National Families Week Ambassadors
This year we are delighted to announce the following 36 prominent Australians, with varied interests, who have agreed to promote National Families Week 2009. Please click on their names to go to a brief biography.
Kandie Allen-Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Kandie Allen-Kelly is CEO of the Australian Association of Social Workers. An Accredited Social Worker, Kandie is the mother of three sons aged 21 – 27 and grandmother to 5 month old Solomon. A single parent for the past 11 years, Kandie’s children have only recently moved out of home. She is in a committed relationship with a man who has four grown up children and a granddaughter. They both have good relationships with each others children. As a Social Worker, Kandie was a community worker, counsellor, family worker and group worker for 11 years, and then a teacher and academic for 11 years while also being a clinical supervisor and executive coach. Kandie’s publications include a recent book on rural women’s experiences of healing from childhood sexual assault, based on research with women some of whom she worked as a clinician in Rural Australia. Kandie says she is no superwoman and is proud of her independent, happy, healthy well adjusted sons. back to top
Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer, Playgroup Australia
Mark is Chief Executive Officer of Playgroup Queensland. A major focus of Mark’s work has been working with children, young people and their families including six years as CEO of Playgroup Queensland and 11 years as Deputy CEO of Police Youth Clubs in both Queensland and New South Wales. Mark is a past President and Treasurer of Playgroup Australia, a Board Member of the Queensland Minister for Communities’ Child and Family Forum, and was appointed to the Australian Families and Children Council in 2007. Mark is also the past Chairperson of the Mainstream Youth Organisation’s Crime Prevention Task Force. Mark is the recipient of the Queensland Police Service Medal for Diligent and Ethical Service; the R.M. Hanlon Public Sector Award for Executive Leadership; and his qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and an MBA (Public Administration). He resides in Brisbane with his wife and two young children. back to top
Kasy Chambers, Executive Director, Anglicare Australia
Kasy works for Anglcare Australia in a network of over 12,000 staff and 24,000 volunteers providing services to families in all their forms across Australia and across the life course. Kasy has worked with families with disabilities; in remote areas; or facing issues of mental illness or homelessness and is committed to ensuring that families are supported by the larger community to continue as the building blocks of society. back to top
Jennifer Cooke, Deputy General Manager, Child Support Agency
Jennifer joined the Child Support Agency Australia in October 2006 with responsibility for the operational delivery of child support services through the management of 3,000 staff across the country. Prior to joining the Child Support Agency she worked in the areas of family law, mental health and child protection. She has qualifications in the areas of social work, applied social research and management. Jennifer is married with two adult sons. Before moving into management, Jennifer was trained as a counselor and worked for a number of years in therapeutic settings assisting parents and children. back to top
Sandie de Wolf AM, Chief Executive Officer, Berry Street Victoria
Sandie is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Child and Family Support; the Department of Human Services Sector Development Plan Reference Group; Chair of the Workforce Working Group; and Secretary of the Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia. Sandie works for Berry Street Victoria which is now the largest independent child and family welfare organisation in Victoria, providing services across the State. In all her roles, Sandie has always demonstrated a strong commitment to working together and a passion for improving life opportunities and choices for children, young people and families. Sandie was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the community sector in 2009. back to top
Dr Lance Emerson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY)
Dr Lance Emerson is the CEO of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY). Lance has a background in primary health care and quality improvement, with a focus on 'joined-up' solutions to applying best evidence in addressing health inequities. He has worked in senior Government positions at both the State and Federal level, as a private consultant, as executive of a national member based health organisation, and has been appointed to numerous Ministerial committees and working groups. His passion and focus is on progressing collaborative evidence based action to improve the health and wellbeing of young Australians. back to top
Professor Allan Fels AO
Best known as former Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and currently Dean of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government has been married for 39 years and has two children in their 30s. He has a strong interest in mental health. His daughter Isabella has schizophrenia. His family has been the subject of a program by Australian Story in 2002. back to top
Judi Geggie, Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle
I worked part-time until my youngest child was six years old when I commenced working full-time. My work and family balance has been enhanced by the supportive parents-in-law and flexible work arrangements. Being able to negotiate work hours that were mutually beneficial to my work place and my family has strengthened my ability to be an effective parent and employee. back to top
