New Executive Director of Centacare North Queensland 

After an extensive recruitment process, today Most Rev. Tim Harris, Bishop of Townsville has appointed Ms Paula Washington as the new Executive Director of Centacare North Queensland. Paula will take over after Mr Peter Monaghan resigned in November 2018 to take up a position of Chief Executive Office of Marist180 in Sydney.

Paula has been with Centacare North Queensland for the past 13 years. She was originally employed as the Manager of Family & Relationship Services and later went on to be the current Director – Strategy and Partnerships for the organisation.

Most Rev. Tim Harris said that he was very happy that Paula has accepted the position of Executive Director of Centacare North Queensland. “Paula was an outstanding candidate and showed a commitment to the organisation and Diocese.

Paula will be an excellent addition to the senior leadership of the Diocese, joining our established leaders in Mr Geoff Gowdie (Director Church Life and Mission Services), Mr Bob Witty (Financial Administrator) and Mrs Jacqui Francis (Executive Director – Townsville Catholic Education). I am very proud that I have some influential and dynamic women as part of my team.

Paula demonstrated a deep sense of willingness and openness to support the mission of Centacare North Queensland and a passion and enthusiasm for the work she has been doing and a desire to develop it further” Bishop Tim said.

Paula is very excited by the opportunity to lead Centacare North Queensland into the future as they celebrate 40 year in 2019. “For me it is important to continue to build upon the services Centacare North Queensland offer to the people of North Queensland.

I see this move as a deliberate commitment to a faith-based organisation which fits with my own personal values.

Our services to the community are delivered in a dignified and respectful way to support people on their own personal journey.

In this current time of recovery across North Queensland, it is important that Centacare North Queensland is there with people providing ongoing wellbeing support to those who feel isolated and helpless.”

Currently, Centacare in the Diocese of Townsville has about 160 staff with offices in Bowen, Cloncurry, Mt Isa, Normanton and Townsville. In addition, Centacare staff provide services in Richmond, Julia Creek, Palm Island, Collinsville, Charters Towers, Ingham and Ayr. 

For further information please contact Mr Neil Helmore, Townsville Diocesan Media Communications Officer on 0427 047 162 or email nhelmore@tsv.catholic.org.au

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