Chief Executive Officer

The organisation

For over 40 years, FOCUS Connect, a not-for-profit charity based in Campbelltown, has delivered culturally sensitive services, supporting Multicultural, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), and First Nations communities. The team is committed to providing practical and inclusive support for everyone.

FOCUS Connect offer Aged Care Services primarily across South West Sydney and Northern Sydney, as well as community service programmes such as targeted early intervention, parenting, no interest loan schemes, and emergency relief in South West Sydney. 

They help those in the community live quality, independent lives in their homes and local communities. They also value individual needs, embrace diversity, and promote meaningful community relationships.

A mix of Home Care Packages (HCP), Commonwealth Home Support Programmes (CHSP), and Community Programs form the basis of holistic community support, which addresses the cultural and social needs of Multicultural, CALD, and First Nations communities.

The brief

The second half of 2025 saw the retirement and transition plan from the outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lee-Ann Byrnes. Following this decision, Brooker Consulting was appointed as the trusted Executive Search partner for FOCUS Connect. 

The successful candidate will be required to utilise their understanding of social justice, advocacy, aged care, and multicultural community relations. This experience will inform their leadership and all aspects of FOCUS Connect’s work, and be accountable for the day-to-day management of the organisation. 

Given the accelerated transition, the Board required a leader who could rapidly build trust, assess cultural impacts, and provide steady, people-focused leadership. Strong financial capability, governance experience and well-honed interpersonal skills were essential.

The process

A detailed in-person briefing with the Board clarified requirements and risks. Brooker Consulting mobilised its candidate database and referral partners to complement a public advertising campaign.

Based on an in-depth briefing process and speaking with a number of stakeholders across the organisation, Brooker Consulting were able to create compelling candidate information, generating a really strong amount of interest.

Candidates were assessed for sector experience, leadership capability, and alignment with the role. Of particular relevance to the FOCUS Connect board was the sector experience in Aged Care, Community Service or similar, with the ability to guide the organisation towards ongoing sustainability within a consistently changing environment. And to be able to assess external opportunities in the market and the organisation that would align with the mission and values.

The outcome

While keeping the candidate pool marginally wider through the shortlisting and first interview stages of the process, the delegated selection panel from the board of directors identified their preferred candidate, Gavin Hudson. 

Gavin Hudson is a purpose-driven senior executive with more than 16 years of leadership across disability, aged care, and community services. He brings deep operational, financial, and governance expertise gained from complex, multi-site organisations, with recent senior roles at Sunnyfield Disability Services, Uniting NSW.ACT, and RSL LifeCare.

Known for his authentic, values-led leadership, Gavin builds high-performing teams, delivers on commitments, and aligns strategy, culture, and client outcomes to achieve sustainable growth and service excellence. Motivated by impact and connection, he brings a collaborative mindset, strong stakeholder capability, and a genuine passion for inclusive, community-focused organisations.