Director – Centacare, Central West & Orana, Catholic Diocese of Bathurst

Are you seeking a rare opportunity to:

• Lead the social services mission of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst?
• Guide 110+ staff delivering vital services across the Central West region of NSW?
• Shape Centacare’s next chapter of strategy, sustainability and governance transition?

 Led by Bishop Michael McKenna, the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst is a diverse mix of mountain ranges to the east, rolling tablelands through the Central West, sprawling plains to the north-west, and thriving regional and rural communities throughout, with major regional centres including Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst, Mudgee, Cowra and Lithgow.

Centacare is the official social services arm of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst providing a range of professional services to assist individuals, families, children, and communities in the Central West and Orana region of New South Wales. It is a not-for-profit agency, a registered charity and carries Public Benevolent Institution status. Centacare’s services are available to people throughout the community.

Established in 1988, Centacare expresses the social mission of the Catholic Church throughout the Diocese. Inspired by Jesus Christ and Catholic Social Teaching, it provides professional services that empower individuals, families, children and communities to thrive.

Centacare has five offices: Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Lithgow and Coonabarabran. Annual income is approx. $8m and there are more than 110 staff members.

Programs

Our wide range of programs includes:

• Family Relationship Services
• Mental Health Services
• Pre-Marriage Education
• Family Dispute Resolution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Schools Wellbeing Program
• Family Law Pathways
• Community Outreach Wellbeing Support
• Aged Care Visitors Scheme
• Outside of School Hours Care
• Home Interaction for Parents and Youngsters
• Early Childhood & Community Programs

Strategic Direction

Centacare’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan focusses on three interconnected themes: Our Communities, Our People and Our Systems.

Its priorities include ensuring services remain responsive to community needs; strengthening Centacare as an employer of choice; investing in staff capability; and maintaining robust safeguarding, quality, cyber security, governance and financial systems.

Living in Bathurst

Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland European settlement, located on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, and offers a strong cultural identity and lifestyle for residents of all ages.

The Bathurst region is home to approx. 45,000 people and appeals to those who want a balanced and affordable lifestyle, strong community values, access to good education and work opportunities, a touch of heritage and culture, and the outdoors — all without the hustle, expense and congestion of major metropolitan living.

Further Information

Further information is available from https://centacarecwo.org.au/ The 2024/2025 Annual Report can also be accessed from the website.

We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of Australia, the traditional custodians of the land, seas, skies and waterways on which we reside, work, travel and meet. We pay our respect to First Nations elders past, present, and emerging.

 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, video or audio recordings.

Position Overview

Position Title: Director

Reports to: Bishop of Bathurst/ Trustees (through Advisory Council)

Position Purpose

The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, governance support and executive management of Centacare. The role provides strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure Centacare delivers high-quality, sustainable and compliant services that are consistent with its mission, values and obligations to the Diocese, funding bodies and the wider community.

The incoming Director will also play an important role in supporting Centacare’s possible future plans to transition to an incorporated governance structure and working with the future Board.

Key Responsibilities

Accountabilities include:

• Strategic leadership and governance
• Service and operational oversight
• Financial stewardship
• People and Culture
• Compliance, Safeguarding and Risk

At a later stage in this project, you will be provided a position description and the 2025 to 2028 Strategic Plan. You will also be briefed on the success criteria for the first 12 months in the role.

Key Relationships

The Director works with a high level of autonomy within delegated authority and is accountable to the Bishop and Trustees through the Advisory Council. The Director leads a multidisciplinary organisation of more than 110 staff and is supported by a senior leadership team comprising seven direct reports.

An organisation chart will be provided at a later stage in this project.

Reason for Vacancy

The Director, Robert George, is stepping down at the end of 2026. Robert has devoted more than 26 years to Centacare, the last 18 years as Director.

Commencement

While negotiable, it is anticipated the new Director will commence in December this year or January 2027.

Location and Travel

The central office is 107 William Street, Bathurst. The nature of the role requires the Director to travel within the Diocese, primarily to Centacare offices in Orange, Dubbo, Lithgow and Coonabarabran.

Conditions of Employment

• The remuneration package will be discussed as we move through this process.
• As a Public Benevolent Institution, Centacare provides access to salary packaging benefits, which may increase the net value of the remuneration package. Currently up to $15,900, FBT exempt Meal and Entertainment Card up to $2,650, and novated lease packaging with pre and post-tax contributions.
• The initial contract period is five years with a review at the end of the fourth year. The standard 6-month probation period applies.
• Relocation assistance is available.
• As a Centacare employee, you will have access to the Fitness Passport benefit
• Additional paid leave (days between Boxing Day and the New Year’s Day)
• Applicants will require a current Driver Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
• Prior to appointment the successful applicant will possess a current, approved Working With Children Check and obtain clearance with a National Police Check.

Child protection: As part of your role, you will be working with children. It is your obligation to always ensure their safety and report any concerns that you have, in line with our duty of care obligations. You will be required to regularly provide the necessary working with children, police records and reference checks. Centacare has zero tolerance when it comes to abuse of any kind and will take disciplinary action, including and up to termination of employment, should we determine that abuse has taken place or there has been a failure to report any suspected or alleged abuse.

Selection Criteria

We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:

• Commitment to and practise of the Catholic faith
• Willingness to work within the Catholic identity and ethos of Centacare and the capacity to provide leadership consistent with Centacare’s identity, mission and values
• Senior leadership experience within a not-for-profit, human services or community-based organisation
• Capacity to lead a complex organisation in changing funding and regulatory environments
• Strong understanding of governance and accountability with proven financial management and organisational leadership capability
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Relevant tertiary qualifications combined with a track record of continuing professional development.

Are You Interested?

If you are interested in this role, please use the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this webpage; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1590-75. All we require at the outset is a resume, email address and mobile telephone number. No other documentation is required from you to express your interest.

 All emails and resumes are acknowledged within 48 hours. Please contact us again if this does not occur.

Questions can be directed to Lauren Minter (0421 364 240), John Chesher (0417 068 220) or by email to jobs@traksearch.com

If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our weekly email alerts.

The Selection Process

The timeline for this project is as follows:

We have been instructed to provide a process that is transparent and welcoming.

• We are available for your confidential enquiries. We will also provide additional information to allow you to explore how the role aligns with your expectations and interests.
• Closing is 5.00pm on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the Diocesan schedule.
• We expect to complete one work-related reference and one faith-based reference with a Catholic parish priest before shortlisting. We anticipate speaking with another work-related referee between shortlisting and interviews; with final references completed in the final stages of the process. No referee will be contacted without your express consent.
• While a face-to-face meeting is preferred, the selection committee will provide an option of an online interview in circumstances where a person is unable to visit for the initial meeting.
• Please be aware our standard practice utilises the services of an external specialist in pre-employment screening. This service includes employment history verification; National Police Check; and academic qualifications and professional memberships verification.
• Prior to the shortlisting process, information provided to Trak Search will be made available, in confidence, to the Bishop or his nominees, unless you instruct otherwise.
• For more information on our process click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
• Only people with the unrestricted right to work in Australia may apply for this role.
• People are contacted and discussions commence soon after applications are received. We do not wait until the close date. There are advantages in applying immediately.

Trak Search strongly supports the principles of equal employment opportunities in the workplace. We support our clients in recruiting a diverse range of people and a diverse range of talents.

 Trak Search is committed to working with client organisations in the safeguarding of children and young people. Applicants should be aware that in addition to the Working with Children and National Police History Checks required by our client, Trak Search screening processes, interview questions and reference checking will also reflect this commitment.

You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.