Leading the way

During the difficulties being faced in isolation in the present COVID-19 environment, there has probably never been a more important time to recognise the messages being promoted on RUOK? Day (today – September 9).

We’re encouraging team members and the wider community to take this opportunity to create awareness and encourage each other to ‘check with your mates’, which is part of the RUOK? Day message.

Our staff have produced a video, which has been circulated to highlight that ‘a conversation could change a life’, and asks ‘what does RUOK? Day mean to you?’

It is a time to ask: Do you know how the people in your world are really going? As close as we might be, sometimes it’s hard to tell.

Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us, so chances are someone you know might be struggling. RUOK? Day – and at other times – you should take a moment and ask them how are they really going. This could be during a coffee break, while driving, over a text or while exercising together.

Take the time to check in with family and friends and create a space to say ‘it’s okay to not be okay’, and to see how they are really going.

And if you are having a bad day, reach out to friends, family or a colleague … whoever you trust the most, and you will find that most people are very supportive and they may even be feeling the same as you are. Remember: It’s not weak to speak.

You don’t need to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they are not okay. For some helpful tips, visit the RUOK? Day website.

By knowing what to say you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they are in crisis, which can make a really positive difference to their life.

Intereach encourages everyone to create awareness. On RUOK? Day it will host a virtual check-in and an opportunity for staff to enjoy a cuppa together, even if it’s not presently from the office environment.

For more information and valuable resources, visit www.ruok.org.au.

If you or someone you know are having mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help by getting in touch with any of the following help services:

Lifeline – phone 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – phone 1300 244 636

Suicide Call Back Service – phone 1300 659 467

Intereach has taken the decision to advertise for a General Manager – Aged Care Services. This position will form part of the Executive Management Team and will lead our aged care business units across our Victorian and NSW footprint. You can view the position profile and position description here.

Reporting to the CEO, and being part of the Executive Management Team, this role will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation’s aged care programs (Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme) with initial emphasis on developing a robust quality and risk framework, sound operating systems and contemporary clinical capabilities within care and support services, consistent with Intereach’s values.

Utilising extensive sector knowledge and experience, the strategic leveraging of capability and service footprint to achieve substantial growth and diversity, is critical to success.

This position is full time with an attractive salary on offer for the right candidate. Base location is similarly subject to negotiation.

Need more information?

If after having read the Role Profile, Selection Criteria and other available information on this website and you have further queries please contact;

Human Resources on 1300 488 226 or careers@intereach.com.au for general enquiries.

For further information related specifically to the role please contact Rick Lawford on 0477 431 122.

We value diversity and welcome applicants from all walks of life, ages, backgrounds and cultures.

It was time to ‘go purple’ when Intereach offices recognised ‘Wear It Purple Day’ last Friday.

Staff from our 17 offices in the Murray-Riverina regions of NSW and northern/central Victoria celebrated with a photo competition.

With most staff working from home, they were encouraged to take photos in a purple theme, in either an office environment or a selfie. There were some outstanding individual efforts as our team members not only celebrated the theme but tried hard to win the prizes on offer.

They also had the opportunity to watch a video about the use of pronouns and why they are important.

Wear It Purple Day this year had the theme ‘Start the Conversation … Keep it Going’, to reflect how we can continue to make a difference daily and support greater equality for all LGBTIQA+ people and their families. Intereach staff have shown their commitment to the theme by adding a preferred pronoun to their email signature after its importance was explained. This small gesture can build awareness and make customers feel safe and welcome.

While staff were unable to share Wear It Purple Day in their office as would usually be the case due to the lockdowns in NSW and Victoria, it did not stop them from getting involved and visibly supporting the meaning and significance of such an important observance day.

There were many outstanding Wear It Purple group and selfie photographs, with even the dog, Arlo, getting involved in his purple cape and socks.

Staff dressed up in their best purple attire, including their accessories, and some also decorated their home office and workspace.

They were asked to “use your imagination”, and that is what many team members certainly did.

Prizes of Wear It Purple merchandise were awarded for the best office and best selfie.

Intereach has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer.

Outgoing Intereach Board of Directors chair Pat Fogarty – in one of her last duties in the role – said they were delighted to announce that Rick Lawford will take up the position of CEO, with a start date of Monday, July 26.

Pat said Rick has nearly 30 years’ experience in CEO and leadership positions across a vast range of aged, youth, disability, social enterprise and community services, with specific involvement targeting greater independence, connectedness, wellness and enablement. His experience stretches across rural, regional and metropolitan settings.

“During the recruitment process, along with his diverse experience, Rick demonstrated significant leadership talents within state and national peak bodies and special purpose sector forums.”

Pat said while Mr Lawford would be based at the organisation’s administrative headquarters in Deniliquin, he has committed to work from all other offices on an ongoing basis.

“He is especially keen to visit all our 17 offices within the first 60 days of his tenure to meet as many staff and volunteers as possible, within the confines of any COVID restrictions of course.”

Rick said he is looking forward to taking on the challenges of leading the consolidation of Intereach’s recent growth, as well as achieving future growth and diversity throughout regional NSW and Victoria.

“I am genuinely excited by the opportunity to contribute to Intereach’s continued success and expanding its engagement with stakeholders to build equitable, connected and resilient communities that inherently care for their vulnerable members,” he said.

“I look forward to ensuring our culture continues to support this endeavour through the emergence of exceptional leadership from within and a genuinely challenging, well-resourced and enjoyable environment for all our valued employees, volunteers and partners.”

Pat said she wanted to acknowledge incoming chair Rob Brown “who volunteered significant hours ensuring a rigorous process achieved a great outcome with the CEO appointment”.

Rob was elected chair unopposed at the monthly Intereach Board meeting, held yesterday.

Pat said it was always her intention to step down as chair at the upcoming Intereach AGM in October, however the recruitment of a new CEO had “brought it forward”.

“This allows a new chair to start afresh with the new CEO, as opposed to me working closely with Rick for a few months and then standing down from the role. This just seemed like the sensible thing to do. I’ll obviously remain on the Board and support Rob and Rick with this transition.”

Pat also acknowledged the commitment, support and hard work of Acting CEO Yvette Buhagiar and General Managers Michelle Tai and Ashley Lythgo during the recruitment period.

“They ensured it was business as usual, while still facing the challenges of the pandemic. In fact, I would like to thank all staff and volunteers for their continued commitment to Intereach and their communities.”