Opening up our next chapter
On 1st of October 2023 McAuley Community Services for Women (McAuley) became part of MacKillop Family Services (MacKillop) forming a single entity under the existing MacKillop ABN.
The McAuley name and brand remains, and existing programs continue, with Jocelyn Bignold OAM retaining the role of CEO, supported by McAuley’s executive team.
In recent years there have been changes at Board level resulting from our founders, the Sisters of Mercy, transitioning to lay governance. The Mercy Community Services Australia Limited Board took the decision that the community service organisations established by the Sisters of Mercy should be combined, in an effort to streamline governance and maximise the benefits of collaboration.
McAuley’s history of innovation and advocacy, and our commitment to an integrated approach, will continue, as will our focus on women and children experiencing family violence and homelessness. Our advocacy, fundraising and engagement with stakeholders and clients will also continue under the McAuley banner.
In most respects it is ‘business as usual’ with little visible change in how we go about our day-to-day work. The change will be seen mostly in behind-the-scenes support and operations, where our capacity will be expanded.
McAuley and MacKillop have held a close partnership in several areas for many years. This change will allow for a closer alignment of those functions while also bringing about a greater ability for McAuley to grow services.
MacKillop provides services for children and families through out-of-home care, education support and disability services. Their work and principles closely match with those of McAuley and share a common origin rooted in the work of Catherine McAuley.