Aged Care Leader Recognised for Delivering Innovative Services - SummitCare

Aged care leader Cynthia Payne has been recognised for delivering innovative aged care services to the people of Western Sydney and for mentoring future leaders.

Ms Payne, who has been CEO of SummitCare for 15 years, was named Woman of West 2018 (Business), International Women’s Day event hosted by the Coleman Grieg Women in Business forum.

The Western Sydney University Women of the West Awards honour and recognise the contribution of women in greater western Sydney and their development of the region.

She said International Women’s Day was a great time to shine a light on all types of different women. Ms Payne grew up in western Sydney and six of SummitCare’s services are in the region.

Cynthia Payne, SummitCare CEO

“I am honoured to be acknowledged for my 15 years of leading SummitCare and the work I do with the Lucy Mentoring Program,” said Ms Payne.

The Lucy Mentoring Program aims to inspire and educate women in university studying business, finance, accounting and law about employment and leadership opportunities.

“I genuinely believe that it is behove in a leader’s role to support and enable others in their career journey."

“That is when you can feel successful; when you know you have supported other people to open up career possibilities they never knew were possible,” Ms Payne said.

She said women and male mentors have been instrumental in helping her become a successful businesswoman.

“Being resilient and persistent and doing the best you can do because you genuinely believe in what you do” have also been important, she said.

Ms Payne said she hoped the award would show the public that the aged care sector was vibrant and innovative.

“I am so proud of what we do in the industry and perhaps I can act as a small beacon for other women to see it as a major contribution to the society we live in, and also to inspire women and men to come into our industry.

“We need talent and diversity, and we need people to see that working in aged care is a great way to contribute to people who have made Australia the way it is today.”