PICAL farewells general manager
PICAL has issued a statement that general manager Greg Thompson will depart his post mid-year.
Jeff Floyd, President of the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) has issued a statement advising “with real regret” that general manager Greg Thompson will depart his post mid-year.
“Greg’s contribution to PICAL and to the community has been outstanding,” said Jeff.
“Greg has led PICAL through the most challenging period in its history with both COVID-19 and its move to new premises.
“The work Greg did to help and sustain the local community over Covid was above and beyond a traditional neighbourhood house manager’s role. He put in countless hours and was always there to help,” continued Jeff.
Committee member Denise McGill noted Greg’s commitment to PICAL, and “his unswerving efforts to provide all sections of his local community with a big heart, a listening ear to the heartbeat of his community”.
She also acknowledged Greg as the driver behind making PICAL, “not just your usual Neighbourhood House, but ever so much more”.
“Phillip Island residents should stand proud and applaud his amazing efforts, patience and tolerance throughout the recent difficult years,” Denise said.
“Greg, you are one in a million for sure.”
Greg reflected on his time at PICAL, saying everything it has achieved and will continue to deliver “is due to the empathy, patience and professionalism of the staff and our large volunteer workforce.”
“Our volunteers range from our committee of management through to our reception crew, Centrelink staff, adult learning tutors, Food Relief Pantry staff, food-collectors, cooking team and garden team,” he said.
“Our staff and volunteers come to work every day not knowing what they will encounter, but confident that we are helping to save lives.
“We also have a large number of support organisations that operate from PICAL and supporters in the community who assist our work every day, and I also want to thank them,” said Greg.
Jeff said PICAL will hold a thank you for Greg at an appropriate time.
“The General Manager position at PICAL will be advertised next week to ensure that there is an effective handover with continuity of leadership at PICAL, and that we get the very best candidate to replace Greg.”
