What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing children’s therapy today?
Funding and resourcing is a huge issue the whole sector is facing. This is highly specialised work and it requires specialised people, so we need to be properly resourced to do it well.
The government only pays for some of it, but it doesn’t cover the full cost of delivering quality outcomes for children.  

What is the main objective of your role over the next 12 months?
Accountability back to children and families. We know we’re doing the work but we need to measure and document the impact for the children then communicate that to families, funders and government decision makers. 

A key moment when you felt like your work is having a positive impact.
I have visited every Australian Childhood Foundation site speaking to our frontline service staff, to ensure they feel heard. 

A few weeks ago, my staff reported that we had a young person who was having a lot of issues with the services he was receiving. He was not getting what he needed. I was able to work with the government department and together we made some changes. As a result, the young person is now getting the services he needs in a timely way. He’s making progress. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to stay active to maintain my health and well-being. I love walking on the beach. I do Pilates, yoga, and weight training. I’m also very social. Catching up with friends and family is also very important.  

How do you stay positive and take care of your wellbeing working in an emotionally charged role?
I've worked in child protection for over 40 years and people often ask me this. I think it’s about having balance in your life.
As long as my fitness, health and social life are good, it helps. I have an amazingly supportive family, and I work with great colleagues who support me as well.
But I love what I do. I’m very focused on trying to make the world a better place for children. I always have been.