We are thrilled to celebrate our Founder, Bryan Lipmann AM, who has been named the 2026 Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria at a ceremony held last Thursday 6 November in Melbourne.
This honour recognises Bryan’s lifelong dedication to ensuring that older people who have experienced or are vulnerable to homelessness, are able to access housing, support services and aged care, with dignity and respect.
In accepting the award, Bryan said: “This win recognises that homeless elderly people are entitled to aged care – something that was not the case before Wintringham started. This award is dedicated to the hard-working and marvellous workers at Wintringham who continue to inspire me daily!”
Bryan founded Wintringham in 1989 after working as a Social Worker, where he saw first-hand the neglect faced by older people who were homeless or at risk. His vision created a new model of aged care, one that has transformed thousands of lives across Australia and influenced national policy.
Wintringham CEO Jane Barnes said Bryan’s recognition is a moment of pride for everyone at the organisation.
“Bryan’s vision changed what aged care looks like for some of the most disadvantaged people in our community. Through his advocacy he redefined aged care as a human right, not a privilege, and built Wintringham on the foundations of ‘options, dignity and rights’. This award honours both his leadership and the vision that he created 36 years ago. With sincere appreciation and perseverance, we continue his work,” she said.
Today, Wintringham supports more than 3,000 older people in Victoria and Tasmania through the provision of community housing, home care, residential aged care, NDIS and outreach services.
Congratulations Bryan! Your leadership, compassion and humility inspire us all.