Flexibility and growth at ACH Group

For 30 years, Liz Brown has done just about everything to support ACH Group’s frontline workforce.

After starting as a community care worker in 1995, Liz moved to support roles having been an administration manager, business support officer and now a business engagement partner in the Digital Services team.

Liz works in a team of three who look after ACH Group’s service desk to support the IT needs of the organisations 1900-strong workforce.

Liz said she could never have imagined the flexibility ACH Group would allow her to move across the organisation in different roles over the years.

“I think it says a lot when an organisation is willing to give people a go in different areas,” she said.

“Not only have they given me a go on many occasions they’ve also provided me with the confidence and support to try new things.

“I love the variety and the challenge my career has afforded me but most of all I love the people I’ve got to call colleagues throughout the journey.”

A 30-year milestone for Liz Brown

October 2025 marked a 30-year milestone for Liz, and she reflected on the journey so far.

What first brought you to ACH Group 30 years ago? 

30 years, where do I start! In September 1995, I was doing a respite shift through an agency for an English couple when Joyleen Thomas from ACH Group popped in to see them. Dennis, the husband, immediately introduced me a ‘Bossy Lizzie’.

As arranged with Joyleen, I popped into her office to talk about working with ACH Group and that same afternoon I did my first ACH Group Care Worker shift and have never looked back.

What roles have you had? 

From Care Worker I took on administrative duties in the southern local office. Shortly after that we amalgamated the five local offices (Community Services, Health Services, Respite Program, Wyatt Holidays and Home Assist) into the current office at Christie Downs where I eventually took on the role as Administration Manager for the location.

Due to the centralisation of the administration teams across the various community locations, I landed in Mile End, working as a Business Engagement Partner, giving me the opportunity to venture out to residential homes helping to streamline admin processes and giving me the opportunity to meet and talk with residents.

And now I am with the Digital Services Team, which I enjoy. I collaborate with a talented team and still enjoy coming to work daily. 30 years has flown by just like that.

What changes have you noticed in aged care?

People are usually surprised by how competitive the aged care industry has become. Standards and reporting have tightened and to stay at the top we need to comply and be ahead of other aged care providers, which we are doing.

Looking back, what’s been the biggest reason you’ve had such a long career with ACH Group? 

The opportunity to have had many different roles, which has given me insight into the bigger picture and also to our customers’ journey from the beginning to the end.

Is there a particular project, person, or achievement that stands out to you? 

There are two customers from when I was a Care Worker that will stay with me forever.

Dennis and his wife Dorothy, who had very advanced dementia. I will always remember Dennis’ smile when he talked about “his girl” was so very infectious, nothing was too much for Dorothy. Then there was Annie who at the age of 80 graduated from Flinders University with Honours in Australian History, while being very unwell with cancer.

What are you looking forward to next – personally or professionally? 

Professionally – I hope to stay around for another couple of years easing into retirement and maybe some volunteering.