Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services CEO Kate McInnes resigns

Ms McInnes, who has been CEO of the organisation since 2017, will finish up in the role at the end of April.

"I just decided the time was right to step down and move onto the next thing," she said.

"I don't have a set plan at this stage. I'm going to travel for a year with the family and then we will move to Melbourne."

Ms McInnes first joined Multicultural Services in a management position six years ago before moving into the chief executive role.

"We've grown quite considerably during that time," she said. "Bendigo has also changed in terms of cultural diversity and who is in the community. We're really proud to support that change."

Read more: Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services renews calls for a multicultural hub in Bendigo

Ms McInnes said the development of the Zinda Festival - which celebrates cultural diversity in the community - had been a real highlight during her time at the organisation.

"We're really proud to see it grow," she said. "It has been taken on so positively by the people in Bendigo.

"Other initiatives like the social enterprise Friday Food Safari has been fantastic to be part of."

Multicultural Services acting chair Tim Hoogwerf said the organisation was sad to see Ms McInnes go.

"Kate has done a phenomenal job, leading the organisation through a period of significant change and growth," he said.

"Kate will be sorely missed by staff, board, and the communities we work with. We thank her for such a great contribution over a time of significant organisational growth."

Ms McInnes said the next chief executive would be tasked with seeing out the establishment of a multicultural hub in Bendigo.

"I have just been so lucky to be in this role," she said. "It's such a wonderful organisation to be part of.

"I've really loved my time here and will continue to stay very connected to those communities in Bendigo.

"I can't wait to see what happens next for the organisation. It has a bright future ahead of it."

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