Voters reject fear and division, now it’s time to get to work
The election outcome over the weekend was a rejection of the politics of fear and division. In his acceptance speech,… Read More
The Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) announced today that Frances Rush OAM is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer after 10 years in the role.
Frances has been an integral part of the ASC since its inception 32 years ago, first as a volunteer, then as a staff member, donor, supporter, board member, and finally as the CEO.
Her decade as CEO has been a period of growth and success through often difficult circumstances. Through three prime ministers, a pandemic, a cost of living crisis, horrendous wars abroad, and awful rhetoric here at home, Frances has helped:
- Develop partnerships, including with other agencies, arts institutions, unions, hospitals and others. These partnerships help enable us to serve the amount of people we do
- Lead the Covid pandemic crisis response, including adjusting and in some cases radically changing our services to be more responsive and appropriate for the unique challenges faced by people seeking asylum
- Increase our volunteer base and doubled the number of people seeking asylum we support every year, including opening a new Centre in Auburn
- Add systemic change and advocacy capabilities and profile to our frontline support
Peter Waters, Chair of the Board at ASC, said: “Frances’ contribution to the ASC has been immense, her commitment incomparable, her compassion and determination to make a difference awe-inspiring.
“Everyone involved with the ASC – clients, staff, volunteers, supporters, and board members including myself – have been incredibly lucky to benefit from both Frances’ leadership and her lifelong commitment to people seeking asylum.
“This is a time of change in our organisation, but our foundations remain strong, powered by the incredible, ineffable spirit that has flowed through the Centre since its inception. I am proud to lead a strong and stable board that I am confident will appoint a new CEO who will lead the ASC through its next phase of development while continuing to provide vital services to people seeking asylum.”
Frances Rush OAM, CEO of ASC, said: “This is undoubtedly the most difficult decision I have ever made, which is a reflection of the immense sense of pride, privilege, and responsibility I have felt in being CEO for the past decade.
“I have loved being part of the ASC community, and consider myself immensely fortunate to have been part of this organisation for so long.
“My passion for supporting people seeking asylum and refugees isn’t diminished. It has been my life’s work and I will continue advocating for and supporting the community.”
The Board has begun a comprehensive process of recruiting a new CEO, and Frances will remain in post to help ensure a smooth and successful transition.
