From Nepal to Bankstown to London: Sirjana’s Leadership Journey with Bupa 

When Sirjana migrated from Nepal to Australia in 2009, she brought with her a deep passion for nursing and a natural instinct to care. “I think I was born to be a nurse,” she says with a smile. “Even as a child, I always wanted to help people.” 

She began her Australian journey working as care staff while pursuing her nursing registration. It wasn’t long before she found herself at a crossroads in her career. A friend encouraged her to apply for a role at Bupa Bankstown, and that’s where everything changed. 

At the time, Sirjana was settled in another aged care organisation, where she’d been for five years. But when Bupa offered her the opportunity to step in as an Acting Care Manager, it was a moment of unexpected recognition. “I hadn’t even started at Bupa yet, and they were already seeing something in me that no other employer had; leadership potential.” 

It was the first time an employer had not only acknowledged her capabilities but actively created space for her to grow. “That was the turning point,” Sirjana says. “I knew Bupa was where I wanted to build my future.” 

And build it she did. From Acting Care Manager, she progressed to Clinical Manager, then stepped up as Acting General Manager during a crucial transition. By the end of 2018, she had officially taken on the General Manager role at Bupa Bankstown, leading a home that now feels like a second family. 

Leadership in aged care, Sirjana says, is about making an impact, on residents, on families, and on staff. “When a resident’s loved one tells me they could travel overseas without worry, because they knew their mum was in good hands - that’s everything to me,” she says. “Or when we farewell a resident with honour and dignity, and the family says it was the most beautiful goodbye, that’s what makes this work so meaningful.” 

At Bupa, she’s felt empowered every step of the way. “I never studied finance or strategic leadership, but in this role, I had to learn,” she explains. “And I was never alone. There’s always someone to call on; HR, finance, other GMs. You just have to raise your hand.” 

Sirjana’s growth has been recognised well beyond her home in Bankstown. In 2023, she was named Bupa’s People Leader of the Year and was chosen to represent Australia on a global study tour of Bupa homes in the UK. “We visited homes in London, Manchester, and met our global team. It was my dream to see the BBC in person, something I’ve wanted since I was a child in Nepal.” 

Sirjana visiting Bupa UK, 2023.

But beyond the travel and the professional development, what stood out most was the sense of global connection. “We found that aged care challenges, like staffing, training, and dementia care, are the same around the world. We shared ideas, and I even brought back sensory tools we now use at Bankstown. It’s been a lasting exchange. We still keep in touch.” 

Sirjana is proud of the people-first culture at Bupa. “It’s not just talk,” she says. “When my daughter was sick, I got a handwritten note and flowers from my leaders. That gesture meant everything. We truly look after each other here.” 

As a leader, she strives to do the same for her team. “We work like a family. We speak the same language, Bupa values. I always say: if you’re going to roll out something new, you better know it first. Lead by example.” 

Sirjana takes just as much pride in her team’s growth as her own. “Seeing people I’ve mentored become General Managers themselves, that’s my biggest joy. It’s like seeing your children graduate.” 

Her advice for anyone considering aged care or leadership? “Come to Bupa. If you have the heart, they’ll see your talent. They’ll give you the chance. You won’t be alone.” 

From a nurse in Nepal to a globally recognised leader at Bupa Bankstown, Sirjana’s story is proof of what’s possible when you’re supported, seen, and given the opportunity to thrive. 

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