The President of the Samaritans Foundation, Bishop Greg Thompson, has announced the appointment of Peter Gardiner as the new Chief Executive Officer, who commenced this week.

“The Board led an extensive recruitment process attracting high calibre applicants from Australia and New Zealand,” Bishop Thompson said. Peter was chosen because of his extensive experience in the human services across government and non-government sectors.”

Peter has worked in human services for over 35 years, beginning his professional career as a Social Worker within the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Area Health Service and worked extensively in therapeutic roles with children and families before moving into more senior administrative positions culminating in the role of Director, Community Health Services.

“He brings to the role incredible passion for social justice issues and supporting people to have fulfilling lives within communities of their choosing.”

Moving across to the non-government sector, Peter worked as the Director Welfare Services and then Chief Operating Officer for Anglicare Sydney for a six-year period, during which time he completed a Master of Business Administration at Macquarie Graduate School of Management. Peter then moved back to NSW Government Disability Services in Executive Director, Regional Director and Acting Deputy Director General roles before recently returning to the NGO Sector to assist CatholicCare Sydney prepare for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Samaritans is a regional welfare agency, offering support to a number of those in need including young people and families, those with disability or mental health challenges and the wider community. With over 700 staff and more than 450 volunteers, Samaritans supports thousands of people across eastern NSW.