Launceston and North-West based sexual assault support service Laurel House has welcomed a new chief executive.
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Former StGiles general manager autism services Kathryn Fordyce has assumed the role and brings with her a wealth of experienced from diverse fields.
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Along with StGiles, Ms Fordyce worked at Burnie Council as the Autism Centre manager, autism group Positive partnerships, Autism Queensland and as a speech pathologist.
She is the current chair of Playgroup Tasmania Inc, the Tasmanian brach chair of Speech Pathology Australia and sits on the Tasmanian education department's early learning initiatives steering committee.
Ms Fordyce said she hoped her knowledge of diverse and marginalised backgrounds would contribute to better outcomes for people in those communities.
Given that people with a disability, the LGBTQI+ community, Aboriginal people, migrants, and people from regional and remote are more likely to experience sexual assault, I am keen to ensure that these communities know about the work Laurel House does to support and empower victim-survivors.
- Kathryn Fordyce, new Laurel House chief executive
Ms Fordyce said the first step along her journey would be strengthening wider community connections and those with other service providers.
"Building strong partnerships will assist us to improve support pathways for victim-survivors and to champion the voices of survivors of sexual assault," she said.
Ms Fordyce said she was hopeful the organisation could build on the foundation laid before her and continue the successful campaign of education it was on.
Laurel House chairperson Jess Greene said the organisation was confident Ms Fordyce make a valuable contribution to Laurel House and its clients.
Ms Greene also highlighted the burgeoning importance of specialist sexual assault groups like Laurel House as demand for continues to increase for its services.
Frances Pratt served as acting chief executive after George Town councillor Justine Brooks vacated the position and before Ms Fordyce's appointment.
Laurel House (03) 6334 2740 (Launceston), (03) 6431 9711 (Burnie and Devonport), Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) on 1800 697 877.
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