Our centresOur wonderful Barnardos carer, Helen, shared her story of becoming a foster parent on the Today show. As a mother of three young children, she loves all the colour and chaos that comes with it! We couldn’t agree more: every child deserves support, connection, and a great childhood. 💚
Category: News
Thank you to Australian Mutuals Foundation and Bunnings
On the 26th of April, Australian Mutuals Foundation hosted a Bunnings BBQ held at Bunnings Alexandria to raise funds for a bus to ensure children’s safe journey to the Yurungai Learning Centre.
The AMF team rallied together with great energy and enthusiasm, helping to make the day a sizzling success! Thanks to their hard work and dedication, over $4,600 was raised in support of the Yurungai Bus Appeal — a fantastic achievement that will make a real difference for the children and families we support.
We are so grateful for AMF’s ongoing partnership, commitment, and passion for helping create brighter futures!
You can learn more about the campaign, see the progress towards our $120,000 target or donate here: https://donate.barnardos.org.au/donate-now/yurungai-bus/ 
“Warrawong Tides” a film project to promote community togetherness
Photo from Left to right: Phil Crawford Co-Equal, Melissa Andrews- Barnardos, James Mulholland- Guwarra, Khalani Harris- Warrawong Tides participant
Barnardos Australia today announced the launch of “Warrawong Tides,” a four-year film project aimed at fostering community unity. The initiative, a partnership between Barnardos Australia, Gawura Aboriginal Corporation, Warrawong High School, and CoEqual, is funded by Multicultural NSW.
“Warrawong Tides ” will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) young people to become champions for community cohesion by providing them with the skills and platform to tell their stories and challenge extremism, hate, fear, and division. The project will encourage local youth participation, fostering creativity and cultural expression while building sustainable networks and relationships.
Through workshops led by CoEqual, participants will learn film design, storytelling, production, and editing, culminating in the creation of short films showcasing their unique cultural perspectives and experiences. These films will be screened within the community, promoting understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
This initiative recognises the vital importance of skills development, confidence building, and a strong sense of belonging in shaping positive futures for young people. By providing young people with a creative outlet to share their stories, “Warrawong Tides ” aims to build a more inclusive and united community.
Child poverty is a policy choice
Barnardos is bringing children’s needs to the forefront of the public conversation with their new campaign launching today. Against the backdrop of a cost-of-living election campaign, Barnardos places children’s experiences at the centre with the proposition ‘A child doesn’t choose poverty, but you can choose to change their life.’
The campaign features insights from Barnardos team members who witness first-hand the impacts of hunger, homelessness and social isolation on children, as well as the transformation that becomes possible when they are able to move beyond the poverty trap.
“We have seen a significant rise in the number of families in crisis approaching our centres. These are people who have never asked for help before. One centre in Western Sydney has seen a 300% rise in families needing food assistance,” said Barnardos CEO Deirdre Cheers.
“While this problem can feel overwhelming, we need to remember that we have the solutions, and Barnardos is here to walk that journey with families.”
Deirdre continued, “The cost-of-living has been the centrepiece of the Federal election campaign, but the long-term impacts on children have been largely absent from this debate. Children are our future, and these economic impacts could shape their lives, but it doesn’t have to be this way.”
Long-time Barnardos team member Anna, who features in the campaign, speaks about how crisis support is so much more than just putting food on the table. It’s about “understanding that kids do need birthday presents and they do need to have a good school uniform.”
But crisis support needs to be more than just a band aid approach. Sharon, another team member, talks about working with families until they have the confidence to move forward. “You don’t need to hold their hand forever. You just need to help them through their little challenges in life.”
Deirdre Cheers added, “As a country, we have taken bold measures to secure the future of our children. Over 100 years ago Australia was a world leader in providing free public education. This was a game changer for our families and communities across generations. I believe now is another important opportunity to change our trajectory and ensure that children have everything they need to thrive.”
CEO Announcement
Following 10 years of dedicated leadership as CEO of Barnardos Australia, Deirdre Cheers will be transitioning from her role with us at the end of 2025. Deirdre’s strong and highly effective leadership over the past 10 years has been instrumental in driving Barnardos’ longstanding and ongoing commitment to support vulnerable Australian children.
Deirdre’s deep commitment to children’s social care and social justice advocacy has had a lasting and positive impact on the Australian child and family sector, and for children in out-of-home care. She has led Barnardos with strength and resolve in always putting the child at the centre of all decision making, ensuring that the most vulnerable of our children live safely, with ongoing support and opportunities for a brighter future.
