Sommerville Community Services appoints Natasha Fyles as new CEO

Somerville Community Services is pleased to announce Natasha Fyles as its incoming Chief Executive Officer following a competitive and rigorous recruitment process.

Natasha is a passionate advocate and supporter of ensuring people living with a disability can access the quality care they need. She has extensive experience and knowledge of the Territory’s disability sector and an unwavering commitment to person-centred care.

Natasha oversaw the Territory’s transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and understands its complexity and importance in the lives of people with diverse needs, as well as their carers and families.

“Natasha is a compassionate and skilled leader with a history of working across diverse industries with people from all corners of the Territory to deliver outcomes for the communities she serves,” Somerville Chairperson Andrew Caddy said.

“Her professional attributes and personal devotion to supporting people with disabilities aligns seamlessly with Somerville’s vision and mission and makes her an excellent fit for CEO as the organisation approaches its 60^th anniversary.”

Natasha is a long term Territorian with an intrinsic understanding of all levels of government and the Territory’s unique operating environment. She can meaningfully engage with diverse stakeholders and influence policy and sector developments related to supported independent living and the broader NDIS framework.

Natasha’s appointment follows a competitive and rigorous recruitment process led by People for Purpose. Chief Operating Officer Ashely Perez will continue to provide Somerville with stable leadership as the acting Chief Executive Officer until Natasha commences in February 2025.

Somerville provides a range of services, including support coordination, supported independent living, specialist disability accommodation and independent living options.

Somerville looks forward to celebrating its 60^th anniversary and setting its direction for the next 60 to continue delivering improved care and services for Territorians with diverse needs.

Statement from Natasha Fyles

“Supporting and advocating for people with diverse needs is a cause close to my heart and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead Somerville Community Services.

Disability services are complex to deliver and are at a pivotal point in Australia. I look forward to working with the highly skilled Somerville staff and board to support continued delivery of the high-quality compassionate care Somerville is known for.

I have a personal passion for ensuring people who are on NDIS plans can access the services they need regardless of location or cultural background. I look forward to learning more about the organisation’s services so I can continue to be part of delivering positive change.

A highlight of my time as a member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly was overseeing the Territory’s transition to the NDIS. Engaging with and listening to the needs of the community was at the heart of this transition and is central to the person-centred care approach I advocate for.

I will lead with compassion and be a fierce advocate for the Territory at a federal level, ensuring Somerville’s current and future participants continue to receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives.

I contested the 2024 Northern Territory election with the intention of remaining in parliament. Since then, I have taken stock including spending time with my family, undertaking professional development and assessing where my career will go next. I look forward to starting a new chapter with Somerville, an organisation I truly feel I have the skills and passion to contribute to.

It has been more than 4 years since I was Minister for Disability, and I look forward to directing my efforts towards this important sector once again.”