She wanted to change the perception of aged care as the ‘’poor cousin’’ of the health sector; and crucially she wanted to show that older people could be vibrant, wise, fun – and yes, sexy.

Through her role in informing policy, by helping create dynamic residential communities and through her advocacy for research and lifelong learning, it would be fair to say Ms Murray has done her bit to change things up.

Yet, she said, it’s today’s senior Australians who are showing younger generations what they’re made of.

‘’Older people are staying healthier, they’re remaining independent, and are more actively seeking different role models rather than the traditional ‘grandparent’ figures,’’ Ms Murray said.

‘’We’re seeing very dynamic seniors in the workforce aged 70 and above; we’re seeing older people who want to be in control of their own lives – and deaths – and who are not sitting back to be judged by anyone.

‘’We’re seeing the hippy generation ageing – a generation who really shook everything up – and they’re changing the face of the sector.’’

Born and bred in Wollongong, Ms Murray completed her schooling at St Mary Star of the Sea College before embarking on an electrical engineering cadetship at BlueScope.

She then changed tack, studying psychology at the University of Wollongong, before enjoying stints in the health, local government and commercial sectors.

In October 2006, she became CEO of IRT and has helped guide it from a regional to a national renowned organisation. Now operating over 26 campuses throughout NSW, Queensland and the ACT, it employs 2300 staff and provides care and housing for 9000 seniors.

An ageing population offers both opportunity and challenges – and Ms Murray is keen to explore both.

Looking back on the last decade, she said she’s most proud of the innovative models of care that IRT has set up – such as Kemira at Kanahooka which allows people with intellectual disabilities to live with their ageing parents.

She’s also proud of the work of the IRT Foundation which is changing perceptions and creating age-friendly communities – and IRT College – which promotes lifelong learning.

‘’Aged care is a very dynamic industry,’’ Ms Murray said. ‘’For me it’s not just about providing services, it’s always been about changing society’s view of older people and creating opportunities for people to age well.’’