Jennie Hannan, Family Relationship Services Australia
Representing Family Services Australia, Jennie has worked as a therapist (child and family) for over 25 years with particular areas of interest in child inclusive practice and family court associated services. Prior to joining Anglicare she was deputy CEO for Relationships Australia in WA and has worked in family relationship services for the past 15 years in SA and WA. Jennie is currently employed as Executive General Manager, Services, at Anglicare WA, an organisation which provides Family Relationships Services Program funded services. Additionally, Jennie is currently responsible for Anglicare WA's other services including youth, housing, employment, aboriginal and foster care services as well as other State funded counselling and support services across WA including Victim Support Services and domestic violence perpetrator and victim services. back to top
Dr Jeff Harmer, Secretary, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
I am the eldest son in a family of four. I am married with three children all of whom have now left home to pursue their careers. My wife is a secondary school teacher in the Catholic Education system. Personally, I am an early starter and like to do some exercise every morning before work. I firmly believe that I won’t be effective the next day unless I get a reasonable amount of relaxation. I believe that spending quality time with family is very important. My staff know that I will be more impressed by how effective they are at work rather than how long they spend there. back to top
Professor Alan Hayes, Director, Australian Institute of Family Studies
Professor Hayes took up his appointment as Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies in September 2004. He is currently a member of the Australian Families and Children Council (AFCC), and was an Ambassador for National Families Week in 2007 and 2008. With qualifications in Psychology, he has longstanding research and policy interests in the pathways children and their families take through life, and the role of families in supporting and sustaining development across life. The role of vulnerability and resilience in shaping developmental pathways has been a particular focus. Much of his work has focused on disadvantage, with a longstanding interest in prevention and early intervention. The impact of relationship breakdown on children is a particular interest, and the factors that impede access to opportunity continue to be a key focus. Alan is married, and is a very proud father whose life has been infinitely enriched by the love of his family. back to top
Elaine Henry OAM, Chief Executive Officer, The Smith Family
Elaine Henry, OAM, BSc (Hons 1), DLitt (h.c.) has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Smith Family since 1998. Prior to this appointment she was the Executive Director of the Cancer Council of NSW for 12 years. She was a non-executive director of AXA Trustees from 1998-2001. Elaine has served on a wealth of committees at the state, national and international levels. Relevant to her current work, she is the inaugural chair of Nonprofit Australia, an inaugural director of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth and of Social Ventures Australia. She was the inaugural chair of the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Partnership from 2000-2006 and became the inaugural chair of its Australian Council for Children and Families in 2007. She has been a member and Deputy Chair of the former Welfare to Work Consultative Forum and a member of the former Prime Minister’s Community Business Partnership. She is a member of the Australian Government Advisory Board on Financial Literacy; Australian Statistics Advisory Council; the Vice-Chancellor’s Advisory Board of the University of Wollongong; the Australian School of Business Advisory Council, University of NSW; the Dean’s Advisory Board, Faculty of Education & Social Work, University of Sydney; the Sydney Advisory Council of the Centre for Social Impact and a Trustee of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In 1994 Elaine was awarded a Medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia. In 2000 she was presented with an inaugural Cancer Council Award for Professional Excellence – Service Delivery. Elaine was selected as one of 50 Australian women to be profiled in the 2000 Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame and in 2001, 2004 and again in 2007 Elaine was named as one of the Australian Financial Review’s BOSS True Leaders. She is a member of Chief Executive Women and participated in the Australia 2020 Summit in April 2008. back to top
Ngaire Hosking, Assistant Secretary, Office of Work and Family
Ngaire is the Assistant Secretary in charge of the Work, Families and Early Childhood Branch within the Office of Work and Family. She is married with two children aged ten and twelve. back to top
Joan Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Carers Australia
Joan Hughes was appointed CEO, Carers Australia in July 2006. She is an Honorary Associate in the Department of Nursing Research Centre, University of Sydney. Joan is a Churchill Fellow. The research about ageing parents of people with disabilities was carried out in Canada, USA and the UK. From 1993 until 2006, Joan was CEO Carers NSW, which has won many state and national awards including one of three International Caregiving Awards in Washington DC, USA. Carers NSW was funded as the first state peak organisation for carers in 2003. In 2008, she was selected to attend Australia’s 2020 Summit. Joan serves on many Federal Government committees as well as International Carer Advisory committees.
