Just Better Care Australia has appointed internationally experienced franchising executive Lee Walsh as Chief Executive Officer, reinforcing its commitment to strong leadership, sustainable growth and Franchise Owner success.
As Australia’s largest franchised provider of in-home aged care and disability support, Just Better Care operates at the intersection of purpose and commercial opportunity—supporting people to live independently at home while enabling Franchise Owners to build meaningful, resilient local businesses.
Lee’s appointment comes at a time of intense and sustained demand for community-based care, driven by Australia’s ageing population, continued NDIS funding, and a clear consumer preference for care delivered at home.
A CEO who understands franchising from the ground up
Lee brings more than 25 years of experience across franchising, home care, social care, consumer healthcare and professional services. Most recently, he held senior leadership roles with Bluebird Care UK & Ireland—one of the largest and most recognisable private home care brands in the UK. Bluebird and Just Better Care are part of Caring Brands International, alongside Interim HealthCare (USA), making it a formidable force in the global franchised in-home care sector.
His background includes supporting Franchise Owners through growth cycles, strengthening operational capabilities, building high-performing support teams, and maintaining brand consistency while enabling local businesses to thrive.
Jonathan Gardner, Global CEO of Caring Brands International, said Lee’s appointment reflects the organisation’s focus on long-term franchise success.
“Lee understands what it takes to build a strong, values-led franchise network,” Mr Gardner said. “He brings deep experience in supporting Franchise Owners, developing leaders and scaling sustainably—while never losing sight of why care matters.”
A collaborative franchise culture, not a competitive one
A defining feature of the Just Better Care franchise model is its emphasis on collaboration—both with the franchisor and across the Franchise Owner network itself.
“One of the greatest strengths of our model is the culture of support across the network,” Mr Walsh said. “Franchise Owners know they’re never on their own—if they need guidance, they can turn to the franchisor, or they can pick up the phone and speak with another owner who’s been there before.”
Just Better Care operates in exclusive geographic territories, ensuring Franchise Owners do not compete with one another.
“Because our territories are exclusive, Franchise Owners aren’t competing with each other, which creates a genuinely collaborative environment where people are willing to share, support and grow together.”
This approach, he said, helps foster trust, openness and shared problem-solving—key foundations for long-term franchise success in a complex, ever-evolving and highly regulated care environment.
A franchise model built on local ownership and trust
The Just Better Care network currently supports more than 5,000 customers nationwide, delivering over 27,000 hours of support at home and in local communities every week. The franchise network spans 55 active franchise territories across every Australian state and territory, powered by more than 1,900 nurses, support workers and office professionals.
For Lee, the network's strength lies in its local ownership model.
“Franchise Owners are at the heart of Just Better Care,” Mr Walsh said. “They are trusted local leaders—employers, advocates and partners within their communities. My role is to ensure they are well supported, well equipped and confident to grow.”
He said franchising plays a vital role in delivering high-quality care at scale, while remaining responsive to local community needs.
“Our success comes from combining strong national systems and support with local knowledge and relationships. That balance is what makes franchising in care both powerful and rewarding.”
Supporting Franchise Owners to grow with confidence
Under Lee’s leadership, Just Better Care will continue to strengthen its franchise value proposition, with a clear focus on:
- Sustainable business growth - supported by proven systems, national marketing and operational guidance
- Strong onboarding and ongoing support - for both new and established Franchise Owners and their local office teams across key departments such as IT, Quality, Compliance, HR, Marketing and Finance.
- Workforce attraction, development and retention - recognising people as the foundation of quality care and investing in their success.
- Innovation and adaptability are key as aged care and disability reforms continue to evolve.
Lee said the organisation remains committed to helping Franchise Owners navigate regulatory change while maintaining high standards of care, compliance and ethical practice.
“This is a sector that requires strong governance, compassion and professionalism,” he said. “We take that responsibility seriously—and we support Franchise Owners every day across all key departments of their business.”
A purpose-led opportunity in a growing sector
As demand for in-home aged care and disability support continues to rise, Just Better Care is welcoming interest from prospective Franchise Owners with previous management experience and relevant sector experience in aged care, disability support or community care.
“This is not just a commercial opportunity,” Lee said. “It’s an opportunity to lead, to employ locally, and to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives—every day.
To find out more about the Franchise Opportunity with Just Better Care
Visit www.justbettercare.com/franchise or
Email [email protected] to request an information pack.
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