New leader for centre

Robbie Millar is set to take on the role of acting chief executive of Wimmera Centre for Participation.

Mr Millar, who has been long-term centre manager of the community volunteer, promotions and advocacy agency, will step into the shoes of departing Julie Pettett later this month.

Centre for Participation board chair Ray Kingston said Mr Millar’s appointment was an opportunity to build on the organisation’s achievements, especially during challenging times.

“We know that in the wake of COVID-19 there’s a lot going on for every organisation at the moment and the board has every confidence in Robbie providing the stability and leadership we need,” he said.

“He has a wealth of experience and skills in this space and has contributed to the success of the Centre for Participation for many years.

“Combined with his recent completion of a Diploma in Governance, involvement at last year’s World Social Enterprise Forum and experience in collaborations that are key to working in this region, Robbie has the expertise to take the Centre for Participation forward.”

Mr Millar said he was excited by the opportunity to keep contributing to the Wimmera.

“It’s obviously a complicated time, but I’m looking forward to continuing to work with and support my local community,’ he said.

“Although the recent health crisis might have affected the way we go about doing things, our focus as an organisation hasn’t changed.

“We’ll keep exploring new ways to open up opportunities to participate, to help build a thriving, connected and resilient community.”

Mr Millar has a reputation for being able to comfortably work with the Wimmera’s broad socio-economic mix of people, from teenagers to business and cultural leaders.

Centre for Participation leaders will go through recruitment protocols for the position in the new year.

Ms Pettett has been the centre’s chief executive for the past nine years.

She is moving to Gladstone in

Queensland this week to join a migrant-inclusion organisation.

Ms Pettett said she was proud to have been part of an organisation that had such an impact on the community.

“It’s been an honour to see the Centre for Participation grow into a nationally recognised communitydevelopment organisation that’s at the heart of our regional community,” she said.

“There have been so many highlights, with participation increasing through a whole range of initiatives.

“The Volunteering Recognition Awards, which started in 2013, have been really important in acknowledging the work of our region’s incredible volunteers.

“We’ve also introduced the Good Governance program to help individuals and community organisations better understand governance, created new opportunities for migrant women, and seen people from all parts of our community get involved and participate through voluntary action.”

Ms Pettett said Centre for Participation had good foundations, networks and ‘wonderfully’ committed staff and volunteers – all the important ingredients for a strong future.

“I’m delighted to be moving on at a time when the Centre for Participation

is ready to develop its next strategic direction and in a great position to keep making even more of an impact for our local community,” she said.