Committing to purpose

A stalwart of the social sector, Peter McNamara has helped shape the vision of recognisable charities including the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Good Shepherd Microfinance and ACOSS. He is this week’s Changemaker.

Volunteering led Peter McNamara to discover the impact of not-for-profit organisations and the powerful role they play in our communities. Guided by a passion to make a difference, McNamara quickly became a stalwart of the social sector, leading change at some of Australia’s most recognisable charities for almost two decades.

In 2006, McNamara became general manager of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, a role he held for six years before moving onto Good Shepherd Microfinance, where he took on executive leadership positions until eventually becoming CEO in 2018.

Among a variety of community-focused board positions, including with the Shared Value Project, Community Sector Banking and Community 21, McNamara spent seven years as treasurer and later chair of ACOSS. During his involvement, the peak body navigated the impact of government policies including Robodebt, the cashless welfare card and proposed drug testing for job seekers, standing firm against wrongdoing and advocating for change on behalf of the sector.

McNamara’s leadership track record is complemented by studies at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School and Melbourne Business School, as well as being a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Today, he is CEO of South East Community Links (SECL), a not-for-profit organisation working to improve social and economic outcomes for residents of Melbourne’s south-east.

“I bring all these experiences with me and remain committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve,” he says. “I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my career and am passionate about driving positive change through advocacy, innovation and collaboration.”

In this week’s Changemaker, McNamara addresses the importance of respecting and involving everyone’s opinions; the value of genuine human connections; and the necessity of cross-sector support in creating meaningful change.

What does this role mean to you?

This role as CEO of SECL means everything to me. It’s about trust and a deep sense of responsibility for all members of our diverse communities. 

What truly stands out at SECL is our team’s commitment to our vision of “every person counts, every system fair”. I’m inspired by how every individual is treated with respect and valued, and how we work together as a team to amplify the voices of people who are affected by poverty and inequality. 

It’s not about just listening, but truly hearing and respecting everyone’s perspectives. It’s about creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone has a seat at the table and their agency and advocacy are valued.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

My day starts early at 5.30am with a brisk walk with my two furry companions, Ziggy (my Cavoodle) and Lochy (my Border Collie), while sipping on a strong cup of coffee to kick start my day. After making lunch for my kids and dropping my daughter off at school, where we often have playful debates about football teams – she’s an avid Collingwood supporter – I make my way to the office.

In the mornings, I prioritise connecting with my team members face-to-face before diving into meetings. I believe in the importance of being visible and available to my team, so I make sure to walk around and say hello to everyone, checking in on how they’re doing and what they’re seeing and hearing on the front line. As a leader, I believe in leading by example by being approachable and having some fun.

Throughout the day, I have a mix of external meetings with incredible people and organisations that share our passion for positive change. Partnership is a core part of SECL’s DNA and I enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals to bring about meaningful impact in our community. I also make sure to connect with my leadership team to discuss strategic priorities and ensure that our organisation is on track to achieve our goals.

While the pandemic has taught us many new skills, I’ve learned that starting my day with genuine human connections sets the tone for a productive and fulfilling day of work.

What has working across the social sector taught you about our community?

Working across the social sector has taught me that involving the people who are directly impacted by policies and social change is crucial, not only for success but also for avoiding harm. 

It has also shown me the immense support and willingness to collaborate from a wide range of organisations, including government, corporate and philanthropic sectors. We have partnered with over 200 organisations to bring about positive change that reaches tens of thousands of people in our community each year. 

It’s inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals and organisations working towards a better future.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered in your career and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I’ve encountered in my career was undoubtedly the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic affected everyone, but its impacts were not equal. 

We made a values-based decision to remain open and continue supporting migrants and refugees, international students and people experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. It was inspiring to see our team rise to the occasion, serving the community while navigating the personal challenges of the pandemic. 

Overcoming this challenge required resilience, adaptability and a deep commitment to our purpose of creating improved social and economic outcomes for people in our community.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

Be kind to yourself. Don’t seek validation from people who do not align with your values. Stay resilient, stay authentic and never stop believing in yourself. You’ve got this!

How do you stay motivated to work in this field?

Knowing that we’re making a positive difference, no matter how small, keeps me going. It’s also important to take time to celebrate wins and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our team. 

Plus, I love the cultural diversity of Victoria’s south-east region. It brings richness and depth to the community that is truly unique.

How do you unwind after work?

My furry friends Ziggy and Lochy are my favourite stress relievers after a long day. I also love spending time with my amazing kids. Watching them grow and learn is such a joy. 

I attend boxing classes a few times a week which really helps me clear my head. I love movies and I’m a sports fanatic. Watching Carlton play is always a great way to get the blood pumping, even if it means shouting at the TV!

What was the last thing you:

• Watched? Season three of Succession.
• Read? American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins.
• Listened to? The movie podcast The Rewatchables.