New CEO hits the ground running at Encircle

An Order of Australia recipient with more than 30 years’ experience in advocacy, leadership, and management roles has been appointed the new Chief Executive Offer at Encircle Community Services.

Barb Power OAM started her new role at the not-for-profit organisation in July, and will oversee all of Encircle’s operations including the neighbourhood centres in Redcliffe, Kallangur, and Pine Rivers.

Each centre provides a wide range of services for people in need including the Homeless Outreach Access Program (HOAPE), housing assistance, legal services, financial advice and assistance, family support, counselling and family therapy, the Young Parents Program, Older Persons Action Program, and adult literacy.

“I am so thrilled to be here at Encircle because not only does the organisation fit with me and my values, but it is also an integral and authentic connection for people in the Moreton Bay community,” Barb says.

Barb brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as the national General Manager, Safeguarding at The Salvation Army, Statewide Child Safe Principal Practitioner at UnitingCare Queensland, Director of the Out Of Home Care Division in Central Australia for the Northern Territory Government, and a Zonal Manager for the Queensland Government.

In January 2024, she received an Order of Australia Medal for her service and dedication to child welfare organisations, which she says was a “very unexpected” surprise.

“To this day, I still don’t know who nominated me, but I am so honoured to have received this award,” Barb says.

“For me, it’s an acknowledgement of that sector; it’s an acknowledgement of the workers before me; it’s an acknowledgement of the workers after me; but most importantly, it’s an acknowledgement of the kids.”

Setting goals 

While she may have only been in the role for a few short weeks, Barb has already hit the ground running – and has several big goals she wants to achieve over the coming year.

“Throughout my career I have seen a lot of vulnerability, but I have also seen people overcome and get through the difficult times,” Barb says.

“I will see that again here, but I have an amazing team around me who have already been making big strides in helping those who need it most.

“I have already set myself several goals that I want to achieve in helping to improve the outcome for our clients and our community, including implementing our Reconciliation Action Plan to collaborate more closely with our local elders to move Encircle forward.

“Another issue of great importance is consumer participation and engagement. Inclusion is very important to me, and I believe people should always be in a position to say what they need to say and give feedback to influence the way, design, and progress of the things that are affecting their lives.”

The current housing and cost of living crisis is also of equal importance.

“Sadly, there are more people reaching out for help than ever before because of the cost-of-living crisis and the housing crisis,” Barb says.

“It is affecting so many people, including young people.

“The work we are already doing, particularly in the homelessness space and our child and family space, is so vital, and we would not be able to do that without the help of our partnerships with the City of Moreton Bay Council, the State Government, and the Federal Government.

“We also have some great relationships with groups and businesses in the community, who selflessly help when needed, like the recent Homelessness Week Collection partnership with Community Bank Samford, which was an enormous success.

“It is important we continue to work together to get the best possible outcomes for our Moreton Bay residents.”