After nearly five years of extraordinary service, Kirsty Robertson has recently announced her resignation from her role as CEO of Caritas Australia, effective from 9th August 2024.
To ensure a smooth transition, Kirsten Sayers will take on the role of interim CEO from 12th August, taking leave from her current position on the Caritas Australia Board. Kirsten will hold the interim role for up to six months while the Board recruits for a permanent appointment to the role.
During her time as CEO, Kirsty stewarded the organisation through a pandemic and transitioned to new governance with the incorporation of Caritas Australia. She also led the organisation through a significant period of growth, where responses to emerging and escalating challenges were required. This includes the increased need for climate responses, supporting those impacted by significant global conflicts, and addressing pandemic impacts on developing countries, as well as the Ukraine war for which over $5 million was raised.
Regarding her tenure, Robert Fitzgerald AM, Chair of Caritas Australia, said; “Throughout our 60 years we have been privileged to have had some outstanding CEOs, Kirsty Robertson being one of the most admired. She personifies what Caritas represents in her unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of those most marginalised. We collectively thank Kirsty for her tireless commitment, inspiring leadership, and powerful advocacy for the Church’s social teachings.”
Bishop of Parramatta, Vincent Long, who held the position of Chair of Caritas Australia until September 2020 said of Kirsty’s leadership; “To be a leader is to be a servant. A Gospel principle Kirsty has embodied as a tireless servant of the world’s most vulnerable. We humbly thank Kirsty for her service as we look ahead to a new chapter that will undoubtedly build on her vital contributions.”
Caritas Australia board member and Archbishop of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge, added that “Being appointed to the Caritas Australia board during Kirsty’s tenure has been a real privilege. Her passion for supporting the world’s most vulnerable will endure in the hearts of everyone Kirsty has worked with and has been felt throughout the Church community here in Australia.”
During her time as CEO of Caritas Australia, Kirsty has travelled to meet partners across the world, from Ethiopia, to Vietnam and Timor-Leste. She leaves behind a legacy of close relationships, as well as a more highly skilled team ready to face future challenges and embrace future opportunities.
Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia, said of her time, “I have cherished the opportunity to lead this incredible agency and witness our collective achievements over the past five years. Together, we have faced challenges head-on, celebrated victories, and continually pushed the boundaries of what we can achieve in service to the world’s poor. I depart feeling it has been an honour and privilege to work alongside such talented individuals who are dedicated to Caritas’ mission, and confident the agency will thrive under their continued guidance.”
Kirsty Robertson previously held various positions at Caritas Australia including Pacific Programs Coordinator and Communications Group Leader. She was CEO at Mary MacKillop Today and held numerous leadership roles in other faith-based aid and development organisations.
Kirsten was appointed to the Caritas Australia board in May 2023, and was selected for her extensive experience as a CEO in non-government organisations including RedR Australia for ten years, a humanitarian aid and logistics agency and recently as CEO of Inclusion Foundation, a family charity dedicated to disability inclusion.
Updates on the appointment of a permanent CEO of Caritas Australia will be made in due course.
