Category: News

Dr Kate Alexander appointed new Barnardos Australia CEO

Posted on by Martina Bowron

The Board of Barnardos Australia (Barnardos) today announces the appointment of Dr Kate Alexander as the new CEO to lead the organisation in its next phase of delivery for children.

“On behalf of the Board of Barnardos, I am pleased to announce our new CEO, Dr Kate Alexander” said Ms Liesel Wett OAM, Chair of Barnardos.

“Kate brings to Barnardos strong experience in child protection and human services, with over 30 years’ experience in executive leadership, as well as direct service delivery and advocacy. She has been an Executive Director with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, and led significant reform across the sector, always looking for better outcomes for children and young people,” said Ms Wett.

“We are confident she will build on our emphasis on child-centred, evidence-based practices, adding robust strategic insight. She has a strong track record in child protection, people-first leadership, and a deep commitment to providing access to essential services and support for vulnerable children, young people and families, so that they can thrive,” Ms Wett said.

Dr Alexander’s career highlights include establishing the NSW Office of the Senior Practitioner, which included Child Quality Assurance, the Aboriginal Culture in Practice Unit, Psychological and Clinical Services, Disability Support and Advocacy, and Practice Support units. In addition to this, Kate has supported child protection work for other Australian states and territories. This includes her review, Trust in Culture, of the South Australian system in 2022.

Kate has a PhD from Melbourne University, where her research investigated the attitudes of the child protection workforce toward domestic violence, and in 2019, was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to family and community services in NSW.

“I am delighted to accept the role as CEO of Barnardos Australia and look forward to leading the organisation into the next stage of important work with children, young people and families, building on the successes Barnardos has delivered to date, and will face head on the challenges we will face in the future,” Kate said.

“I am excited to continue the work led by Deirdre Cheers over the past ten years, in ensuring children have safe and secure homes. Barnardos has a strong reputation when it comes to service provision and care of children, and I am pleased to work with the leadership of the organisation and employees to develop the strategic direction for Barnardo’s future. I am also eager to work collaboratively with both NSW and ACT and in fact all governments in supporting them to achieve their plans in the future for children,” she said.

“The Barnardos Board is thrilled Kate is joining us as CEO and is confident she will continue to strengthen our mission to ensure that every child that needs care right across our nation can reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. We look forward to working with Kate when she joins us in the new year to advance the critical work done through the organisation with children, young people and families in need,” said Ms Wett.

 

Ms Liesel Wett OAM
Chair
Barnardos Australia

 

 

Giving Day 2025

Posted on by Marie Reynolds

Our first-ever Giving Day was a shining success! ✨

On Thursday 4th of September, Barnardos hosted The Big Giving For Brighter Futures – a campaign to raise money for Australian children to have a brighter future, with every donation matched for 24 hours.

Donations to Barnardos Big Give for Brighter Futures came flying in from 8am on Thursday 4th September, hitting our goal of $75,000 by 2:20pm, exceeding our bonus target of $120,000 by 6pm and then astonishingly smashing our DREAM target of $150,000 just before 8am!

Our final tally came a dazzling $156,551 ✨💚

From all of us here at Barnardos, the biggest thank you goes out to you! You shone bright to give kids in Australia the bright future they deserve!

Last but not least, a special heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible Matched Partners. Without you, this day would not have been a shining success! 🌟

Local heroes 2025: Mischelle McCallum

Posted on by Marie Reynolds

We’re so proud to share that one of our incredible Temporary Family Carers, Mischelle McCallum, has been named a finalist for Westfield Local Heroes at Westfield Penrith!

For the past six years, Mischelle and her husband Garry have opened their hearts and home to children in need of short-term care. From creating stability for children who’ve experienced multiple placement breakdowns to mentoring new carers and advocating for families, Mischelle’s dedication goes far beyond her role.

Now, she has the chance to receive a $20,000 grant to continue supporting children and families in our community — but she needs your vote!

