Changing of the guard
Henry Wirth will step down as chair of B’nai B’rith Retirement Villages after more than 20 years having seen it grow into a professional independent living provider with three villages.
B’NAI B’rith Retirement Villages (BBRV) is “one of the great unspoken stories of Jewish community involvement in NSW,” outgoing chair Henry Wirth said.
Wirth will step down from the helm at the organisation’s AGM tonight (Thursday) after more than 20 years in the role.
“It is well and truly time to pass the baton to the next generation who can enable BBRV to continue its mission of the provision of affordable accommodation to our community,” he said.
Originally a volunteer organisation, BBRV has grown into a professional provider of independent living with three villages and 114 apartments housing over 130 residents.
“We have enlarged our Princess Gardens (Rose Bay) and Kadimah Gardens (Wahroonga) villages and created a new village, Guilfoyle Gardens (Double Bay),” Wirth said.
“All this has been accomplished within a stringent financial environment that has left BBRV well poised for the future. None of this would have been possible without the team effort that has been displayed.
“It is with mixed feelings that I am standing down as chair of a great organisation but I do know that it is the right thing to do and now is the time.”
Wirth lauded the board “who at all times have had the interests of the residents above any personal desires”. He also acknowledged “the loyalty and great empathy” shown by BBRV’s operational staff.
“I still have two years of tenure on my directorship and I will endeavour to provide maximum support to my successor and the board,” he added.
Meanwhile, incoming chair Roma Shell acknowledged Wirth’s “outstanding achievements”.
“His vision and determination have transformed BBRV to a professionally run and respected organisation in our Jewish community and the wider community, solely focused on providing affordable, independent and safe accommodation for seniors in our community with compassion and care,” she said.
“I am honoured having been asked to take over as the chair of this very special organisation. On the path ahead, I know I am not alone in my leadership of BBRV. A board of dedicated and very talented individuals will be working with me.
“We will all have the amazing benefits of the wise counsel of Henry and Norbert Schweizer who will remain on the board. And, we can rely on an excellent professional team to manage the operation under the guidance of BBRV’s CEO Leon Fredkin.”
Shell also thanked Ivan Kaplan, who has stepped down from the board, for his contribution.
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