Examples of committees
- Federal ministerial/advisory committees on ageing, pensions and dementia 2008
- Advisor to Carers NZ about their Carer Strategy and programs 2006-current
- Executive member of the International Alliance of Carer Organization 2006-current
- International advisor to the National Competence Carer Centre in Sweden 2007- current
- Delivered the 2005 Clare Stevenson Memorial Lecture: Where’s the Vision?
- Chair of the National CEOs Forum of Carer Associations, 2005-current
- Runner up of the National EQT CEO Awards, 2003
- Finalist Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award, 2000 back to top
Graeme Innes AM, Human Rights Commissioner, Commissioner Responsible for Disability Discrimination, Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
Lawyer, Mediator and Company Director Graeme Innes has been a Human Rights Practitioner in NSW, WA and nationally for 25 years. Graeme was a member of the Australian delegation to the United Nations developing a Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Graeme has been active in the disability field for thirty years. He was Chair of the Disability Advisory Council of Australia for four and a half years. He was the first blind President of Royal Blind Society of NSW, and the first Chair of Vision Australia, Australia's largest national blindness agency. Graeme has been one of Australia's delegates to the World Blind Union, and the President of that Union's Asia-Pacific region. Graeme has been a consultant to organisations such as Westpac, Qantas, and Sydney Water, on disability issues. Graeme has been a Member of -
- the NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal;
- the NSW Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal; and
- The Social Security Appeals Tribunal;
- As well as a Hearing Commissioner with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
He has also been a Councilor on Ku-ring-gai local Council. In 1995 Graeme was admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the development of Commonwealth disability discrimination legislation. He was a finalist for Australian of the year in 2003. Graeme is married with an adult son and a daughter in primary school. He enjoys cricket (as a spectator) and sailing (as a participant) and relaxes by drinking fine Australian white wine. back to top
Hetty Johnston, Executive Director, Bravehearts
Hetty is Founder and Executive Director of Bravhearts Inc. A born lobbyist, Hetty is a woman of passion and determination who has succeeded in highlighting the issue of pedophilia within media, families, schools and the general community. In 2005, Hetty was announced as a finalist for the 2006 Australian of the Year Awards – she is the recipient of two Australian Lawyers and Civil Justice Awards (2003, 2004), was named a finalist in the 2008 Suncorp Queenslander of the Year Awards and in 2009 was the recipient of the International Toastmasters Award for Communication and Leadership. She has previously Chaired the Queensland Child Protection Week Committee for three years, held a position on the Board of NAPCAN Foundation, held a Board position with Adult Survivors of Child Abuse, sat as Chair for the Endeavour Foundation’s Abuse Prevention and Response Committee, currently sits on the Federal Government’s working party on cyber safety and recently sat on the Federal Government’s Working Party on a “National Approach to Child Protection”. Hetty also sits on various local and Qld State Government Working Parties. Hetty works with government and non-government agencies on legislative reform, submission, education, training, lobbying and research to improve child protection and political accountability in Australia. back to top
Cathy Kezelman, Chair, Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
Twenty years experience in medical practice: involved in senior hospital administrative responsibilities and group general practice. Special interest in mental health, current director on MHCC (Mental health Co-ordinating Council) board. ASCA Media Spokesperson, involved in strategic planning, advocacy and government lobbying. Cathy has been short-listed for CLW’s Leadership Achievement Award for Women. Cathy is married with four adult children. The six of them lead busy lives but make a point of keeping in touch. They set aside one night a week to have dinner together and catch up. It’s important to stay connected when everyone is so busy. back to top
Rhonda Lawson-Street, National Director, Relationships Australia
In her role as National Director of Relationships Australia, Rhonda takes an active part in supporting and promoting the organisation’s vision of ‘Positive and respectful relationships for all Australians”. Particularly at stressful times for families dealing with conflict and separation, the importance of parents’ focusing on what is happening to the children in the process is a message that is close to her heart; whether together or apart, the way family members relate to each other makes a huge difference to their wellbeing. back to top
Marie Leech, Principal, Sancta Sophia College
Marie is currently the Principal at Sancta Sophia College at the University of New South Wales. Marie has a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Sydney and a Masters of Science and Society from the University of New South Wales. Her business achievements were recognised as a NSW Finalist in the 2005 Telstra Business Women’s Awards. Marie was appointed to the Federal Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy Partnership, was a member of the Board of Directors of the Australian Institute of Family Studies; and on a number of Committees, including Working Groups of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY). Voluntary work has included the development of strategies to provide access to education for disadvantaged girls and women, especially Aboriginal women. Previous roles include the position of General Manager, Community Services, at Mission Australia, and Senior Policy Advisor at Uniya, the Jesuit office for social justice research. Prior to her career in social policy and research, Dr Leech taught senior chemistry and biology at Kincoppal Rose Bay and was an educator at TAFE and university levels. back to top
