Cultura announces leadership transition as familiar face returns

Geelong multicultural organisation Cultura is set to undergo a significant leadership change with the upcoming retirement of Chief Executive Officer Joy Leggo OAM, paving the way for a new figurehead.

Cultura offers a variety of support services in the greater Geelong region, including settlement services, youth and community programs, aged care, and community services.

The organisation emerged in 2022 following the merger of two of Geelong’s largest and longest serving multicultural organisations, Diversitat and Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS).

Ms Leggo has been a pivotal figure in the organisation’s history, guiding Cultura through the merger, while shaping an inclusive and harmonious multicultural community in the region. She was Chief Executive of MACS since its establishment in 1994.

“For over 30 years, Joy has championed the expansion of care and support services to the diverse, multicultural sector in Geelong. Joy has been a driving force behind supporting an inclusive, engaged and harmonious multicultural Victoria,” Chair of Cultura Board, Director Gillian Costa, said.

“It’s not every day you meet someone as extraordinary as Joy. She truly is a force to be reckoned with and we will miss her creativity, loyalty, passion and bravery as a leader.”

Ms Leggo announced her retirement in November, ending a decorated career that also included stints with Sirovilla Retirement Village and Aged and Community Services Australia.

In recognition of her contributions towards the community, Joy was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2023 for her volunteer and professional contributions in the aged care and community services fields.

“It’s very humbling,” she told the Geelong Independent in 2023.

“When you think someone or some people have taken the time to nominate you, and to recognise the work that you’ve done, when I’ve done that work because I wanted to do that work.”

Stepping into the role of CEO will be Peter Birkett. He brings a wealth of experience in health and aged care leadership, having previously served as CEO at Italian not-for-profit Assisi Aged Care in Melbourne and Hesse Rural Health in Winchelsea.

He also has a history with Cultura, having served on the MACS Board from 2019 to 2021, providing clinical expertise during the challenging COVID-19 years.

“His familiarity with our organisation and commitment to culturally inclusive care and services makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Cultura into its next chapter,” Ms Costa added.

“We are thrilled to have Peter onboard and believe he will be a great fit with our organisation.”

Mr Birkett’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of Business Administration, and completion of the Oxford University SAID Executive Advanced Management and Leadership Program.

He has also completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course and holds an honorary appointment as Senior Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University, contributing to international aged care research.

Mr Birkett will officially commence his role as CEO on Monday, August 4, with a two-week handover period alongside outgoing CEO Ms Leggo.