After 13 years at the helm, Executive Director Tony Nicholson initiates transition plans

Executive Director Tony Nicholson, after 13 years of outstanding leadership at the Brotherhood of St Laurence, has decided to step down from the position at the end of 2017, the Board announced today.

"Whilst there is no ideal timing for a succession of our Executive Director, Tony advised me that he has come to the view that the timing is right to now put in place this transition," said the Chair of the Board, Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne.

"After careful deliberation, his assessment is that our organisation is in as strong, or stronger, a position as it ever has been at any time in its 87-year history. Further, he is convinced that we are well placed to make a major contribution to reducing poverty and exclusion in our nation over the remaining three years of this strategy period, and in the five-year strategy period after that.

"Archbishop Freier said that Mr Nicholson's leadership – complemented by the strong team at every level of the Brotherhood – positioned the Brotherhood well for the future. "As a Board, we agree wholeheartedly with Tony's assessment of the good health of our organisation and its ability to continue its innovative work," he said.

"The Brotherhood will continue to benefit from his leadership till the end of the year as we implement our ambitious agenda towards an Australia free of poverty.To enable a smooth transition, the Board of the Brotherhood has put in place a broad and methodical process for the recruitment of a new Executive Director. "We are confident that through this process of selection we will find the right person to continue the type of leadership, and national authority, that the Brotherhood has enjoyed with Tony at the helm," Archbishop Freier said.

"Tony has indicated to me that, whilst he has no immediate work plans beyond December 2017, he is definitely not intending to retire. He will continue to make his contribution to the community, and I am in no doubt that any work he takes up in the future will benefit disadvantaged people so they can live lives of common dignity. This is the vocation that Tony is passionate about, and has dedicated his career to. He will always be part of the Brotherhood's broader 'family', whatever challenges he takes up in the future," Archbishop Freier said.

"He has enhanced our organisation's voice for an Australia free of poverty in the best tradition of our founder, Father Gerard Tucker."

The Brotherhood was founded by Anglican priest Father Tucker in 1930 in Newcastle. Today, through its services, advocacy, research and policy development, the Brotherhood continues to work towards a compassionate and fair society where everyone has a sense of belonging. Its national office is in Melbourne, and programs are offered in every state and territory, often partnered with local community organisations.