🗳️ Voting closes 8 September.
👉 Click the link to register your vote: https://www.westfield.com.au/penrith/news/2bxOyDltfpO2XNWmpDzIaC/local-heroes-2025

Every vote brings us one step closer to ensuring more children experience safety, stability and a loving home. 💚

Homelessness isn’t just a housing problem – it’s a childhood lost

Posted on by Barnardos

It’s hard to imagine children homeless in a country like Australia. But the reality is, more than 77,000 children require homelessness support services each year*.  At Barnardos we see it every day. Families sleeping in cars. Single mothers camping in caravan parks. Children bouncing between overcrowded living rooms, not knowing where they’ll sleep tomorrow. These are not isolated cases, they are the new normal for far too many families.

Having a safe and stable home is critical for everyone, but especially for children. Yet in today’s Australia, it’s increasingly out of reach. There are now limited rental properties in Sydney under $650 a week, which is unaffordable for low-income families. In regional areas, the options are even worse. The housing crisis is colliding with a cost-of-living crisis. A 2023 NCOSS study revealed 62% of households and 90% of single parents are going without essentials, from groceries to medicine, just to keep a roof over their heads. Two years later and the situation has only worsened and Barnardos is now seeing more families spiral into debt, not for luxuries, but for food, fuel, and nappies. Buy-now-pay-later platforms are being used for antibiotics, not furniture. Behind every statistic is a real child, a real family who is scared. For many women and children, domestic and family violence is the tipping point. Too often, they’re forced to flee with their children while the perpetrator remains in the home. With no access to money and nowhere to go, these mothers are left to choose between safety and shelter.

This is not just a housing issue. It is a child safety issue, a mental health issue, and a generational equity issue. Children who experience homelessness are more likely to suffer poor health, fall behind in school, and face long-term trauma. Without urgent intervention, we risk seeing more children entering foster care, not because they are unsafe with their parents, but because those parents are unsafe in a housing market that has failed them.

At Barnardos we never give up on children. We see the invisible wounds. We hear the quiet pleas. And we know that when families are supported with housing, financial stability, and community care, children can recover. They can heal. They can thrive. This Homelessness Week, I’m asking you as a fellow advocate, policymaker, business leader, or concerned community member, to remember that every child needs a champion. Let’s be that for them. Because no child should ever have to wonder where they’ll sleep tonight.

Learn more about how we help

 

Respecting Copyright
Originally published on LinkedIn by Deirdre Cheers, CEO of Barnardos Australia

*AIHW 2023-24

Disability Support Services School Holidays

Posted on by Marie Reynolds

Barnardos Disability Support – July School Holiday Activities

During the recent July school holidays, participants from Barnardos Disability Support Services enjoyed a range of fun and engaging community activities. The group had a fantastic time exploring Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Tenpin bowling, and Share My Ability.

They also made the most of the sunny days with a few relaxing outings to some local parks.

It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect, experience new environments, and enjoy memorable moments together.

We look forward to more exciting adventures in the next school holidays!

Pickleball Holiday Program with Barnardos Auburn

Posted on by Marie Reynolds

Last week, Barnardos Auburn teamed up with Cumberland Council and Sparrows Pickleball (run by Helen Huynh, Internal Communications Manager) to deliver a free school holiday program which introduces one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports, pickleball, to local primary school children at Berala Community Centre.

With almost 40 kids attending, the event featured two fun-filled sessions, giving kids a chance to get active, make new friends, and learn a new sport in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Run by qualified coaches from Sparrows Pickleball, the sessions were perfect for beginners, with all equipment provided. Kids enjoyed engaging games and drills that develop hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and confidence – all while having fun. Pickleball is easy to learn, fun to play, and accessible for all ages. 

This initiative was part of Sparrows’ mission to connect communities through sport, with support from Cumberland City Council and Barnardos Australia to help make sport more inclusive and accessible for all families.

