Endeavour Group Australia Chairman, Andrew Hughes, announced that Don MacAskill, an experienced CEO specialising in health and disability services, has been appointed to run the multiservice operation serving more than 120 local people with disabilities.
Don MacAskill has most recently worked as a special consultant to the award-winning Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, developing community engagement programs specifically for aged care and men’s health.
Prior to that he was the CEO of Awabakal where he implemented new business directions that resulted in the successful delivery of a range of initiatives in the primary and preventative health care sector for the Hunter’s Aboriginal community. He also oversaw operational improvements that prepared the Cooperative for incorporation as a company to ensure that the 37-year-old Newcastle-based organisation was compliant with all funding and legislative requirements.
Don also worked in the disability sector as a business manager and has extensive experience in the development of public policy on social and health related issues for Government.
Andrew said that after an extensive selection process Don was appointed because of his proven ability to be innovative in his approach to developing business models that provide the right outcomes for people.
“Don has an excellent understanding and working knowledge of the challenges of NDIS and brings with him incredibly valuable information and insight that will help to ensure Endeavour’s vibrant future,” Andrew said. “Don also brings significant experience in developing and delivering an effective communications strategy, raising profile and engaging community and the corporate sector.”
“Endeavour Group Australia is well positioned to be a leader in the provision of disabilities services across a range of delivery points as part of the roll-out of the NDIS. Don’s experience will greatly assist our organisation’s ability to be effective and innovative for those we exist to support.”
Don will head-up a multi-disciplinary team who work to support people with disabilities in the areas of training and employment services, aged care, supported holidays and residential services.
Endeavour has locations in Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock, Weston, Port Stephens, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“Endeavour has great capacity for growth and has a good track-record of empowering and supporting its clients to help provide quality of life and assist them in being able to actively contribute and participate in the wider community,” Don said. “The roll-out of NDIS into the Hunter region provides innovative organisations with many opportunities to add even further value to our entire community.
“Under the direction of a talented and skilled board and a very capable team we are well positioned to do this,” he concluded.
