Appointed during a period of significant change, Greg Box became Cara’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer in 1994 and led the organisation for sixteen years until his retirement in July 2010. His appointment came at a pivotal moment, as disability services across Australia were evolving and expectations around choice, independence and community participation continued to grow. Under Greg’s leadership, Cara established itself as a leading provider of disability accommodation and respite services in South Australia, building a strong reputation for innovation, quality and person-centred support.

Known for his humility, integrity and unwavering commitment to people with disability, Greg earned the respect of colleagues, families, community partners and the broader disability sector. He led with compassion and conviction, creating a culture that prioritised relationships, ethical decision-making and a genuine belief in the potential of every person. His leadership helped guide Cara through a period of substantial growth while remaining true to the values that had shaped the organisation since its earliest beginnings.

Reflecting on his time with Cara, Greg once said:

“It’s not often that one gets the opportunity to lead such a diverse organisation at a time of great change and growth – an organisation which has been built on a long and outstanding reputation of service within the South Australian community.”

Beyond his contributions to Cara, Greg generously shared his knowledge and expertise to support the development of the wider disability sector. His influence extended far beyond the organisation itself, helping shape services, strengthen communities and improve outcomes for people with disability across South Australia. The legacy of his leadership continues to be felt within Cara today, through the foundations he helped build and the vision he championed for a more inclusive future.