Dale West, the longest-serving director of Centacare, has retired after 32 years.

From 1989, Dale grew Centacare from 14 to 600 staff, delivering $52.6 million in programs in support of more than 30,000 clients each year.

With humour, compassion, and humility, Dale moulded Centacare into an organisation where clients come first and staff are supported with utmost care, respect and belief.

Our culture, client-focused approach, values, and community influence have been defined by his leadership.

So too, Centacare’s commitment to continually review, evaluate and improve services to ensure quality outcomes for those who are marginalised and who experience challenges in their lives, so that they may participate fully in the community.

“No matter how brief a time someone has worked at Centacare, it can only take a short meeting with Dale, a conversation with him or an email exchange, to know we have had someone pretty special and unique here for 32 years,” Deputy Director Pauline Connelly said.

“Even people’s first experience of Dale at staff induction was enough to set the scene for many, that his humour and his compassion went hand in hand, coupled with his professionalism and humility.”

Centacare’s city office boardroom has been named in Dale’s honour, in recognition of the enormity of his contribution and influence.