The Executive team at the Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) bring a unique combination of skills and experience to our organisation.
Carolanne Barkla, Chief Executive
Carolanne has over 35 years' experience as a registered nurse, lawyer, and executive, spanning health, aged care, legal, not-for-profit peak body, policy, sector development and social justice.
Carolanne has had experience working in rural and metropolitan environments in South Australia and New South Wales as well as with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. She also has lived experience as a military family member and supporter of veterans.
Carolanne has been recognised for her academic excellence for Elder Law, legal research into compulsory reporting in aged care and a recipient of the Perpetual/ASF AICD Not for Profit Scholarship in 2012. She has embraced opportunities to serve on state and national advisory committees collaborating to improve the quality of life and care of older people. During the last ten years, Carolanne has also served on a number of not-for-profit Boards/committees, including:
- Chair of End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) National Reference Group
- Chair of Flinders University, Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death & Dying Advisory Committee
- Co-Chair of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) Policy and Systemic Advocacy Advisory Group
- Board member of Elder Abuse Action Australia Ltd (EAAA)
- Member of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Advisory Council
- Member of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Taskforce
Carolanne holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Hons) Degree, Bachelor of Nursing and Diploma of Business Management (Aged Care).
Anna Barton, Operations Manager
Anna joined ARAS in September 2018 as Operations Manager. Anna has over 30 years experience in senior management in both government and not-for-profit organisations, providing services in rural and metropolitan environments for mainstream and First Nations peoples in:
- Employment Services
- Youth Services
- Family Mental Health Support Services
- Veterans Affairs
- Community Development
- Aged Care Advocacy
Anna has a strong social justice focus, contributing to a number of community groups and committees, including Italian Clubs and 8 years as an Associate Member (non-Aboriginal) of the Gladys Elphick Committee. She has a Master of Business Administration and values the ability to apply this knowledge to ARAS' operational and strategic objectives.
Lyndon Prior, Corporate Services Manager
Lyndon joined ARAS in September 2020 as Corporate Services Manager. Lyndon brings over 15years’ experience as a Finance and Corporate Manager to ARAS, with demonstrated skills and knowledge in strategic planning, long-term financial planning and financial reporting, gained predominately in local government across South Australia. He has most recently completed a contract with the Mornington Shire Council (Qld) as acting CEO where he was responsible for on-boarding and inducting a newly elected member body. He excels in governance, compliance, policy and procedure advice.
He also has experience working in the finance industry, being a career banker with Banks SA for over 15 years and worked predominately in rural and regional areas. Lyndon’s experience also includes business ownership and management, having been a business consultant and licensed mortgage broker, and previously held the license as a hotel owner and operator. Lyndon has comprehensive knowledge and understanding of business operations for entities ranging from large corporations to SME’s.
He holds tertiary qualifications in Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance) and a Diploma Finance & Mortgage Broking Management.
