1/03/2021
MDAS CEO announcement
MDAS announces new CEO
Mallee District Aboriginal Services has announced Jacqualyn (Jacki) Turfrey has been permanently appointed as Chief Executive Officer.
After a national search and an independent recruitment process, the Board and Executive Director of MDAS announced today the appointment of Ms Turfrey, a proud Palawa woman and Mildura barrister. Ms Turfrey has been acting in the role for the past six months.
MDAS Interim Chairman Damien Murray said the appointment of Ms Turfrey was an important milestone in reforming the organisation.
“Jacki brings the skills, expertise and knowledge we need to continue our reform agenda to make MDAS a Culturally strong and respected organisation,” Mr Murray said.
“We are building MDAS into an organisation that draws its strength from Mobs across the Mallee, achieves the best outcomes with our people, and supports its staff to thrive – during her time as Acting CEO, Jacki has already made a big impact on those measures,” he said.
Ms Turfrey has a track record of working in positions supporting Aboriginal Communities to achieve their goals, including in Koori justice and supporting First Nations to negotiate Native Title as well as with the Victorian community and State Government to take the first steps towards Treaties.
Throughout her career, Jacki has demonstrated the highest commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability. She brings a strong track record in governance from her roles as a senior executive at the National Australia Bank and on the boards of Aboriginal Housing Victoria, Worawa Aboriginal College, and the Mallee Catchment Management Authority.
MDAS Executive Director Jill Gallagher said Ms Turfrey had a deep understanding of the aspirations of Aboriginal Communities combined with strong commercial and community experience.
“VACCHO will continue to work with MDAS in implementing its reform agenda, and we’re confident MDAS will continue to go from strength to strength from here,” Ms Gallagher said.
“It can be unsettling to have change at the top, but the MDAS staff have been wonderful in their positivity and their commitment to clients and community through this time,” she said.
“We now have a structure in place that will be a foundation to continue the terrific progress that’s been made so far, and we’re confident that MDAS will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Pictured: MDAS CEO Jacki Turfrey