Catholic Health Australia Submission: National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (third edition)
September 29, 2026
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) has today announced the appointment of Patrick Reid as its next Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive search for a leader to guide the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact.
Mr Reid is an experienced health, aged care and human services executive and brings with him more than 25 years of experience across large, complex and purpose-led organisations.
SCC (NSW & ACT) Board Chair, Caroline Waldron, said Mr Reid stood out for his proven aged care experience, and ability to guide organisations through complex changes and deliver growth.
“Patrick’s understanding of mission, coupled with his clear strategic thinking and exemplary career in aged care navigating complex changes while delivering sustained growth, positions him well to guide SCC (NSW & ACT) through the next phase of its strategic plan. The Board is delighted to welcome him to our organisation,” Ms Waldron said.
Mr Reid said he was drawn by SCC (NSW & ACT)’s connection to purpose and its strong community presence.
“I am very pleased to be joining Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) as Chief Executive Officer. What attracted me to SCC is its strong purpose, its deep connection with the communities it serves, and the opportunity to contribute to an organisation whose work has a direct impact on the lives of older people and their families,” he said.
“I have spent much of my career working across aged care, health and community services, and I know that organisations like SCC are at their best when purpose, quality of care, a strong workforce and long-term sustainability reinforce each other. I am looking forward to getting to know the organisation and its people, and to working with them to build on SCC’s strengths and shape the next chapter together.”
Mr Reid joins SCC from Uniting NSW ACT, where he has served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing a broad portfolio that includes operations, finance, people, technology and data, property, transformation, risk, governance and customer experience across an organisation serving communities throughout NSW and the ACT.
He has previously served as Chief Executive Officer of IRT Group and Chief Executive Officer of Leading Age Services Australia, bringing extensive experience in aged care, retirement living, community services, sector advocacy, organisational transformation and governance.
Mr Reid will commence as Chief Executive Officer in January 2027. Ant Dureau, who stepped down from the Board of SCC (NSW & ACT) to act as Interim Chief Executive Officer in February this year, will be returning to the Board when Mr Reid starts.
Ms Waldron acknowledged Mr Dureau’s leadership of the organisation while the Board conducted its search.
“I would also like to recognise and sincerely thank Ant for his contribution as Interim CEO. His willingness to step into the role provided our people, residents and participants with much-needed stability and continuity during a challenging period for the organisation.
“We look forward to having Ant return to the Board when Patrick joins us.”
Mr Dureau expressed his thanks to the executive team, the Board and the whole SCC (NSW & ACT) workforce during his time leading the organisation.
“It has been a real privilege to serve as Interim CEO of Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT). I’ve come to know our staff, residents and clients far more deeply, and I see every day the passion our people bring to our mission,” he said.
“I look forward to returning to the Board with a much richer understanding of what we mean to the people we serve, and to working with Patrick as he leads Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) into its next chapter.”
