Kyle Nacard officially commenced as ALPA’s new Chief Executive Officer on 1 May. Working closely with outgoing CEO Alastair King during the leadership transition, Kyle brings a clear commitment to building strong relationships and gaining a deep understanding of community aspirations before shaping future direction.

Last week, Kyle and Alastair travelled to Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak and Nhulunbuy to meet with community leaders, stakeholders and ALPA teams on the ground. The visits marked Kyle’s first engagement with communities as CEO.

Kyle had the opportunity to see ALPA’s impact in the Community Services space, and the important role our Retail teams play in creating healthy store environments and providing nutritious food to community members. 

“Spending time out bush reinforced the importance of staying connected with communities. You can’t make the right decisions from behind a desk - they have to be grounded in time spent on the ground, listening to what matters to people. I'm looking forward to regularly attending Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings and continuing conversations with community leaders,” said Kyle. 

In Nhulunbuy, Kyle and Alastair met with ALPA teams, Northern Territory Government representatives and a local Aboriginal corporation to discuss ways they can work together to build a strong, sustainable and diversified future for the region.

Concluding the week in Darwin, Kyle and Alastair met with Minister Malarndirri McCarthy to share key concerns raised by communities and discuss broader challenges for ALPA as a business. 

“Minister McCarthy has a strong understanding of and respect for the work ALPA does, and I’m confident we will continue to build on our strong relationship with the Minister and the Government” said Kyle. 

Kyle will continue engaging with community, government and commercial stakeholders, beginning with travel to Milingimbi and Ramingining in early June. Late June will mark his first ALPA Board meeting as CEO.