Former disability sector chief takes the reins at Cultura

A GEELONG multicultural organisation has finally secured a permanent leader, ending a challenging search that saw an initial appointment fall through last year.

Cultura announced on Monday that Geelong local and former disability sector executive Jess Harper will take the helm as chief executive on 15 June.

The appointment marks the end of a long transitional period for the organisation, which began in February last year when founding CEO Joy Leggo announced her retirement.

Leggo had led Cultura since its 2021 inception – created through the merger of Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) and Diversitat – after 27 years leading MACS.

The search for a permanent successor has taken more than 12 months.

While a replacement was initially announced in April last year, a “change in circumstances” meant the appointment did not proceed.

The organisation subsequently appointed former deputy CEO Rebecca Smith as interim leader while a new recruitment process took place.

Cultura chair Gillian Costa said Harper’s local knowledge and background as CEO of the national peak body, Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA), made him a strong fit for the role.

“Jess is an experienced chief executive whose career spans not–for–profit, government, disability, membership, and commercial organisations,” Costa said.

“His local knowledge coupled with his familiarity with our organisation and commitment to culturally inclusive care and services makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Cultura into its next chapter.”

Harper, who also held senior roles within the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), said he was honoured to lead the provider into its next phase.

“Cultura’s values and purpose deeply resonate with me,” he said.

“I look forward to working alongside the team as we take Cultura into its next phase of growth, high-quality service delivery and connection with the communities we serve.”