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Chief Executive Officer - Bunbury

Waratah Support Centre

Waratah’s Story

Waratah Support Centre operates in the South-West Region and provides free, specialised therapeutic counselling, support and intervention services for adults and children who have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse and/or family and domestic violence.  

The birth of Waratah began in November 1980 when a group of women began the long eleven year haul of lobbying government in an effort to establish a sexual assault centre for the South West Region. This group became a constituted body and incorporated in 1981.

The genesis of Waratah as a name came after much discussion between those involved in the Centre. The Waratah is a native flower which, when burnt and seemingly destroyed by bush fire, grows back and flowers again. It is a symbol of gentleness, beauty and resilience. Its colour is an intense red, red as blood, which links the flower with our heart; and the green is the symbol of life and growth.

Usually the flower is a deep red, but occasionally a white one can be found. However, in the Dreamtime, all Waratahs were white. The Dreamtime story tells how the female Wonga pigeon, injured by the hawk, bled from her heart to the white flowers, transforming them to red.

The symbolism of regeneration, healing and strength is one which survivors of family and domestic violence and sexual assault can rightly lay claim.

Fast forward to 2021, and Waratah is celebrating its 40th year, looking back proudly at all the women who worked so tirelessly in establishing a safe place for women and children to recover and heal. At the same time looking forward, by being a part of the solution to eliminate violence in our community, along with, strengthening our capacity to shape trauma informed, person centred and best practice responses to Family and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in the South West.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board of Management and provides governance, marketing, administrative, finance, human resource and asset management functions to the organisation. The role ensures required National, State, legislative and Regulatory as well as service standards are maintained in order to achieve the organisation’s goals and objectives in a cost-effective manner consistent with the ETHOS and Constitution. A clinical and or corporate background in sexual assault, sexual abuse and/or domestic violence counselling is desirable. 

This opportunity would suit a person who has experience in the human services industry; strong governance, leadership and administrative skills; knowledge of the region; committed to working with a dedicated team of professionals and desire to make a difference in the community. Being domiciled in the Bunbury locality is seen as an advantage.

For further information regarding the position please contact Liz Phillips 0417 812 363.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for the position, please respond to the following six criteria, in no more than 4 pages:

  • An understanding of family and domestic violence and sexual assault consistent with widely accepted theories and therapeutic interventions and in keeping with the philosophical position of the organisation.
  • Demonstrated management skills with a values driven leadership style and experience in a not-for-profit community organisation.
  • Demonstrated skill in financial management and budgeting, including overseeing funding body financial reporting requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability in human resource management with an understanding of, and commitment to OSH and Equal Opportunity principles and practices.
  • Ability to build and sustain strong networks within the human services sector and with government funding agencies.
  • Understanding of issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from CALD backgrounds with a commitment to Reconciliation and an ability to develop relationships with local communities.

How to apply

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