Intereach celebrates milestones and future vision at AGM

Above: Intereach directors (from back left) Alison Maclean, Andrew Johnstone, Noel Graham, Hamish Bull; (front left) Annette Radford, Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar, Rob Brown and Pat Fogarty.  

Intereach has reaffirmed its commitment to building strong, connected communities at its annual general meeting on Thursday 23 October, marking a year of growth, impact and leadership transition.

After four years as chair, Rob Brown stepped down from the role as part of a planned leadership succession. Mr Brown will continue to serve as a valued member of the Board, which he joined 14 years ago, reflecting on his time at the helm with pride and gratitude.

“It’s been a fabulous journey and I feel incredibly grateful and privileged to work with the executive and board of such an incredible organisation,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown said the board was proud to oversee key milestones, including the launch of the Intereach Growth Strategy, strengthening long-term sustainability and social impact.

Following the AGM, newly elected director Alison Maclean was voted in as the new chair. A skilled strategist and change agent, Ms Maclean brings extensive experience across the government and community sectors to the position.

The AGM saw Ms Maclean, as well as Pamela Macdonald, officially elected to the Board while Pat Fogarty and Annette Radford were re-elected.

The 2024–25 Annual Report was also formally presented, highlighting a year of significant progress as Intereach delivered services to more than 35,000 people across 38 local government areas.

Key achievements included:

• Launching the Intereach Growth Strategy to strengthen long-term sustainability and social impact.
• Advancing environmental partnerships through the Intereach Environmental Strategy and One Tree Per Child program.
• Starting the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program, which supported more than 1000 people in its first year.
• Launching a Gender Equality Strategy, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and Purchased Leave initiative to enhance workplace wellbeing.
• Unveiling the third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in Mildura alongside Mallee District Aboriginal Services.

Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar said Intereach is continuing to evolve while staying true to its vision of strong, connected communities.