Community Living and Respite Services chief executive Leah Taaffe’s time with the organisation is coming to an end.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
When Community Living and Respite Services chief executive Leah Taaffe stepped off a plane in Australia 14 years ago, she had no idea where life would take her next.
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Six weeks later, she secured a role at CLRS, where she initially worked for two years before leaving and returning two years later.
Since returning, she has helped shape the organisation for the past decade, including six and a half years as chief executive.
Her leadership began during challenging times for CLRS, as she became interim chief executive in November 2019 amid an NDIS audit.
In December 2020, she formally took on the position, only to be met with border closures and social distancing regulations as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the country.
Although it was a challenging time, Ms Taaffe said it was made easier because of the trust she had already built with the community.
“Through the NDIS transition work I’d met every single client, every single family member, every single staff member,” she said.
“So I knew them, they knew me, there was a large amount of trust ... and that made a massive difference.”
While the chaos of COVID-19 eventually subsided, the role continued to keep her busy as the organisation underwent restructuring and floods disrupted operations.
CLRS’ Run Echuca Moama team, including Leah Taaffe, Annie Gilbert, Liz Rowsell, Gillian Noelker, Rod Cairns and Brady Threlfall.
Beyond these challenges, Ms Taaffe played a key part in bringing Run Echuca Moama back to town and strengthening the Recyclability Op Shop and the Murray River Tearooms.
She has also been at the forefront of the Opening Doors project, which has delivered purpose-built homes for people with disability requiring 24-hour support.
The initiative has seen the construction of three homes and 12 units for 22 individuals, with more homes planned for the future.
The grand opening of the Open Doors project in 2023.
The CLRS annual dinner, which launched in 2007, has also grown significantly under her leadership and the work of a dedicated committee.
This year’s event raised a record-breaking $97,300, the largest amount in the event’s history.
Reflecting on other achievements, Ms Taaffe said she was most proud of the behind-the-scenes work to strengthen CLRS.
“I wanted to make sure that this was an organisation that focused on making sure that our clients get the best possible quality support,” she said.
“We've (put) lots of new systems and processes in place so that we can be as efficient as possible.
“To have an organisation that is sustainable ... is a real achievement that I’m also equally proud of.”
CLRS chief executive Leah Taaffe, Curtis McGrath and CLRS president Dr Claire Goodman at the 2025 annual dinner.
After a decade contributing to the organisation’s growth, she has decided it is time for a new adventure.
“It was a really difficult decision because I love the job, but what wasn't difficult about the decision was knowing that the team here will manage it,” she said.
“These are all people who are in our management team and are stepping up into the next level.”
Following her departure, current director of operations Lauren Davy will step into the role of acting chief executive.
Leah Taaffe thanking the annual dinner committee in 2025 after it had raised more than a million dollars since the event’s launch.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
For Ms Taaffe, the next chapter will see her in Timor-Leste alongside her partner.
“I have a brother with terminal cancer ... and I've recently spent a week with him talking about what's important in life, and the things that are important in life are the people you love and the people who love you,” she said.
“If I don’t go and have an adventure in Timor-Leste with my other half, I’ll never get that opportunity again. I don’t want to miss that.
“I feel really proud and happy of the work that I’ve done. It’s as good a time as any to step away.”
CLRS chief executive Leah Taaffe in 2020, at the beginning of her journey as chief executive.
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