Strengthening our future: Kylie Mackie appointed Chief Operating Officer

As the Asylum Seekers Centre builds on its proud legacy of supporting people seeking asylum with compassion and strength, we continue to evolve and grow. As such, we are excited to announce the creation of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role.

This role will lead Services and Engagement, IT, People and Culture, bringing together our frontline and support services under a single individual. This will help ensure our work is efficient, trauma-informed, and supportive of the people we serve. It will also enhance the leadership capacity of our CEO, enabling ASC to amplify its voice externally while maintaining excellence internally.

We are delighted to share that Kylie Mackie has been appointed as ASC’s new COO.

Kylie brings over 12 years of leadership experience in the human services sector, and has served as ASC’s Head of Services and Engagement for the past two years. During this time, she has strengthened ASC’s service foundations by introducing a clear client eligibility framework, developing robust self-harm and suicide prevention policies and procedures, and redesigning our referral and registration processes to create a smoother, more supportive client experience. She also launched a new housing program in partnership with Sisters of Charity, introduced community consultations across services, and helped secure additional funding for our Health Clinic, expanding its capacity to meet the growing needs of our community.

With qualifications in Psychology, Education, and Management, Kylie has successfully strengthened organisational systems, secured funding and partnerships, and driven positive social outcomes through community-centred practice.

Asylum Seekers Centre CEO, Elijah Buol OAM, said: “Kylie’s deep knowledge of ASC services, her commitment to our mission, and her proven leadership make her the ideal person to take on this expanded responsibility. This is an important milestone in ASC’s growth with the creation of our COO position.”

Asylum Seekers Centre Incoming COO, Kylie Mackie, said: “I am honoured to step into this role and to work alongside our remarkable staff and volunteers, whose compassion and dedication make real, tangible differences in the lives of people seeking asylum. Together, we will strengthen ASC’s services and operations, build programs that meet evolving needs, and create pathways to safety, belonging, and opportunity. I am inspired by the resilience of the people we support and committed to ensuring that ASC remains a place where everyone is seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.”

Kylie will formally transition into the COO role on 15 December 2025.

Please join us in congratulating Kylie on this appointment. With your support, ASC will continue to build an organisation that sustains its impact for years to come.