MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release
January 2023

Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) appoints new CEO and President

Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA), an organisation which provides information and support to older people, their families and representatives in Victoria, and addressing issues related to Commonwealth funded aged care services, is pleased to announce that Debra Nicholl has been appointed as CEO, and Janis Porter has been named as the President, replacing Mary Anne Hunt, who had held the position for the last eight years.

Ms Nicholl, who steps into the role, following the resignation of Philippa Campbell, has worked with older Australians since the age of 16, including her career at ERA spanning more than 17 years, working in a range of roles including advocate, senior educator, advocacy manager, programs manager and Deputy CEO.

Ms Porter has more than four decades public service and advocacy experience, in a suite of industries including the Federal and Northern Territory Public Service, mining industry, merchant banking and tourism,  boasts a wide-ranging skillset across global and local organisations, as well as multiple NFP and charitable entities including refugees.

As the new CEO, Ms Nicholl’s focus for ERA is clear.

‘ERA is committed to continuing our important work of supporting the human rights of older Victorians and advocating for quality aged care services delivered by a professional workforce.  We also want to continue to spotlight ageism and its detrimental effect on how we value and care for older people.’

‘I am strongly committed to supporting and driving the voices of older people in Victoria by creating services, programs and advocacy work that matters.  With the support from our dedicated ERA team and Board, we are committed to expanding aged care advocacy services across Victoria to reach more older people, their carers, families and representatives.’ Ms Nicholl added.

Debra Nicholl said Ms Porter’s wide-ranging experience, including her role as an ERA board member since April 2021, combined with her advocacy, government relations and organisational strategy experience, made Ms Porter the perfect fit for the role.

‘For more than 31 years, ERA has represented the voices of older people in Victoria, including gaining access to quality aged care, having their human rights upheld and championed, as well as exercising greater control of the care they need and deserve.’ said Ms Nicholl.

Ms Porter said, ‘I am humbled to take on the role and look forward to continuing the important work of ERA, including supporting older people’s voices to be heard and acted upon, building greater awareness of advocacy support services and influencing the transformation of the aged care system through the direct involvement of older people and the new Aged Care legislation.’

Ms Nicholl and Ms Porter officially commenced their respective roles in December 2022.

‘I would also like to take the opportunity to thank both Mary Anne Hunt in the President’s role and Philippa Campbell in her role as CEO. Philippa was an inspirational leader and strong advocate for older people.  I look forward to working with the management team, staff, volunteers, the State Government and the sector to amplify our efforts, continuing to be innovative, and driven to achieve the results older Victorians deserve.’ said Ms Nicholl.

About Elder Rights Advocacy

Established in 1991, Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) provides information and support to older people, their families and representatives in Victoria to address issues related to Commonwealth-funded aged care services. ERA’s service is free, independent and confidential.

Older people have a right to express their opinion, have their voices heard and be treated with respect.

Elder Rights Advocacy is a founding member of the national Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), delivering the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP).

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era.asn.au