Andrew McCallum, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies
Andrew commenced his working life as a primary school teacher after completing a Diploma of Teaching at Ballarat Teachers’ College. After studying in the United Kingdom he moved into the welfare sector as an Education Officer/Supervisor of Residential Services at Orana Children’s Homes in Melbourne. In 1981 he took up the position of inaugural Director of Wimmera Community Care (Uniting Church agency) based in Horsham; a position he held for five years before taking up the position of Chief Executive Officer of St Luke’s Anglicare in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria. A position he held until January 2006. Andrew has held many board positions on state and national bodies including five years as President of the Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria (CWAV) and Chairperson of the Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia. In 1999 Andrew was awarded life membership of CWAV. Andrew is a past President of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS), and during 1999 - 2001 Board and Executive Member of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS). Andrew McCallum was elected President of ACOSS in 2001a position he held until December 2005. Andrew has worked as a consultant in the community services sector and is currently CEO of the Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies [ACWA] based in Sydney. back to top
Anne McLeish, Director, Grandparents Australia
Anne is currently National Director of Grandparents Australia and state director of Grandparents Victoria. Recent national work includes a national survey of grandparents from every state and territory and all walks of life to determine their views about the future for their grandchildren and the conduct of a campaign to highlight the need for better childcare provision as an issue of national significance. back to top
Bob Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA Australia
Bob has forty years employment with the YMCA movement in Australia. He also has extensive experience in Not-for-Profit Management, Voluntary Board Development, community programming and service development. YMCA Australia is a federation of 37 independently incorporated Associations, each governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The YMCA operates in more than 400 communities across Australia, and each week provides programs and services to more than 500,000 people of all ages. The YMCA Mission is to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit. back to top
Bev Orr, Chair, Australian Foster Care Association
Bev represents the Australian Foster Care Association which is the only national representative body for foster carers and foster care associations throughout Australia. The membership of the Association is comprised of the peak foster care association of each Australian State or Territory and through them in excess of 12,500 Australian carer families from throughout Australia. back to top
Sam Page, Executive Director, Family Relationship Services Australia (FRSA)
Sam Page is the Executive Director of Family Relationship Services Australia (FRSA) the national peak body for organisations that deliver family relationship services. Established in 2007, FRSA’s vision is for an Australian society that is enriched through respectful relationships in all of their diversity. In the achievement of this vision, FRSA’s role is to support the delivery of quality services and engage in the development of public policy. FRSA is supported by 115 member organisations and also receives funding through the Australian Government’s Family Relationship Services Program (FRSP). Sam is well known in the family relationship services sector and the social services sector more broadly. Former roles have included social policy, service delivery and management consulting working with both government and non-government agencies. She has contributed to national and state/territory initiatives to enhance services across a range of sectors including family support, children’s services, youth services, homelessness, disability support and services for carers. Her work has been characterised by a capacity to engage diverse stakeholders in policy and service innovation. While largely engaged in the practical arena of service delivery, Sam brings to her work a commitment to evidence based social research. She holds a Masters Degree in Community Organisation Management from the University of Technology, Sydney. While completing this degree she won the post-graduate award for research. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology from the University of Sydney. back to top
Lisa Paul, PSM, Secretary, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
Lisa Paul, PSM, is Secretary of the federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The Department brings together the core elements of the Government’s productivity and participation agenda from early childhood, to school, to further training and education to ensure that everyone who is able to work can get a job. The Department is also responsible for workforce participation, employment and the laws governing the workplace. The Department’s objectives in this area are to maximise the ability of working age Australians to participate actively in the workforce and improve the productive performance of enterprises in Australia. DEEWR administers approximately $40 billion annually and has about 6,000 staff in over 50 locations in Australia and 26 locations overseas.
