Over the past 20 years I have had the good fortune to work in a role that aligns with what I believe in, alongside some remarkable people doing incredible work in our community.
As Executive Director of Centacare since 2001, I’ve witnessed some humbling moments. I’ve seen our support workers walk alongside people dealing with mental health issues, those needing assistance as they age and people with a disability as they challenge ‘what’s expected’ and genuinely share the joy when their clients realise their goals; prison chaplains who offer support and companionship without judgement or agenda; and domestic and family violence workers who shoulder enormous stress with professionalism, calm and genuine care as they seek to support women and children in high risk situations. And the list goes on.
During my time in this role, we’ve seen important, positive changes across the community services sector. Among the most notable of these is of course, the introduction of consumer-directed funding. Providers, including Centacare, have and continue to make changes across our operations as we recalibrate to meet the needs of the evolving marketplace. And it’s critical that we get that right, so our clients can make the most of the new funding and service landscape, and also, to make sure Centacare remains a vibrant, thriving, values-based alternative to the many other providers people now have to choose from.
Centacare is unique in the breadth of services we offer to the community – including early education and care through Catholic Early EdCare and high intensive support for children with a disability through Xavier. With our range of expertise and involvement across so many areas of concern to our community, we have a wonderful opportunity to help shape a fair and just society, and to be there with the right support at the right time, for people who need it most.
Along with the many others who do good work to support our frontline, I’m pleased to be able to make my contribution to the services that make up Centacare in the form of organisational strategy, financial management and systems which will enable us to stay true to our vision and values, and give us the capacity to demonstrate to all those around us that ‘Care is our calling’ every day.
In addition to his role as Executive Director of Centacare, including Catholic Early EdCare and Xavier, Peter is a director of St Rita’s College Limited and the chair of the Advisory Council for Marist college Ashgrove. He is a former director Catholic Social Services Australia Ltd, a former director and audit committee chair of the Australian Catholic Superannuation & Retirement Fund, a former director of Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland Limited as well as a former director of Yourtown. Peter was the Chair of the Marist Ashgrove Finance Committee for more than 10 years and formerly on equivalent committees at All Hallows School.