Leadership change at Cultura as inaugural CEO steps down

CULTURA has this week announced the appointed of a new chief executive officer who will lead the multicultural organisation through its next stage of growth, as its incumbent CEO prepares to retire.

Peter Birkett will officially step into the top job on August 4.

He joins the organisation from Assisi Aged Care in Melbourne, where he has served as CEO since 2020. He has also previously been CEO at Hesse Rural Health in Winchelsea.

Mr Birkett will undertake a two-week handover with outgoing CEO Joy Leggo before she bids farewell to Cultura, the organisation she has led since its establishment in 2021, when Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) merged with Diversitat.

Cultura chair Gillian Costa said the organisation was thrilled to have Mr Birkett onboard and believed he will be a “great fit”.

“The Cultura board looks forward to the new appointment and watching Peter apply his leadership experience to strengthen and expand his contribution to multicultural communities in new and diverse ways.

“Peter also has a previous connection to Cultura having previously served on the board of MACS for a short period from 2019 to 2021 during the challenging COVID-19 years to provide clinical expertise.

“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.”

Ms Costa celebrated Mr Birkett’s experience and professional journey which includes a background in healthcare and banking, qualifications in commerce and business administration and an honorary appointment as senior adjunct lecturer at La Trobe University where he has contributed to international aged care research.

But, she said, the appointment also came with mixed emotions.

“Whilst we are thrilled to have Peter onboard, we are also bidding farewell to our esteemed friend and colleague, Joy Leggo, who has been instrumental in shaping the new entity Cultura,” Ms Costa said.

“For over 30 years, Joy has championed the expansion of care and support services to the diverse, multicultural sector in Geelong. Joy has been a driving force behind supporting an inclusive, engaged and harmonious multicultural Victoria.

“It’s not every day you meet someone as extraordinary as Joy. She is truly a force to be reckoned with and we will miss her creativity, loyalty, passion and bravery as a leader.”