Reflecting on 20 years with Centacare NQ

Our CEO, Paula Washington Reflects on Two Decades with Centacare North Queensland

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Centacare North Queensland, as our Chief Executive Officer, Paula Washington, celebrates 20 years of dedicated service to the organisation.

For two decades, Paula has helped guide Centacare NQ through periods of significant growth, change, and innovation, while remaining committed to the values that have shaped our organisation for almost 50 years. Her leadership has influenced countless staff, strengthened partnerships across North Queensland, and ensured our services continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with Paula to reflect on her journey, the lessons she's learned, and her vision for the future of Centacare NQ.

Paula's connection with Centacare NQ began long before she officially joined the organisation.

"My first engagement with Centacare was last century," she laughs. "Back in the 1990s, as a new graduate, my professional practice supervisor worked for Centacare. That positive connection, combined with the organisation's strong values, inspired me to apply years later."

Those values continue to be what motivates her every day.

"What has kept me passionate is the variety of our service scope – there's always something new to learn. And being part of a service where values such as respect, dignity and compassion are visible in all aspects of our work."

When asked what the most rewarding part of her 20-year journey has been, Paula's answer is immediate.

"By far, working with some really skilled and quite simply amazing people. There is an extensive Centacare NQ alumnus, and every one of them has contributed to the legacy we continue to build today."

She credits the dedication of staff, past and present, for establishing the trusted reputation that Centacare NQ enjoys throughout North Queensland.

"Centacare NQ has been on a journey of evolution for almost half a century, and I've had the honour of being part of the past two decades. The change is constant, but our values and the 'why' behind our work have remained the same.

We exist because there was a commitment by the Catholic Church to providing support and services to those in our community who needed it most. What I'm most proud of is Centacare NQ's trusted reputation for quality services, a reputation built on the work of our staff over many decades."

Throughout her career, Paula has experienced many memorable moments, but one conversation has stayed with her more than any other.

"Someone once told me they were 'only here because you asked how I was going and stayed for the answer.' It was a very humbling moment and a reminder of how important it is to genuinely connect with others."

It's a simple yet powerful reminder of the impact that genuine human connection can have.

Leading an organisation through two decades of change has provided Paula with many valuable lessons.

Her advice?

"Start from a place of respect and curiosity. Always, always bring something to the table, even if it's just your time and attention."

Rather than focusing solely on achievements, Paula believes leadership is about stewardship.

"My role at Centacare NQ is one of stewardship. My goal for the chapter I'm part of is to support the growth and sustainability of Centacare so it continues to thrive well beyond my time here."

This year also marks another significant milestone for Centacare North Queensland with our recent transition to an incorporated entity.

For Paula, incorporation represents an exciting opportunity for the future.

"It improves our capacity to be eligible for new programs and services, while ensuring we can continue delivering them in a meaningful way that honours our foundation in the social services ministry of the Church and responds to emerging community need”.

When speaking about what makes Centacare NQ special, Paula returns to the people.

"Working at Centacare requires a strong values fit. Our staff are incredibly diverse in age, qualifications, culture, and life experience, but what unites us is our shared values and vision for supporting community”.

She hopes every team member feels the same two things when they come to work each day.

"Hopeful and safe. Just about everything else can be built on this."

Her advice for anyone beginning their career with Centacare NQ is simple:

"Celebration is part of our culture, and so is continued professional development. Enjoy, learn and value the opportunity."

 

To finish, we asked Paula a few quick-fire questions.

Coffee or tea?

“Both… and often!”

Early bird or night owl?

“Absolutely a night owl.”

Favourite place in North Queensland?

“Magnetic Island”

When you were a child, what did you want to be?

"The fifth member of ABBA."

Favourite part of the working day?

"That quiet time once the office is empty—just a few minutes to reflect on the day or week."

Congratulations, Paula

Twenty years is an extraordinary milestone, and one that reflects Paula's unwavering commitment to Centacare North Queensland, our staff, and the communities we are privileged to serve.

On behalf of the Board, leadership team and every member of the Centacare NQ family, thank you, Paula, for your vision, compassion, and dedication over the past two decades.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter following incorporation, we look forward to continuing the journey under your leadership and building on the legacy that has made Centacare North Queensland a trusted provider of quality community services for almost 50 years.

Congratulations on 20 years of service!