Following six years of exceptional service to Oxfam Australia and the global confederation, Oxfam Australia has announced Lyn Morgain will be stepping down as its Chief Executive in March.
On behalf of Oxfam Australia's Board, Chair Dr Judith Slocombe AM thanked Ms Morgain for her "outstanding leadership of the organisation and her contribution to the international development sector".
"Lyn has led with compassion and empathy, placing people at the centre of every decision - the people we work for around the world, our dedicated supporters, and our staff," she said.
"She has been a fearless leader, a tireless advocate for people whose voices are often silenced and a great friend to all of us here at Oxfam Australia."
During Ms Morgain's tenure, the world battled a pandemic, saw the climate crisis escalate, and witnessed an exponential increase in wealth inequality. Under her guidance, Oxfam Australia has tirelessly challenged governments and big business to do better.
Ms Morgain has been a constant and vocal advocate for fairer taxation systems, for the rights of our Pacific neighbours to be upheld as the climate changes, and for the First People of Australia in working towards self-determination.
"One of the things I am most proud of is the way we have explored and embedded our relationship with First Nations communities, here in Australia," she said.
"We recognise, in a colonial context, where sovereignty has never been ceded, there can be no Oxfam Australia without a strenuous commitment to justice here in this land."
Ms Morgain worked hard to drive awareness of the causes of inequality, including the concentration of corporate power, the rise of billionaires and the need for tax reform, because we know that inequality creates and perpetuates poverty.
"The trust placed in us by the Australian public, to work with integrity with communities, and also hold those in power to account, is second to none," she said.
"We have worked intensively and creatively to engage with our communities and supporters, to help them be part of the change. I'm so proud of who we are and the work we do."
Ms Morgain focused on making Oxfam Australia a truly feminist organisation, recognising both the economic and cultural importance of placing feminist principles front and centre in the workplace.
Working with one of Australia's top recruitment firms, Oxfam Australia has begun a search for a new Chief Executive. In the meantime, Director of Programs & Transformation Dr. Chrisanta Muli will act in the role.
