General News
6 November, 2025
Quiet achiever recognised
COOINDA remains in strong financial position despite rising industry costs, according to the aged care provider’s latest annual report.
The 2024-2025 report, which president Elizabeth Clarke AM handed down at last week’s annual general meeting, showed revenue had climbed $580,000 over the previous year to $15.16 million.
Despite the rise in revenue, comprehensive income had fallen to $140,0000 from $551,000 – in part due to the economic pressures of rising costs and climbing staff wages in line with industry standards.
Cooinda general manager Phil Hose acknowledged the difficulty in navigating being a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider but said he remained confident with Cooinda’s financial position.
“We’ve got some new board members joining a great board who have a great passion for the disability sector right across the region,” he said.
“The annual report was positive in the sense we continue to be at a surplus, with a lot of projects going on such as building properties and expanding our resident programs for a few years now.
“The NDIS space is a challenging one, and becoming more challenging, but that’s what we’re here to deliver.
“It’s been a good year – a busy year, but a good year.”
Staff were also recognised for reaching milestones including 10 years (Kirsty Coburn, Phil Hose, Rachael Moloney, Tanya Neil and Eamon O’Connor) and Sheryl Hyland (20 years).
“It’s a real testament to their commitment in the work we do,” Mr Hose said.
Cooinda disability support worker Libby Rippon was named this year’s Darkie Lee Award recipient – Cooinda’s award recognising the incredible achievements and value of support workers.
“I was very honoured,” she said.
“I’m thankful to think my colleagues thought I was worthy of that award.”
Ms Rippon has worked at Cooinda for the past nine years, during which time she has been involved in a little of everything.
“I work in day programs on a Monday and I also work in The Little Acorn café two days a week,” she said.
“In my nine years I have worked at many sites including the villas, in home care, doing arts and crafts down at the pottery house, indoor games at the centre – there’s lots of things.
“I love the participants who come to Cooinda, I love helping others and I love the teamwork Cooinda provides.”
Mr Hose said Ms Rippon’s contributions were appreciated.
“We think she’s pretty amazing,” he said.
“Libby is a quiet achiever but she’s always showed real quality in her work.
“She is all about the participants, both at the café, at the day program and in every role she’s had.
“Libby has impressed us enormously, showing she will speak up for people, will advocate for the participants and be a voice for them.”
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