Meli celebrated and thanked its inaugural CEO Grant Boyd as he moves into retirement this month.
Mr Boyd served an impactful 45-year career in the community and education sectors, including 17 years at the helm of Bethany, and most recently, at Meli.
A collection of colleagues, Meli board members, funders, donors and family came together to reflect on Mr Boyd’s many achievements on 3 July.
He commenced his career in special education and undertook his first leadership role at the age of 28, heading up Geelong’s first autism service.
This organisation and two others later formed Gateways Support Services where Mr Boyd was CEO. My Boyd has also held roles in state government, as a management consultant and served as a director on various sector boards.
He started at Bethany in 2008, then an organisation of about 80 people.
When reflecting on some highlights, Mr Boyd made mention of the launch of Bethany Kindergarten Services, development of the Men’s Family Violence Intervention Centre, our partnership with the Gambler’s Help program, witnessing the growth of the Foster a Future campaign and championing the establishment of the Poa Banyul Community Hub.
He also led the merger of Bethany and BCYF (Barwon, Child, Youth & Famiily) in 2023. The formation of this new organisation was a complex process and was shaped by Mr Boyd’s leadership, care and guidance.
He proudly acknowledged that the heart of all of those achievements was the people in the organisation.
“People who are committed to make the world better with human effort,” he said.
Meli is now Geelong’s largest community services and kindergarten program provider and employs about 900 staff across the Barwon and South West Wimmera regions.
“Meli continues the legacy of BCYF and Bethany through innovation and a commitment to lead the way,” Mr Boyd said.
His retirement celebration was an opportunity to look back at his influential career, where he was described as a calm, motivated leader who always put the outcomes of the community’s clients at the heart of everything he did.
Executive Director, Services, Bernadette McCartney said Mr Boyd’s mark as a leader placed the highest importance on outcomes for clients.
“Grant has undoubtably made a difference to the world to people who may otherwise have been overlooked,” she said.
Meli Board Chair Chris Bowly echoed the same sentiment.
“Meli’s purpose is to lessen the stress of people who need it, and Grant’s purpose as a person has been strongly aligned to that in his life,” he said.
Mr Boyd thanked his family, the Meli Executive, directors, funders, stakeholders, peak bodies and donors. However, there was one thank you that was a testament to his motivation and passion for a sector he is leaving an incredible mark on.
“I want to thank our clients who trust us with their stories and trust us to help them on their journeys.”
Robyn Hayles will join Meli as its new Chief Executive Officer on Monday 7 July and Grant Boyd’s final day at Meli will be Friday 11 July.
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