The Board of Menslink would like to offer its heartfelt thanks to Martin Fisk, following his decision to leave the organisation for new challenges.
Over more than a decade as CEO, Martin has made a profound impact on the lives of untold thousands of young Canberrans, through his passionate advocacy for welfare, counselling and education.
Just last month, Menslink’s Great Walk – which Martin has now cemented as one of the ACT’s feature annual charity fundraisers – raised nearly $350,000 to support Canberra’s young men, an extraordinary achievement.
“Marty is one of the ACT’s most respected and admired community sector warriors,” Menslink Chair Michael Battenally said.
“He’s had tireless energy in the role – not many charity CEO’s would dream of a 145km walk around the ACT to bring this community together! But it worked!”
“Martin has been instrumental in growing the organisation, right up to helping us celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2022. He’s respected not just by Menslink staff, but the thousands of young men who’ve been through the doors over the last decade – as well as our valued mentors and other volunteers.”
“Anyone who knows Marty recognizes in him an uncommon passion for his community, and we know that he’ll be highly valued wherever he turns his energy to next,” Mr Battenally said.
Mr Battenally said Martin leaves the organisation in great shape, thanks to his tireless work attracting corporate and government financial support.
“Covid has been particularly challenging for our young guys, and that’s when they’ve needed services like Menslink more than ever,” Martin Fisk said.
“Through lockdown and public health restrictions, we’ve been there with a listening ear when young guys reached out for help.”
“The last 11 years have been amongst the most profound of my life. Not only have I been able to help people, but also helped build a strong community that has grown by leaps and bounds and achieved far more than I could ever have imagined.”
“I am so proud of the people at Menslink – our dedicated staff, our governing board, our sponsors and donors and our wonderful mentors.”
“However, it’s the young fellas who continue to inspire me: young men at risk of jail, drug addiction, hopelessness, even suicide, who, with a little inspiration, some adult guidance and above all hope, go on to turn their lives around and become the wonderful men we know they can be.”
“I now think it’s the right time to move on so that Menslink can continue to grow, inspire and support.
“Menslink is in a very healthy position and I am looking forward to seeing it go from strength to strength,” Mr Fisk said.
General Manager and acting CEO Penny Burns will continue in the position until recruitment takes place in 2023.