Prior to this role, Lisa was Secretary of the Department of Education, Science and Training from 2004 to 2007. She has more than 20 years public sector experience, including three Deputy CEO roles, which were in the Department of Education, Science and Training; the Department of Family and Community Services; and in the Health Insurance Commission. She has held senior positions in education, welfare, community services, health and housing, in state and Commonwealth governments and in central and line agencies. Lisa has led some important whole-of-government work. For example, in 2002 she was asked to lead the Australian Government's domestic response to the Bali bombings, for which she was awarded a Public Service Medal. back to top
Paul Rajan, Department of Education NT
Paul is Director, Community Engagement in the Department of Education in the Northern Territory with responsibility for youth, women's, seniors' and multicultural policy areas. Paul has worked in both government and community sector human services agencies since 1975. As Principal Policy Officer and later Assistant Director Young Offender Services in the W.A. Department of Community Services and then as General Manager of Creative LINKS Foundation he has significant experience in policy development and analysis and in the practical application of policy in the development and operation of programs. back to top
Glenn Rappensberg, Chief Executive, Novita Children’s Services
Glenn Rappensberg was appointed Chief Executive of Novita Children’s Services (formerly the Crippled Children’s Association of South Australia) in January 2000. Born and educated in Queensland, Glenn moved to South Australia in 1983 to undertake nursing studies at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. He worked for 12 years as a Registered General Nurse, including several years as a Nurse Manager, while gaining a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of South Australia. Since then, Glenn has held a number of senior management positions within the South Australian health sector, including four years as Business Manager, Children’s Youth and Women’s Health Service (formerly the Women’s and Children’s Hospital) and two years as Chief Executive Officer for both the Naracoorte Health Service and the Kingston Soldiers Memorial Hospital. Nationally, Glenn is the Chairperson of National Disability Services’ (NDS) Committee on Children, Young People and Their Families, an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Health Service Executives and a founding Board Member of Ability First Australia. Locally, he is an active Member of National Disability Services, the Chairperson of NDS’s State Management Committee, Chairperson of NDS’ State Committee on Children, Young People and Their Families, a Ministerial Appointee and the Deputy Chairperson to the Children’s Services Consultative Committee of the Department of Education and Children’s Services, and Executive Director and Board Member of The Channel Seven Children’s Research Foundation of South Australia – positions that allow him to promote the rights, safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in South Australia. back to top
Jacqui Reed, Chief Executive Officer, CREATE Foundation
Jacqui Reed, CEO of CREATE since December 2007, has led CREATE through a period of considerable change and growth. In this period the national and international profile of CREATE has been strengthened as evidenced by a strong media presence and publication of a major and well-received research report the Report Card: Transitioning from Care. Jacqui has over 20 years experience in child protection, out of home care, family services and community work, has undertaken social research and held several management roles. She has written not only policy, training manuals, and research papers, but also a children’s book. Jacqui is an accomplished public speaker presenting at many national and international conferences. Jacqui firmly believes that children and young people given the right opportunities have the capacity to transcend their adversity and reach their full potential. back to top
Sue Richards, Chief Executive, NSW Family Support Services
She was a foster carer for many years. She is now the CEO of the NSW Family Support Services which is the peak body for 302 Family Service outlets in New South Wales. back to top
Simon Schrapel, Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia
From May 1999 Simon has held the position of Executive Manager, Family and Community Development, at Anglicare SA, where he is responsible for a broad range of services from child care to out of home care, supported accommodation and housing, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, employment programs, refugee settlement services, financial services, youth services, disability support and mental health services, community development, community legal services, family relationship services and family support amongst other areas. These services are provided from a variety of locations across the Adelaide metropolitan area. Simon has worked in a range of policy, planning and management positions, principally focused on the funding and delivery of services by the non-government community services sector. This has included positions in the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and Australia in state and local government as well as not for profit organisations.Simon has been a member of the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS) Policy Council since 2000 and the Chairperson of SACOSS since July 2002. He has also been the Chair of the Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia since 2001. back to top
Gail Slocombe, Chief Executive Officer, PeakCare
Gail has been with PeakCare since August 2006. She worked with Relationships Australia Queensland in a senior role and has experience with TAFE, University, immigration and child protection. Gail is committed to ensuring quality services within the human services and promoting research to ensure that children and families receive excellent support from the government, the community and their families.
