Remembering a visionary leader in social services
People
Dale West, one of South Australia’s most respected community services leaders and a tireless advocate for vulnerable individuals and families, has passed away aged 68 following a battle with leukemia.
Mr West was appointed by Archbishop Leonard Faulkner as director of the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau, now known as Centacare.
He began his role in 1989 and served as director of Centacare for more than three decades, overseeing its transformation from a small agency with just 14 staff, into one of the State’s largest and most trusted providers of social services.
He quickly became known for his down-to-earth style, his sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to social justice. Colleagues and sector leaders across the country have described him as principled, compassionate and deeply humble – a leader who listened before he spoke and always placed the dignity of clients first.
Dale and Pauline Connelly on the day of his retirement.
Former Centacare Deputy Director Pauline Connelly recalled the impression Mr West left on new staff at induction:
“Even people’s first experience of Dale was enough to set the scene,” she said.
“His humour and his compassion went hand-in-hand, coupled with his professionalism and humility.”
Throughout his 32-year tenure, Mr West championed support for people experiencing mental health challenges, domestic and family violence, homelessness, substance use issues, and disability. Under his leadership, Centacare’s reach expanded to more than 60 programs and 540 staff – a legacy driven not by growth for its own sake, but by the evolving needs of the community.
Though he was known to shun the spotlight, Mr West was a formidable figure within Catholic Social Services Australia. He played a key role in supporting the growth of CatholicCare and Centacare agencies across the country and chaired numerous community and education boards throughout his career.
But it was his work with individuals – not institutions – that remained at the heart of his purpose. He was a strong voice for those experiencing disadvantage, and was particularly committed to supporting refugee families, children in care, and people living with disability. Families often spoke of his warm and personalised approach, his willingness to sit and listen, and his belief that everyone deserved access to safety, stability and support.
Dale was a devoted Geelong supporter and lover of all sports.
As a leader, Mr West was known for nurturing the same compassion in his staff. He maintained that while client need must always come first, supporting staff to carry out that work was equally essential. During the height of the COVID pandemic, he sent daily emails reflective and encouraging messages to the entire workforce, signing each off with funny and witty hashtags that became a staple of his missives – fostering connection and boosting morale in times of uncertainty.
On his final day before retiring in 2021, Mr West left staff with this message:
“As many will know, my approach is that we are all, as staff members, here because we are asked to support our clients… No clients, no staff members. First focus? Client need. Second focus? Best staff members and strong support of each staff member. Together? Centacare.”
Adelaide Archbishop Patrick O’Regan acknowledged his significant contribution to the life and mission of the Church, and the wider community. From 2009 Mr West was director of Management and Property for the Archdiocese whilst continuing his role at Centacare.
Centacare executive director Leanne Haddad said Dale’s influence remained deeply embedded in the culture of the organisation.
“Dale created a workplace where values and integrity were not just words, but lived daily. His legacy is one of service – not just to Centacare, but to the wider community. We remain committed to continuing his vision, where the most vulnerable are always at the centre of what we do.”
In 2021, Mr West gave a public interview to ABC Radio, reflecting on his time in the sector.
“In 32 years, I made many mistakes and poor decisions… But every decision that enabled our staff members to support a client in need, was right.”
Dale West is survived by his wife family, friends, and the generations of staff and community members who were shaped by his leadership. His loss is deeply felt and his contribution will not be forgotten.
– Bek Gratton
