OrganisationsAnnouncementsAugust 2024

Western Australian human services organisation PeopleKind Group has appointed respected sector leader Mark Fitzpatrick to the role of Group Chief Executive Officer. Mr Fitzpatrick takes on the position from Gordon Trewern who is retiring after almost four decades with the Group during its evolution from Nulsen to PeopleKind Group.

The Group is the parent company to organisations that deliver a diverse range of services including housing, disability services, allied health, justice, child protection, reintegration, and training.

PeopleKind Group Chairperson Evelyn Hogg said the ability to attract and appoint an executive of the calibre of Mr Fitzpatrick was strong validation of PeopleKind and the positive contribution it makes to support the Western Australian community.

Mr Fitzpatrick has more than 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit and community services sectors including in his current role as the CEO of Telethon Speech and Hearing since 2017 and also as the head of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

“Mark’s combination of extensive leadership experience and strategic vision will be extremely valuable to PeopleKind Group in the future direction and growth of our organisation,” Ms Hogg said.

“His commitment to community service is evident through his career history and advisory roles, a commitment that aligns with the PeopleKind purpose of empowering people to live their best life.”

Mr Fitzpatrick will take on the role from November and said he was excited to be joining the Group which had been built on the 70 year experience of the respected disability services provider Nulsen and 60 year experience of justice and reintegration provider Outcare.

“The breadth of the services the organisations within PeopleKind provide and the contribution they make are inspiring and I look forward to playing a positive and enabling role as chief executive,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

Retiring Group CEO Gordon Trewern joined Nulsen as a support worker in 1982 and rose to CEO in 1994 before becoming the inaugural Group Chief Executive Officer of PeopleKind Group in 2022.

Mr Trewern has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to the changing business environment. He has overseen the organisation’s growth from a $3.7 million disability accommodation and services provider as Nulsen Haven in 1994, caring for 41 people with disability to a $106 million human services diversified Group, supporting over 3,900 people annually with complex needs.

“Gordon’s contribution to PeopleKind Group and Nulsen Disability Services has been outstanding. His passion and dedication have seen him become not only a leader for us but a powerful advocate for people with disability and others facing life challenges both in Western Australia and nationally,” Ms Hogg said.