General News
24 January, 2023
Farewell for Woodbine CEO
Friday was a bittersweet day for the community as Woodbine’s Bernie O’Connor was farewelled. The lunchtime barbecue at The Hanger (the old Woodbine school building) was attended by almost 150 people who gathered to celebrated Mr O’Connor’s...
Friday was a bittersweet day for the community as Woodbine’s Bernie O’Connor was farewelled.
The lunchtime barbecue at The Hanger (the old Woodbine school building) was attended by almost 150 people who gathered to celebrated Mr O’Connor’s 12 years of service to the organisation and the community.
Yarriambiack Shire mayor Cr Kylie Zanker thanked Mr O’Connor for his years of services, both to Woodbine and to the community.
"When you came to Woodbine, you immersed yourself in the Woodbine community and and how things unfold for participants,” Cr Zanker said.
“You also worked to build a better place for everyone to live.
"On behalf of our community, my fellow councillors, everyone here today, congratulations on 12 years of service and thank you so much for what you’ve given to our community.”
Woodbine patron, Louise Manifold, said the changes to buildings and programs during Mr O’Connor’s time at Woodbine were “extraordinary”.
“I think it was an extraordinarily fortunate day when Bernie and Karen turned up here at Woodbine,” Ms Manifold said.
“I came up last October and went for a tour through the entire facility, which I hadn’t done for quite some time.
“I could see all the changes that have taken place since he’s been here: the building programs, the extension of all the programs that are offered to all the clients.
"I could see the way the whole place worked and it was really deeply impressive.
“The thing that I’ve most appreciated about Bernie is that his focus has always been on the clients and their welfare – what could be done for them and their families – which is also an extraordinary important part of the whole deal.“
Sharon Brown was elected by the administration and management staff to speak on their behalf and said Mr O’Connor had recontructed the organisation into "a family".
“It’s fair to say when the announcement was made that Bernie had been appointed as CEO for Woodbine, there were some mixed responses among staff,” Ms Brown said.
“Some didn’t know him at all so were cautiously optimistic for a new start.
"Others knew him and were excited.
"Then there were those who knew of him by sight only and wondered why someone who, to them, appeared grumpy would be chosen.
“Your decisions have not always been popular and others have not always agreed with you or you with them, but there is no denying your passion for seeing the people we support achieve their best.
"You are unique – you are like no other CEO I have worked alongside.”
Woodbine junior vice-president, past president and life member Ian Penny said when the position of chief executive became vacant in November 2011, Mr O’Connor was the first choice.
“He was the standout candidate and was duly appointed Woodbine CEO and commenced on January 9 2012,” Mr Penny said.
“It’s almost impossible to summarise this in a space of a few minutes: the contribution and the legacy that Bernie is leaving behind.”
Mr O’Connor, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Warracknabeal and the district fire brigade, plans to retire in the town with wife Karen and take up volunteering in other local community projects.
The board of management of Woodbine has announced the appointment of Jason Minter as Mr O’Connor’s successor.
Mr Minter started work with Woodbine on January 9 this year.