Cultura turns to familiar face as CEO transition stalls

GEELONG multicultural organisation Cultura is facing another leadership shake-up, following the retirement of its inaugural chief executive last month.

In April, the organisation announced Peter Birkett would make the shift from Assisi Aged Care in Melbourne to step into the top job in early August, replacing inaugural CEO Joy Leggo.

But after what a Cultura spokesperson described as a “change in circumstances”, this never took place, and Rebecca Smith, Cultura’s former deputy CEO, who left the organisation 12 months ago to join Portland District Health, has instead returned to the fold.

She will serve as interim CEO while Cultura’s board undertakes a new recruitment process for a permanent chief.

Ms Smith’s newly added profile on Cultura’s website states her appointment will allow “continuity” while the search for new leadership continues.

Cultura chair Gillian Costa said Ms Smith’s pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s foundations and deep knowledge of its history made her the ideal choice for the role.

“We are thrilled to have Rebecca onboard in this crucial leadership role as she comes with a specific skillset, strong passion and deep understanding of care governance, which aligns well with Cultura’s purpose, values and vision,” she said.

“Having Rebecca already know our history and having her already play such a key role in creating some of the foundational pieces of work that underpin the merged organisation over the years, combined with her knowledge and exceptional leadership skills, means our organisation is in very capable hands.

“Multicultural care is a complex space, and we need someone who is abreast of all the sector reforms taking place whilst continuing to provide the best care and services, in line with regulatory compliance across the multiple sectors from settlement, aged care, youth, community services and community engagement.”