Gail has a background in social work, teaching, management and policy development. She enjoys workplace coaching and believes that improved industry standards can develop better services for children and young people. Gail was born and educated in England and travelled to Australia with her husband in the mid-1970s. She has studied for her Masters in Social Work at Queensland University, her teaching studies took her to Griffith University and with her management studies she was engaged with the Australian Institute of Management. Her first job in Queensland was with the (then) Department of Children's Services where she was part of the inaugural Child Protection Unit. Some of Gail.s passions are social justice and the protection of vulnerable people within society, so her role in PeakCare will tap into her energy for this. Gail is also a member of AASW. back to top
Tony Stevenson, Mission Australia
Tony Stevenson is Mission Australia’s Queensland State Director. Tony was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare Central Queensland. He is committed to a viable and proactive non-Government sector which works alongside families, children and individuals to inspire self-confidence and hope, and enable people to tap their own resources to pursue a positive and independent future. His background of over 25 years in community services includes management, policy development and program delivery with Federal, State and Local Government, private consultancy and the non-Government sector. He was the principal consultant for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reform of Children’s Services in Australia and a committee Chair of the Australian Health and Community Services Ministerial Council. back to top
Louise Taylor, Principal Legal Officer, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
Louise has a BA/LLB from the ANU as well as a Grad Dip in legal Practice. She is admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the ACT. Louise has specialised in criminal law, prosecuting initially for the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions and now a Principal Legal Officer of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. For a significant period at the ACT DPP Louise was a specialised Family Violence Prosecutor under the auspices of the ACT Family Violence Intervention Program. Louise is the Deputy Chair of the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Women and Assistant Convenor of the ACT Women’s Legal Centre. Louise is on the editorial board of the Indigenous Law Bulletin. Louise has particular interest in access to justice for marginalised women, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Louise is a mother to two children. back to top
Russell Taylor, Principal, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
An Aboriginal Australian (Kamilaroi), Mr Russell (Russ) Taylor is the Principal of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) in Canberra. Russ was born and raised in the waterfront area of Sydney at Millers Point in the famous historic area of the Rocks. Russ is married (to Judi) with three (now adult) children and four grandchildren and much of his spare time is devoted to family interests and activities. Russ has a very diverse and extensive managerial experience in the public administration of Indigenous affairs and his tertiary qualifications include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree as well as a Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management from the University of Technology Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology) from the Australian National University, Canberra. In recent times, Russ’ specific management focus and interests have been in the inter-cultural aspects and dimensions of management including public sector accountability and transparency, organizational governance, change management, strategic planning, ethics and leadership. back to top
Prue Warrilow, Australian Community Children's Services
Prue is the Deputy National Convenor of the Australian Community Children's Services (ACCS); she is currently the Deputy Convenor of the NSW ACCS branch and was NSW Convenor for the past 4 years. She represents NACBCS on the National Children's Services Forum and the Commonwealth Child Care Reference Group. Prue is the owner and CEO of Families At Work. ACCS' objective is to promote not for profit children's services in Australia. ACCS is the peak representative organisation for all Australian community owned children's services. back to top
Sharron Williams, Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care
Representing the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, Sharron is a Narungga/Kaurna woman who has been the CEO of the Aboriginal Family Support Services in Adelaide for seven years. Sharron’s experience has included 15 years with Correctional Services through a range of strategic and policy development positions which included being the first Indigenous Public Relations Officer within the Correctional Services System within SA. The Aboriginal Family Support Services Inc (AFSS) was established in 1978 as the SA Aboriginal Child Care Agency Forum Inc (ACCA) in order to have an Aboriginal organisation involved in matters relating to child welfare. Prior to 1978, Aboriginal children were often being removed from their families and communities without the consent or even consultation with extended family members. back to top