Lunch and Learn: building skills, confidence and community through food
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Welcoming our new chief operating officer, Josephine Rechichi
The Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) is delighted to welcome Josephine Rechichi as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Josephine’s appointment follows a highly competitive recruitment process that attracted 80 applications of an exceptionally high standard. Following two rounds of interviews conducted by a panel of Board and staff members, Josephine was selected for her extensive sector experience, outstanding leadership capabilities, and deep alignment with the ASC’s values.
For Josephine, stepping into this role feels like a natural progression.
“I was inspired to enter the role of COO as it felt like the right place to write the next chapter of my time in the sector supporting people seeking asylum,” shares Josephine.
“I acknowledge many of the previous leaders here at the ASC, whom I see as mentors.”
“I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps, contributing to the work of welcoming our community members and supporters, and being of service to the incredible team of service providers and volunteers at the ASC.”
Leadership and commitment to social justice
Josephine is a dedicated changemaker who brings more than 15 years of experience across refugee services, gender‑based violence response, community development, and organisational leadership.
Her recent senior roles at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia (including Acting Country Director, Assistant Country Director, and Head of Accompaniment and Service) demonstrate a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and guide organisations through periods of change with clarity, steadiness, and compassion.
In addition to her executive experience, Josephine has served for more than a decade as Secretary and Management Committee Member of Blacktown Area Community Centres Inc., providing oversight across strategy, policy, compliance, and HR.
Her earlier volunteer roles with Women’s Legal Services NSW and WASH House further reflect her long‑standing commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
At the ASC, she steps into a complex environment where frontline crisis support coexists with systemic advocacy.
“Unfortunately, Australia’s system is failing in significant ways.
“The policies setting we have to work within create barriers to safety, healing, integration and independence for those we serve.
“So whilst we provide highly specialised services at the frontline, we also keep in mind the bigger picture.
“I look forward to working with everyone at the ASC in taking up the fight for recognition, justice, rights and equity for those who yearn to call Australia home.”
Ensuring a seamless transition
In the past week, Josephine worked closely with outgoing COO Kylie Mackie for a smooth and well‑supported transition.
This ensures operational continuity, providing consistent and high-quality service for people seeking asylum in our community.
As Josephine steps into this vital role, her expertise will strengthen our operations and bolster our community of welcome.
“Our supporters, volunteers, partners, donors are active witnesses to welcome.”
“Together we are a community. In solidarity with those seeking protection, we can and do create real positive change.”
“Together we are able to maintain essential services, break down barriers, address isolation and stigma, and ensure that people seeking asylum are seen, heard, and acknowledged as valuable contributors to our society.”