A massive thank you to Caseworkers Michaela Bestwick and  Stephanie Phung and Program Manager Gethin Cadwaladr at Barnardos Auburn for making this collaboration possible.

Penrith NAIDOC Event 2025

Posted on by Marie Reynolds

On Friday, 11th July 2025 the Penrith Children’s Family Centre participated in the annual NAIDOC Day Event at Jamison Park run by Penrith City Council.

Each year, this event gets bigger and better, as well as our participation and our stall.

The centre closes as it is all hands on deck to deliver the activities and engagement with the community and have a fun day overall.

This year, we had lots of different activities going including:

  • T Shirt Painting

  • Face Painting

  • Temporary Tattoo Station

  • Boomerang Painting

  • Colouring Station

  • Fairy Floss

  • Merchandise Stand

We are yet to perfect the t-shirt drying process with most of us getting covered in shirts due to the wind blowing them off the hangers but even with getting covered in paint, a lot of fun was had by staff and the community.

A few community members even have shirts they’ve made at our stalls from past years.

WIN TV News features Warrawong NAIDOC event

Posted on by Marie Reynolds

This week, South Coast Service Coordinator Siegfried Leland was featured on WIN TV covering the Warrawong NAIDOC Celebration where the community was brought together to celebrate the rich culture of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Watch the video below as Siegfried shares more on the 50th year of NAIDOC celebration and how he connects with the community.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Paula

Posted on by Martina Bowron

Hi, my name is Paula Weldon. I’m a proud Wiradjuri mother of four and I grew up on Wangal lands of the Eora Nation.

I work as an Aboriginal Cultural Care Specialist in the Gurung Wellama team, based at our Sydney Metro office in Marrickville. I joined Barnardos in July 2021, starting with Yurungai Child and Family Services.

I love my job and working with Barnardos because I get to support Aboriginal children in out-of-home care to maintain their connection to Culture, Kin, and Identity through meaningful Cultural Support Plans.

Before joining Barnardos, I worked as a Child Protection Caseworker at Central Sydney CSC (now DCJ). I started my journey at the Helpline and worked with DCJ for 11 years. I also spent time at NSW Legal Aid in the Children’s Civil Law unit as a Caseworker, attending Koori Youth Court at both Central and Parramatta Children’s Courts.

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. But watching my mum and other family members work in community and help people inspired me to pursue a path supporting Aboriginal families and communities.

NAIDOC Week means a lot to me. It’s a time to embrace and celebrate Culture, family, and Country, and to come together as Mob to honour our trailblazers.

The theme this year is The Next Generation: Strength, Vision& Legacy”. This theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and focuses on honouring the achievements of the past while looking towards the future.   I love attending local events with my kids.

One of my proudest achievements at Barnardos so far has been breaking down barriers with families and stakeholders to achieve positive, culturally safe outcomes. I feel privileged to live and breathe Culture every day with the families I work with.

I’m deeply passionate about delivering the best outcomes for our families, always grounded in cultural safety, respect and connection.

Happy NAIDOC Week!

Queanbeyan Reconciliation Walk 2025

Posted on by Barnardos

Queanbeyan held its annual Reconciliation Walk on Tuesday, 3 June. Each year, Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) organises this large and symbolic walk for reconciliation, which brings together schools from across the Queanbeyan Palerang region, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, and the broader community.

This year, we were lucky to have sunny weather, though there was a crisp chill in the air that reminded us Winter had well and truly arrived. The walk began at Queens Bridge and made its way to Queanbeyan Town Park where the official ceremony was held. Staff from our Canberra office also joined us for the walk, adding to the strong sense of unity and community spirit.

The kids had a great time and really enjoyed being part of the event – especially when Uncle Billy T got everyone up and moving with the Kangaroo dance after delivering the Welcome to Country. We also heard from Mayor Kenrick Winchester, Deputy Mayor Esme Livermore, and local Federal member Kristy McBain MP. Cr John Preston read a speech on behalf of local NSW Steve Whan MP.