As Professor Sue Gordon leaves her roles at Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), we take a moment to honour her remarkable contributions. She was central to the successful tenders that developed the model and then established ARIIA at Flinders University. Her passion to support the Australian aged care workforce improve their capacity and capability to embed research evidence in the delivery of everyday care has been a hallmark of her approach to the development of ARIIA. This has included leading and delivering innovation training and supporting implementation projects nationally.
Sue's distinguished career spans over 20 years as a physiotherapy practitioner and nearly 18 years in academia, with her tenure at Flinders University beginning in 2015. Her extensive research has covered crucial areas such as healthy ageing, pre-frailty, functional decline, and the development of the aged care workforce. Sue’s work has led to over 130 peer-reviewed publications and attracted more than $64 million in grants.
In her role as Research Director, Sue has been instrumental in establishing and expanding ARIIA. She has collaborated closely with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, as well as Flinders University, and with peak bodies, aged care providers and the broader aged care sector. She has overseen ARIIA’s growth to build a team of over 30 specialists dedicated to advancing evidence-based practices in aged care. Her leadership was pivotal in the creation of the ARIIA Grants Program, which has funded projects making a significant difference in the identified priority areas in the aged care sector. We are beginning to see the final outcomes of these projects and the impact they will have on the future of the aged care sector is enormous.
Sue’s passion for translational research, evidence-based innovation, and community engagement has driven many successful initiatives, and her impact on ARIIA is both profound and enduring. Her vision and dedication have shaped ARIIA as a unique group to support the development of the sector.
Over the past 3 years, ARIIA has flourished under Professor Gordon’s leadership. We are excited to continue to work with Sue in a consulting capacity for the next few months. Sue will continue to contribute to the aged care sector in various capacities as well as enjoy more time to spend with family, friends and travelling.
Sue, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment and incredible contributions. Your legacy at ARIIA will continue to inspire and drive positive change in the aged care sector.