Message from CEO Lawson Dixon
Over the past 20 months, the Leeuwin community has been through one of the most difficult periods in the Foundation’s history. From Voluntary Administration, to the collision alongside in Fremantle, through repairs, refit works and rebuilding operational capability, there were certainly moments when the future felt uncertain.
It is important to acknowledge that the challenges facing LOAF did not begin with the collision. The organisation was already under considerable pressure following COVID, operational disruption, governance gaps and financial strain. The loss of the ship from service only added to that pressure.
Looking around the organisation today, though, it is remarkable how far we have come.
The ship is back in Fremantle, and ready to head North. Voyages are underway again. Volunteers are returning, new people are getting involved, and there is a renewed sense of energy around the place. The Volunteer Experience Days, Volunteer Work Groups, an invigorated Leeuwin Lines, and the ongoing work of the Volunteer Engagement Group are all helping reconnect people with the ship and with each other.
Behind the scenes, a huge amount of work has also gone into strengthening the organisation itself. Better financial systems, clearer accountability, stronger governance and improved operational discipline are all part of ensuring that LOAF never again finds itself in such a vulnerable position. Passion and goodwill remain at the heart of Leeuwin, but they must be supported by strong systems and sustainable management if the Foundation is to thrive long into the future.
What makes me most proud is the people. Volunteers, Watch Leaders, crew, both ship and shore, and supporters have continued to step forward time and again to help stay the course, often quietly and without recognition. That spirit is what carried Leeuwin through.
As many of you know, I will be stepping down as CEO at the end of June. My focus over the coming weeks is on supporting an orderly handover and ensuring the organisation is well positioned for its next chapter.
I am delighted to welcome Joanne Lynch as the Foundation’s incoming CEO. Joanne brings significant leadership experience and a strong appreciation for the role Leeuwin plays in the lives of young people and the wider community. There will be a more detailed introduction from Chair Lee Goddard elsewhere in this edition of Leeuwin Lines, but I know you will join me in making Joanne feel welcome as she begins this next chapter with the Foundation.
People occasionally ask what comes next for me. The honest answer is that I am keeping an open mind. There are a few interesting possibilities on the horizon, although one that genuinely appeals is the prospect of joining the Black Dog Ride “Long Ride to the Top” later this year. After a fairly intense few years, a long ride across Australia raising awareness for mental health sounds like a pretty good adventure.
For now, though, my attention remains firmly on Leeuwin and supporting a smooth transition to the new leadership team.
Thank you to everyone who continues to contribute their time, skills, encouragement and belief in what Leeuwin represents. Leeuwin has a future because of all of you.
Fair winds and following seas,
Lawson
