Uniting NSW.ACT has announced that Chief Executive Officer Mrs Tracey Burton will retire later this year, concluding eight years at the helm of one of Australia’s largest faith-based social services organisations.
Mrs Burton joined Uniting in 2018 and has led the organisation through a period of significant transformation, sector reform and operational complexity, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure has been marked by strong public advocacy and a focus on strengthening services for people experiencing disadvantage.
Uniting Board chair Liz Nicol said Mrs Burton’s leadership had left a lasting impact on the organisation, the broader UnitingCare Australia network and the social services sector.
“Tracey has been a remarkable chief executive whose leadership has combined strength with compassion.”
Uniting Chair Liz Nicol
Ms Nicol said the early period of Mrs Burton’s leadership was defined by the challenges of COVID-19, as Uniting continued to deliver essential services across aged care, community services and social support programs.
“Under Tracey’s guidance, Uniting maintained continuity of care for vulnerable communities while navigating extraordinary public health, workforce and operational pressures,” she said.
A key legacy of Mrs Burton’s tenure has been oversight of Uniting’s 10-Year Strategy, aimed at strengthening the organisation’s ability to respond to entrenched disadvantage and position it for long-term impact.
Beyond operational leadership, Mrs Burton has been an active advocate for policy reform. She has been a prominent voice in drug law reform and Fair Treatment for people who use drugs, supporting evidence-based approaches designed to reduce harm and stigma.
In aged care, she positioned Uniting as a strong contributor to sector reform following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, calling for sustainable funding and the completion of outstanding reform measures to ensure older Australians receive safe and respectful care.
Mrs Burton also worked alongside First Nations colleagues to shape Uniting’s First Nations People and Place Strategy, embedding truth-telling, partnership and self-determination into the organisation’s work.
Announcing her retirement, Mrs Burton said it had been a privilege to lead Uniting during a period of significant change.
“I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to the people and communities who make Uniting what it is,” she said.
The Uniting Board will begin a national search for a new chief executive, with Mrs Burton to remain in the role until a successor is appointed.
