Jacqui McKenzie brings over 21 years of experience in the Human Services sector, with 18 of those years in leadership and management roles. Her journey in this industry began with Employment Services and Disability Employment Services, where she quickly developed a passion for empowering long-term unemployed individuals and those with disabilities. Jacqui believes that employment is not just a job; it plays a significant role in restoring dignity and fostering a sense of purpose—a belief that has been the cornerstone of her career.
Throughout her nearly ten years at New Horizons, Jacqui has been a vital contributor to the organization’s growth and innovation, particularly during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). She has successfully led diverse community programs and strategic initiatives focused on enhancing service delivery and improving outcomes for varied service users, including Mental Health, Aged Care, Homelessness, and Indigenous programs.
Jacqui is dedicated to creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. She is passionate about staff development, mentorship, and coaching, which have allowed her to build and guide high-performing teams. Her commitment to operational excellence and equitable service delivery has resulted in sustainable, positive changes that meet the diverse needs of the communities she serves.
An interesting personal tidbit about Jacqui is that despite spending more time in Australia than in her native South Africa, her accent remains loyal to its roots—a reminder of where her journey began.