Warrigal is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Victoria Traynor to the newly created role of Professor of Dementia Care within our Design and Growth portfolio. Starting in August 2024, Professor Traynor will dedicate two days per week to this pivotal position, advancing our understanding of dementia, developing new models in dementia care to enhance our interactions with residents and customers living with the dementia.

Professor Traynor is renowned for her dedication to improving the lives of individuals living with dementia and their families through innovative research and education. With over 30 years of experience in gerontological nursing, she began her career in an aged care hospital in Edinburgh and, after relocating to Australia in 2006, established the aged and dementia care postgraduate degree at the University of Wollongong and founded the Eastern Australian Dementia Study Centre. She has extensive experience leading dementia care research, focusing on capacity building within the aged care workforce, and currently directs the Aged and Dementia Health Education Research (ADHERe) centre. Additionally, she serves as Co-President of the Gerontological Alliance of Nurses Australia, promoting the health and well-being of older people.

Reflecting on her new role, Professor Traynor said, “I feel privileged to be commencing this inaugural role with Warrigal. I am looking forward to working with an organisation that is embracing the changes to aged care in Australia and understands that nurturing both the clients and caregivers is crucial to achieving high-quality care.”

The appointment of Professor Traynor signifies a major advancement for Warrigal, leading to the development of innovative, evidence-based care models tailored to the needs of our customers living with dementia. This role will enhance the experiences of residents and their families, build capacity within our workforce, and foster strategic partnerships with academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and dementia associations. Additionally, Professor Traynor’s advocacy efforts will raise awareness about dementia and reduce stigma, reinforcing Warrigal’s leadership in dementia care.

Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome Professor Traynor to our team. Her values-alignment, expertise and dedication to dementia research and care will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our services and support for our customers living with dementia.”

Media Contact: Elsbeth Olalia, Marketing & Communications Manager | +61 (4) 3665 5808