My name is Debra Cochran and I’ve been with the Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) for almost 25 years. I’ve been the CEO for 15 years and managed the Home Care Service prior to this.
Before moving to Ayr with my husband and commencing with BCA, I worked in senior management in various industries including coal mining, human resources, recruitment and banking. I’m rewarded by helping others and improving the Burdekin community which is why I jumped at the chance to work for BCA and continue to do so.
The BCA is a not-for-profit, incorporated association and registered charity, which strives to fulfil the unmet social, welfare and health needs of the Burdekin community. A diverse range of community services are delivered by the BCA to the Burdekin Shire. Since establishment in 1975, BCA has evolved to become one of the largest community organisations in the region. BCA’s Purpose is “To provide direct relief to the aged, families, children and individuals who are experiencing poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability or helplessness”.
BCA is managed by a volunteer Management Committee made up of a number of individuals who as a group represent the community and are responsible for the management of the association.
BCA’s structure consists of myself as CEO and four Service Managers. I’m responsible for implementing the association’s policies, procedures and decisions. On a day-to-day basis my role includes managing the BCA’s affairs.
Our team of 125 personnel continue to raise standards of support through personal and professional improvement and partnership with clients, families, providers, government and the community.
I’m very proud of the wide range of community and health services BCA provides in the Burdekin – 36 programs in total. During my time as CEO, we’ve significantly increased the quality of our services along with government funding and programs and the financial strength of the organisation.
We’re offering services to community members at the highest possible level (e.g. Specialist Homelessness Service, Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Service, Home Care Packages Program, National Disability Insurance Scheme, Psychological Therapies Program, Accredited Exercise Physiology Program etc). Our Team works closely with various network members, government High Risk and Critical Response Teams, to increase the level of assistance being provided to community members.
With the increase of domestic and family violence, homelessness, cost of living pressures and our ageing population, important priorities for BCA include continuing to find ways to increase services in these and other areas.
If I had one message for the community about BCA it would be that the organisation and our team are here to help and support you as much as we possibly can. Please reach out for support and information regarding community and health services.
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