Media release 11th February 2026
Uniting NSW.ACT today announced that Chief Executive Officer Mrs Tracey Burton will retire from her role later this year, concluding eight years of exceptional and deeply impactful leadership.
Since joining Uniting in 2018, Tracey has led the organisation through a period of significant transformation, growth and complexity, while remaining steadfastly grounded in the mission and values of the Uniting Church. Her tenure has been defined by moral clarity, courage in advocacy and a relentless focus on improving the lives of people and communities experiencing disadvantage.
Chair of the Uniting Board, Ms Liz Nicol, said Tracey’s leadership has left a lasting mark on Uniting NSW.ACT, the UnitingCare Australia network and the broader social services sector.
“Tracey has been a remarkable Chief Executive whose leadership has combined strength with compassion. She has never shied away from the hard conversations or the difficult reforms, and she has ensured that Uniting has remained a trusted, values-led voice on issues that matter.”
Ms Nicol said Tracey’s leadership was tested early in her tenure, when Uniting, like the rest of the community and the social services sector, faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under Tracey’s guidance, Uniting continued to deliver essential services to vulnerable communities while navigating extraordinary public health, workforce and operational pressures. Her calm and values-led leadership ensured continuity of care and reinforced our commitment to compassion, dignity and connection during a period of profound uncertainty.”
Looking across the arc of her time at Uniting, Ms Nicol said a defining achievement of Tracey’s leadership has been her stewardship of Uniting’s 10-Year Strategy, setting a bold and future-focused direction for the organisation.
“The strategy represents a significant step change for Uniting, strengthening our capacity to respond to entrenched disadvantage while positioning the organisation to deliver impact well into the future.”
Throughout her eight years as Chief Executive, Tracey has also been a courageous and consistent advocate for reform, ensuring Uniting used its voice to influence policy and public debate in pursuit of justice and fairness.
She has been a strong champion of drug law reform and Fair Treatment for people who use drugs, supporting evidence-based approaches that reduce harm, challenge stigma and promote dignity.
Tracey has also been a leading advocate in the seniors and aged care space, positioning Uniting as a clear and credible voice following the Aged Care Royal Commission. She consistently called for the unfinished work of the Royal Commission to be completed, emphasising the need for proper and sustainable funding so that older Australians receive care that is safe, respectful and worthy of them.
In parallel, Tracey worked closely with First Nations colleagues to shape Uniting’s First Nations People and Place Strategy, embedding truth-telling, partnership and self-determination into the organisation’s work and strengthening Uniting’s commitment to justice and reconciliation.
Ms Nicol said Tracey leaves Uniting well positioned for the future.
“Throughout her time with us, Tracey has ensured that our foundation in the Uniting Church’s mission has always been at the forefront, and she has been a passionate champion for Uniting’s people and culture.
She has ensured that our advocacy reflects our values, even when that advocacy is challenging, and she leaves Uniting well positioned to carry forward both its strategy and its responsibility to speak out for those whose voices are too often unheard.”
Mrs Burton said it had been an enormous privilege to lead Uniting during a period of such profound change.
“People are at the heart of everything we do at Uniting. I am incredibly grateful for our leaders, employees and volunteers — thanks to their dedication, we have been able to support hundreds of thousands of clients across metropolitan, regional and rural NSW and the ACT.
“I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to the people and communities who make Uniting what it is. I believe the time is right to enable new leadership to guide the next phase of our strategy.
“I am firmly committed to delivering a seamless leadership transition and to ensuring the continued delivery of our supports and services in individual lives and across the systems that impact them.”
The Board will shortly commence a recruitment process with an external, national search for Uniting’s next Chief Executive. Tracey will remain in her role until a successor is appointed, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition.
Uniting will recognise and celebrate Tracey’s contribution over the coming months and extends its heartfelt thanks for her outstanding service, leadership and commitment.
About Uniting
Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT, through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide services for people through all ages and stages of life, and drive solutions to systemic issues so people experiencing disadvantage can live their best lives. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. We value diversity and always welcome everyone exactly as they are.
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Media contact
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Uniting Media team |