General News
30 December, 2025
Improved approach to aged care at Havilah
Jude Aserappa hopes to improve the experience of Havilah's residents in his new role director of resident experiences.
A new face on Havilah’s team hopes to elevate the experience of the organisation’s residents with a holistic approach to care.
It wasn’t long after Jude Aserappa began at Havilah in September that he was given a new title and responsibilities as director of resident experiences.
Originally starting as the project manager for food and nutrition, following changes to the Aged Care Act in November, Havilah’s leadership team identified a “missing link” at the organisation.
“For me personally, regardless of the legislation or not, I think we have a moral obligation to provide the residents with the experience they deserve. I’m very thankful that our whole leadership team is willing to change and willing to invest,” Mr Aserappa said.
His new job’s responsibilities include food and nutrition, leisure and lifestyle, and community engagement.
He plans to review the menu for nutrition, presentation, and representation of people’s personal and cultural backgrounds.
“If we have a resident with a Scottish background or a German background do we have Scottish or German food incorporated in the menu?” he said.
Mr Aserappa also hopes to offer residents more flexibility beyond timetable-driven care he said had been common in the industry.
“That whole prison timetable mentality is something we want to get rid of. We need to understand this is their home now,” he said.
“If you decide you want to have breakfast in the garden today you will have breakfast in the garden.”
It’s a return to his roots having begun his career in the aged care industry as a kitchen hand and chef before finding success in fine dining, hospitality, and compliance over the next two decades.
But the decision wasn’t without its challenges.
He lives away from his family during the working week, including his 10-month old son, as they try to find a local place to live.
“It was very challenging but I’m also extremely career driven,” he said.
Mr Aserappa hopes to set an example for his son that he should always try his best.
“Even though you’re washing dishes, cleaning cutlery, or wiping the floor, give your 100 percent and eventually it will benefit you later on,” he said.
“This is something that I want to teach to my kid one day as well. All work that you do is an investment in yourself, and it’s going to come back to you, that’s fact.”
While Mr Aserappa and Havilah’s vision for the future won’t be done overnight, he admitted, he said it’s an exciting time for the town.
“For the Maryborough community the message I want to give is there’s great times, exciting times, going to come ahead,” he said.
“It’s going to create more jobs, more opportunities, elevate the whole overall experience of all the residents, it’s going to happen.”