Posted inFeature, Tamworth

Challenge Community Services appoints new chief executive officer

New Challenge CEO Tim Curran (supplied)

Challenge Community Services has appointed Tim Curran as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing in mid-July 2026.

Curran brings more than 20 years of leadership experience as an executive and non-executive director, with extensive expertise across disability services, out-of-home care, aged care, housing, early childhood education and the broader human services sector.

Most recently, he served as Executive Director at CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay, where he led a large and complex portfolio of approximately 1,000 staff and held responsibility for strategy and operations. Before that, Mr Curran was Chief Executive Officer of LiveBetter for 13 years.

Curran holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Social Change and Development, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

His appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process and comes at a time of significant change across Australia’s community services sector, including growing demand for services, workforce challenges and evolving expectations within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the broader care economy.

Challenge Community Services Chair John Glynn said the board was pleased to appoint a leader of Curran’s calibre to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth.

“Tim is a highly respected leader with deep experience across human services organisations and a strong track record of leading complex organisations through growth and transformation,” Glynn said.

“His experience leading large, operationally complex community service organisations and deep understanding of the human services sector across Australia, makes him exceptionally well placed to lead Challenge into the future.”

“Challenge has a strong foundation, an important purpose and a proud history of supporting people and communities across regional NSW. The Board welcomes the leadership and sector expertise Tim will bring to the organisation.”

Curran said he was honoured to be joining the organisation.

“Challenge Community Services has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality support and making a genuine difference in the lives of people, families and communities,” Mr Curran said.

“I look forward to working alongside staff, carers, clients and stakeholders to continue strengthening services and supporting positive outcomes across the regions Challenge serves.”

Glynn also acknowledged the leadership of Julie May during the transition period.

“Julie has provided steady and committed leadership over recent months, and the Board sincerely thanks her for her contribution during this important period for the organisation,” Glynn said.


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