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During June, Mark will continue as our CE while Sam spends the month at Livit getting to know everyone. This will help make the transition smooth. They’ll be travelling across our regions, connecting with teams, clients and communities.
We’ll be hosting a series of catch-ups in our regions, which clients, family members and staff are warmly invited to join.
These are a chance to meet Sam, spend time together, celebrate Mark, and say thanks in person.
We’ll send more details on these catch-ups to clients, families and staff.
We’re coming together for a retirement celebration for Mark at our Central Office, open to anyone who has worked with Mark along the way.
Tuesday 30 June
Livit Disability Support, Victoria Cres, Mount Barker
3:00 pm Come in, grab a cuppa
3:15 pm Our thank you to Mark
3:45 pm Stay for a chat + nibbles
If you can’t make it, we’d still love you to join us online for our formal thank you to Mark from 3:15 pm to 3:45 pm.
If you have any questions about Mark’s Retirement or Sam’s CE transition, please get in touch with us at info@livit.org.au or 8536 5888.
We are collecting messages for Mark for his gift. You’re welcome to share a favourite memory or story, how Mark’s work has impacted you, or your well wishes.
Sam has been working in senior leadership for more than 20 years in both disability and community services, as well as lived experience as a sibling to a sister with an intellectual disability. Her professional background and lived experience will lead Livit through our next chapter, guiding our growth, strengthening our services, and keeping us grounded in our values.
This comes after 19 years of Mark Kulinski’s leadership. Livit is the organisation it is today because of the work he has poured into our people, our services and our community. We are truly thankful for all he has built and championed during his time with us.
Sam starts with us on 1 June 2026. She will spend a month working alongside Mark to make sure the handover is smooth. Mark will be our CE until he retires at the end of June, so we will have plenty of time to recognise his work before he finishes up.
Sam has already shared how much she is looking forward to meeting and getting to know our community. She is excited about Livit’s strong foundations and the people who make this place what it is.
We feel good about this next chapter! Our focus stays the same: quality, reliable, person-centred support for our communities.
If you have any questions about Sam’s appointment, please contact Jill, our Board Chair, at jill.coombe@livit.org.au or 0419 032 340.
“If you’re thinking about stepping into a leadership role through this program, I’d say, go for it! It’s so much fun! ”
“It’s an exciting learning experience that allows you to explore the behind-the-scenes aspects of the support worker role, whilst feeling fully supported and confident to grow!
I saw this program as an opportunity to learn, be challenged and prepare myself for future leadership roles. Since applying and being accepted for the program, it has helped build my confidence by providing practical experience, real feedback, and the opportunities to develop my communication and decision-making skills in a leadership role.
During the training, I developed a deeper understanding of how strong communication and respectful leadership contribute to a positive team culture. I learned how to facilitate team meetings and adapt my communication style to support the diverse needs and strengths of each team member.
The most valuable part of the program has been my growth in confidence as an emerging leader. Being encouraged to step outside my comfort zone, reflect on my practice, and receive feedback has helped me feel more prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Shadowing a Team Leader during the program gave me the confidence to step into the Acting Team Leader role and approach leadership with greater clarity and purpose. It also helped me develop practical skills such as communicating with clients and families, using key computer programs and managing challenges as they arise!
Something that has surprised me about leadership is the amount of fun you can still have while working in a leadership position. I’ve learned that taking the time to listen, build relationships and understand individual needs can have a bigger impact than I expected on team morale and client outcomes.”