President Statement 

CEO Candidate Announcement 

MEDIA RELEASE – MORNINGTON COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE – December 5, 2024

Ben Smith’s decision to run as a candidate for the Federal seat of Flinders

This week, the CEO of the Mornington Community Support Centre, Ben Smith, informed the MCSC Management Committee of his intention to stand as an Independent candidate for the seat of Flinders in the 2025 Federal election. MCSC Committee President Lyn Johnson shared the announcement of Mr Smith’s candidacy with Centre staff and volunteers:

“The Committee has greatly valued Ben’s strong leadership of the Centre through a period of significant growth and we are committed to fulfilling our obligations to him as an employee, to our broader staff and volunteer team and first and foremost, to the community we serve every day.”

Ms Johnson said the MCSC Management Committee had granted Mr Smith’s request for leave from the date the election is announced, and to provide access to flexible working hours as required until then.

“To ensure we remain neutral, we’ve worked with Ben to put provisions in place to ensure there will be no campaign discussions or materials at the Centre, or as part of any of Ben’s duties as CEO.

“Specifically, all queries regarding Ben’s candidacy will be directed to his campaign team and all MCSC-related media and public engagement activities will be shared across the wider staff team, limiting Ben’s role to specific matters which are directly related to MCSC’s operational activities.”

With the Centre’s annual Christmas Appeal in full-swing, Ms Johnson added it would be business as usual for the Centre’s dedicated staff and volunteers in the lead up to Christmas.

“The Mornington Community Support Centre is a remarkable place made up of hundreds of dedicated volunteers and an incredible staff team, providing essential emergency relief and support to everyone who walks through our door in need. We’ve been serving the people of Mornington, Mount Martha, Moorooduc and Mt Eliza for over 40 years and our focus remains on being a safe and supportive place for people doing it tough in our community. This exceptional service will continue over the coming months.” Ms Johnson said.

The Centre will not be making any further statements on Ben Smith’s candidacy and direct all media inquiries to his campaign team.