impact.”
All aged care centres and home care regions achieved full compliance at 30 June 2025, reflecting strong governance, quality care and a culture centred on residents and customers. The organisation’s disciplined financial approach also enabled ongoing investment in developments, refurbishments and technology improvements that enhance service delivery and long-term sustainability.
For the 2024-2025 financial year IRT recorded a statutory profit of $34.1 million, an underlying result of $9.6 million, and an improvement of $3.4 million since last year. This result represents IRT’s strong foundation – balancing financial sustainability with quality services and care for residents and customers.
Mr Gallagher said IRT’s 10-year strategic plan continued to guide the organisation’s focus on sustainable outcomes and community wellbeing.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re even more excited about what lies ahead,” he said.
“We remain committed to listening deeply, responding with care, and creating communities where older Australians feel valued, supported and empowered to live the lives they choose.”
“As we look to the future, our purpose is as strong today as it was when the organisation was founded. That sense of mission continues to inspire us—and it will guide every step we take in the years to come.”