Allambie Heights Village CEO departs after 20 years
Ciarán Foley has left Allambie Heights Village after leading the retirement village and aged care operator through two decades.
Officially stepping down on 8 July, Ciarán informed the Board of his decision in April.
After beginning his career as an aged care worker in a geriatric hospital in Ireland, Ciarán moved to Australia in 2006 to take up the Chief Executive role at Allambie Heights Village.
Throughout that time, he has become one of the sector’s most outspoken advocates, regularly challenging government policy and regulation while calling for providers to be recognised and funded as essential service businesses.
Ciarán said he leaves Allambie Heights Village in a strong financial position, with the organisation having returned to profitability. Cash and investments have grown from $4 million in 2006 to $52 million today, while total assets have increased from $11 million to more than $120 million over the same period.
Bellburra Retirement Village, located alongside Allambie Heights Village’s existing retirement village and aged care home, 17.5km northeast of the Sydney CBD, officially opened on 2 July at full occupancy.
Just three weeks later, Allambie Heights Village was debt free.
On 1 July 2026, Allambie Heights Village celebrated 101 years of combined services to communities across its residential aged care and retirement villages.
Ciarán also received an Award for 20 Years Service to Allambie Heights Village from the Board of Directors, management and staff.
“As I join with residents and colleagues in our ‘101 Celebrations’, I reflect on the 60 years of our company and on some of my own 20 years contribution along with my team of staff over these years. Longevity represents so much confidence and stability. Longevity states loudly, ‘we are here for the long haul’,” he said.
The Board is currently recruiting for Ciarán’s replacement.
Read Ciarán’s first interview after stepping down in the next issue of SATURDAY, released on Friday. Not a subscriber? Sign up here.
