A message from the Chair of the Board and the CEO
Women’s Health East announces that our Chief Executive Officer Kristine Olaris will be leaving us to take on a new leadership role as the CEO of Fitzroy Legal Service.
Chair of WHE Lisa Dunlop said Kristine has made a considerable contribution over the past 10 years not only to WHE but to the women’s health sector more broadly, which has led to WHE’s prominent position in promoting women’s health and advancing gender equality in Melbourne’s east.
“On behalf of the Board and everyone at WHE we express our gratitude and thanks to Kristine for her incredible leadership, passion and commitment over 10 years that has seen us expand and thrive.” Ms Dunlop said.
“As a result of her leadership WHE is in a strong position to continue its important work in advocating for and improving the health and wellbeing of women in the East. WHE has grown into a highly respected and trusted organisation with robust partnerships, and a dedicated and effective staff team. WHE is a strong and respected organisation and Kristine leaves behind this as her legacy.”
“Women’s health has been challenged like never before over recent times and Kristine has ensured our organisation is in the best position to support its staff, and to deliver COVID related programs to women in our region, including advocating for a gender-equal recovery, and continuing to support communities to improve health outcomes for women”
“Everyone at WHE wishes Kristine the very best for the new chapter in her career.”
Kristine’s accomplishments at WHE are many. She established the foundational partnerships that underpin the highly regarded Together For Equality and Respect (TFER) initiative, currently in its ninth year. She was instrumental in the elevation of the voices of women, initially through the “Speaking Out” program, and subsequently embedded through much of WHE’s work including partnering in the delivery of leadership programs with Aboriginal and migrant women. Another highlight is the ground-breaking (Re)Shaping Respect research into respectful relationships and primary prevention of violence for LGBTIQ young people.
“I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside so many amazing people with a shared commitment to gender equality, both within and external to the organisation. I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve together. I look forward to following the work of WHE and seeing it continue to thrive.” Kristine reflected upon making the announcement.
Kristine has greatly enjoyed working with the many partners, across all levels of government, and communities within the east and beyond, the sisterhood of fellow women’s health services, and especially cherishes the relationships she’s formed with all WHE staff. She thanked Chair Lisa Dunlop and the Board, both past and present, for their support.
Kristine is currently on long service leave and will be ending her role on October 8th. The current interim CEO’s will continue in their role until the end of November. The Board will undertake an executive recruitment process in the next couple of months.
