At ACN, we value the insights and experiences of our Affiliate Members. Being an ACN Affiliate Member is more than just a relationship; it is about forming connections, supporting each other, and advancing the industry for our nurses, students, and healthcare professionals.
We want to hear directly from our affiliates about why they enjoy being part of our affiliate community. Join us as we delve into their stories and discover what makes affiliate membership with ACN so rewarding.
Our Affiliate Spotlight this month highlights Opal HealthCare.
What is your organisation? Tell us about your team and specialty.
Opal HealthCare provides person-centred residential aged care that supports our residents’ health, wellbeing, and independence. This is founded on high-quality clinical care, and includes social, cultural and recreational supports, with strong community connections across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia.
What makes your organisation special?
Our purpose is to bring joy to those we care for. For us, that means our residents, their families, and importantly, our team.
Quality aged care isn’t just about excellent clinical care; it’s also about empathy, quality of life and belonging. That’s why building personal relationships with our residents and families is at the heart of our model of care. Nurturing deep connections with others, including in the wider community, enables our residents to maintain important relationships and pursue interests that are meaningful to them, so they can live with purpose and a sense of belonging each day.
We’re proud of our dedicated and capable team, upon whom our residents rely each day. We care for our team through building a supportive and inclusive culture; providing sector-leading training and development opportunities, with clearly articulated career pathways, through our Opal HealthCare Academy; and providing opportunities to progress to leadership roles across all areas of our organisation.
Share a recent milestone, event, or win that has happened within your org, team, or specialty.
One of the highlights of 2025 was our annual Opal HealthCare Superstars event. Team members from across Australia who share a passion for singing and music compete in a friendly (though very competitive!) song contest – judged by those who matter most, our residents. Winners advanced through local and regional rounds to the national finals in November, which was livestreamed to all our Care Communities. The overall winner and runner-up will now tour Care Communities to perform for residents and colleagues nationwide. It’s a joyful way to bring people together and celebrate the diverse talents of our team, with residents’ judging always a much-loved highlight.
How long have you been an ACN Affiliate, and what is your membership level? Are there any specific benefits your team appreciates or uses?
Opal HealthCare is proud to have been a Platinum ACN Affiliate since 2017.
As part of our Affiliation with ACN, our team members enjoy access to a wide range of professional development courses and memberships at discounted fees. ACN is also a major sponsor of our annual Time to Shine Awards. Now in it’s seventh year, these awards recognise notable achievements and celebrate the excellence of our dedicated Opal HealthCare team. Time to Shine winners have access to 12-month ACN memberships, ACN leadership programs like the Nurse Leadership Development Day, and tickets to the annual National Nurses Forum.
How has being an Affiliate Member contributed to your organisation’s goals and objectives?
We are very selective in partnering with organisations that share our values and help enhance our residents’ health and wellbeing. ACN is a valued strategic education partner that strengthens our workforce capability through clear and diverse career pathways, designed to support team members as they progress in their nursing careers.
By supporting our learning and development framework and complementing our internal leadership programs, ACN helps accelerate professional growth in aged care, for the benefit of all of those we care for.
Written by
Yolande Nealon
Director of People and Culture
Opal HealthCare
