After eight incredible years as Perth City Farm’s first CEO, our dear Kathleen is moving on to a new chapter this month.
We’ll miss her dearly, but we’re so grateful for the heart, humour, and vision she’s brought to the Farm. Kathleen has left an incredible mark on our community, and her belief in what Perth City Farm can be has shaped us in so many ways.
Here’s a note from our founder, Rosanne Scott.
“I first met Kathleen one Saturday in 2010 when she volunteered at the Farm’s markets, working as the barista. Not long after, she announced she was leaving for Canada. I was excited for her adventure but sorry to see her go. In Canada, she worked on a project much like the Farm, where she honed her skills in social enterprise.
I reconnected with Kathleen in 2016, just as I was forming a new Management Committee for the Farm, and I invited her to join. From the outset, she showed a deep love for the Farm, integrity, strong value alignment, and great intelligence. I came to value her clear thinking and thoughtful perspective. In 2017, when I felt I couldn’t take the Farm further, I proposed to the Committee that Kathleen step into the role of CEO.
Since then, Kathleen has been an extraordinary leader and a true champion for the Farm. She has strengthened the organisation and guided us with vision, compassion, and determination. During the challenges of COVID, she steered us through a bleak time with grace, supporting staff, volunteers, stall holders, and customers alike.
Over these eight-plus years, Kathleen has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours, creating fundraising events, leading with creativity, and putting deep care into her work. She has a wonderful sense of humour and approaches even the hardest situations with kindness and love. Thanks to her, the Farm now thrives with two fantastic social enterprises, a strong and dedicated staff team, and a culture where our values of Kindness, Positivity, and Creativity are truly lived.
Dearest Kathleen, thank you for all you have given. You leave the Farm in excellent shape, and we are all the richer for your leadership. May you enjoy a well-earned rest, and I look forward to seeing the next bright chapter of your life unfold. The world is a better place for having you in it.”
Photo by Luke Riley Creative