Exploring the Diverse Life of SCC’s New Chair, Mike Christensen

July 23, 2024

Mike Christensen, recently appointed as Chair of SCC, has been a board member for four years. While his tenure at SCC is well-documented, his life beyond the organisation remains relatively unknown. Explore the world of this corporate director who not only excels at drumming but also devotes his free time to volunteering with Lifeline.

1. What initially inspired you to get involved with Southern Cross Care? 

It came a little out of the blue. Previously I had been involved in a governance role with Sydney Catholic girl’s school Loreto Kirribilli and one of my colleagues made me aware of the opportunity and the rest, as they say, is history. I’ve always had a desire to get involved with the healthcare sector although I thought it would be in mental health. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with the twist and pivot into aged care. 

2. Away from work, what are some of your personal interests? 

I’m an avid music lover and live concert goer. I’ll be the guy at the gig standing at the side watching the drummer! I’ve slowed down a little these days, but I still love playing the drums and percussion. I also love exercise and activity, especially exploring this magnificent country of ours. I’ve done the Oxfam 100km walk and a few half marathons, although, the knees prefer walking over running these days. 

3. Do you have any personal experience with age care? 

We saw compassion and dedication first-hand when my wife’s father was nursed at home under palliative care until his passing. My wife’s mother succumbed to Lewy body dementia (a particularly cruel type of dementia) and was cared for in a residential aged care facility in Brisbane until she passed.  

4. Are there any individuals who have had a significant influence on your life or career?  

My father and father-in-law are inspirations to me, both having started their own businesses and been successful in supporting themselves and their families. I’d be neglectful if I didn’t also mention my wife who was instrumental in getting us to move to London to work and travel in our early 20s. She also encouraged and supported my decision to leave corporate life 7-8 years ago. 

5. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our aged care community? 

A very big question! I think it’s a great and exciting time to be in aged care. Yes, we have some challenges with increased regulation, workforce shortages and funding pressures yet we also have a ground swell of support recognising that our industry is critical to our ageing demographic. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reposition and reframe what aged care means and engage with a cohort (the baby boomers) who have different thoughts and expectations on how they would like to age and be supported in ageing.  

6. What do you find most fulfilling about giving your time and expertise to a NFP? 

I love being out there in the community and visiting the regions, interacting with our wonderful staff and seeing our amazing residents. We have such a vast footprint which makes it tricky yet so rewarding when you get there. 

There is also the opportunity to make a difference by sharing your skills and experience. I often think if I didn’t have the career I have had, I would have been a teacher.  There is nothing more satisfying than being able to transfer your knowledge and see the impact that has on the development of others. This can happen in any form of work, but it is particularly satisfying in the NFP space.  

It’s akin to the love of Christ and what he teaches us to do. 

7. What are the three things you would take to a desert island?  

• The box set of Elvis Costello CDs (and CD player) 

• A drum kit 

• Lots of water! 

8. What has being a parent taught you? 

• Humility 

• Unconditional love 

• That my kids have had just as much to teach me as I have to teach them! 

9. Where does your sense of giving back to the community come from? 

I come from a family that had limited resources when I was raised yet were very generous with the time they gave to our community. Growing up we were encouraged to play team sport, which further socially integrated us. My family experience instilled and inspired in me a sense of community. 

10. As a volunteer crisis support worker for Lifeline, you must speak to people in desperate situations, what keeps you doing it?  

It’s a privilege to be entrusted with responding to and supporting people in crisis. Often callers are the most vulnerable people in society that have nowhere, and no one else to turn to.  You don’t expect any acknowledgement or accolades for what you do, never-the-less when you connect with a caller, and they tell you how much difference you have made to their situation there is no other feeling like it.  

11. What do you hope to achieve during your tenure as chair of SCC? 

Great question and I think I’m still developing my thoughts being so new in the seat so to speak. However, the goal of a board of directors is to build on what our predecessors have done and leave SCC in an even better shape than when we started. What does better shape mean? For me and in the case of SCC, it’s about strengthening our financial position, overseeing and enabling activity that is in line with our vision and mission, and being clear about the impact we have on our residents and clients.  

12. What advice would you give your 12-year-old self? 

Not everyone will ‘get you’ and that’s OK. Just be yourself and be open-minded to where that journey may take you.