Board Members

Ensuring Quality Service

About Us

The Board Of Directors

Vacenti Aged Care is governed by a Board of Directors, predominantly made up of Independent Non-Executive Directors, who, alongside the Chief Executive Officer, bring a diverse range of skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure a balanced approach. The Board’s role is to provide governance, offer strategic direction, and collaborate effectively with management to ensure the delivery of high-quality care and services.

CEO

Julian Casagrande

Julian, Chief Executive Officer of Vacenti, grew up in the family business, often visiting the homes after school and on weekends. He later worked as an auditor for several years, gaining valuable experience and insights from various industries, which he brought back to Vacenti. During this time, he also became a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Since returning to Vacenti in 2017, Julian has focused on driving innovation while continuing the family tradition of delivering high-quality care, a passion passed down from his parents, Mario and Louisa.

Chairman

Peter Sydes

Peter has been actively involved in the Aged Care and Community Services sectors since 1986, holding senior management positions in both For-Profit and Not-For-Profit organisations. Over the past 20 years, Peter has contributed to the development of new residential and community aged care services, retirement villages, and disability support programs.

He has significant experience leading organisational change, including overseeing the merger of four entities to form Mercy Community Services SEQ Ltd. Peter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Board Member

Barry Ashcroft

Barry has over 30 years of experience in the aged care industry, serving in various leadership, development, operational, government, and consulting roles. He was formerly the CEO of Leading Age Services Australia, the peak body for the aged care industry in Queensland, as well as the State Manager for the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, and CEO/Director of Domain Aged Care (now Opal Aged Care).

Barry currently holds several advisory roles with aged care providers and retirement village operators. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Technology Management from Griffith University, along with a Diploma in Engineering.

Board Member

Lois Janetzki

Lois brings over 30 years of experience in the aged care industry, spanning clinical, training, leadership, and operational roles. As a registered nurse, she provides valuable management and consultancy advice, conducts quality management audits, and ensures compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards. Lois is deeply committed to maintaining high-quality management systems, striving to deliver the best possible care and service to residents.

Over the past 20 years, her clinical, management, and leadership skills have played a vital role in helping Vacenti achieve excellence in resident satisfaction, mitigate clinical risks, and identify areas for continuous improvement.

“As members of the Vacenti Board we believe it is important that we partner with all consumers to ensure we are delivering a quality service and continue to drive and monitor improvement.”