Deirdre’s leadership has led the implementation of three strategic directions periods for Barnardos, enabling significant growth in services for children, organisational capability, and child rights advocacy. Barnardos strategy under Deirdre’s leadership has ensured a strong and clear vision, the highest level of service quality, and strong life outcomes for all children and families who come to Barnardos for assistance.
Facilitating strong collaboration and partnership with other charities, non-government organisations and government departments, enabling robust policy change, safe reunification of children with their parents, smooth transition of Aboriginal children to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) has been key to Deirdre’s leadership. She was also steadfast in her advocacy at all levels of government, and this has been a feature of Deirdre’s leadership at Barnardos. Over Deirdre’s tenure as CEO, Barnardos has also experienced increased employee engagement and continuing strong employee culture within the charity.
Barnardos Chair, Ms Liesel Wett OAM, said “Over a 45-year career protecting and promoting the wellbeing of children, young people and their families, Deirdre’s unwavering commitment to upholding children’s rights is inspiring. The Board of Barnardos Australia extends its deepest gratitude for her remarkable contribution and dedication to children. Her leadership, enthusiasm, and tireless advocacy will leave an enduring legacy within Barnardos and the wider children’s social care sector in Australia.”
Over the forthcoming period, the Barnardos Board will undertake the search for a new CEO for Barnardos, who will continue the important work of the charity to uphold our commitment to protecting children and supporting vulnerable families.
Staff Spotlight: Helen Langtry
Hi everyone, I’m Helen Langtry 👋
I’m the Office Manager for Barnardos Southern NSW Children’s Family Centre covering Queanbeyan and Cooma Office as well as the Canberra Children’s Centre in ACT. I’ve been with Barnardos for six years, providing administrative and program support to our offices.
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing children and families overcome challenges and thrive, thanks to the incredible work of our team. Knowing that I’ve contributed, even in a small way makes it even more fulfilling.
Before moving into the community sector, I spent most of my career in the corporate world, specifically in container shipping. I worked for the largest shipping company in the world, based in Cape Town, South Africa. My last role was as a Customer Service Analyst, where I focused on providing insights to improve the customer experience.
I never had a clear idea of what I wanted to be growing up, but I somehow found my way into shipping and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the industry. Now, working in the community sector, I’ve found a career I truly love. It’s quite the opposite of shipping, yet in many ways, the business fundamentals are surprisingly similar.
While there have been many proud achievements (mostly admin and program related and not the most exciting!), the most enjoyable moments have been organising or supporting events for our families and children—like NAIDOC celebrations, Family Fun Days, the Queanbeyan Learning Centre Holiday Program and Christmas parties. The joy on the children’s faces during these events truly makes it all worthwhile.
Looking ahead, I’d love to contribute to initiatives that expand our reach, secure more resources and enhance staff well-being. Ultimately, my goal is to help the organisation grow and sustain its impact in the community.
I’m incredibly proud of our team and the amazing work they do to support our community. Their dedication, compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families is truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a passionate group of people who create positive change every day.
Barnardos Mudgee receives $25,000 Yancoal community grant
Barnardos have been successful in receiving a $25,000 community grant from Yancoal, Moolarben Coal mine based in Mudgee.
The funds will be used for brokerage costs such as; emergency accommodation, identification records, health assessments and other household costs to support the DV specialist role in Mudgee.
Yancoal held a morning tea/presentation event in Mudgee on the 3rd March – photo above
From Left To Right:
Brian Wesley, (Yancoal) Paul Duncan,(Yancoal) Mark Hoare, (Barnardos) Gina Johnson, (Barnardos) Ainslee Halls, (Barnardos) Tim Oliphant (Yancoal)
Celebrating Harmony Day & Holi at Auburn Long Day Care!
This past week, Auburn Long Day Care was filled with colour, culture, and connection as we celebrated both Harmony Day and Holi – the Festival of Colours!
For Harmony Day, the children embraced diversity by trying on different cultural outfits, painting Harmony Day Handprints with Uncle Bruce, and listening to Dreamtime stories that shared the wisdom and traditions of Indigenous culture. It was a beautiful way to learn about inclusivity and celebrate the many cultures that make up our community.
For Holi, the children experienced the joy and vibrancy of this special festival by playing with coloured powder, filling the air with laughter and bright hues! It was a fantastic way to learn about this fun tradition and the meaning behind Holi’s celebration of love, unity, and new beginnings.
A big thank you to everyone who made these celebrations so special!
The Unbound Art Show
Barnardos Australia is delighted to announce the return of The Unbound Art Show on March 20, 2025, at the National Art School’s Cellblock Theatre in Darlinghurst! With incredible artists donating never-before-seen pieces, you won’t want to miss out.
This year’s theme, ‘Horizons of Hope’, embodies Barnardos passion to provide support in the present so that we can shape a brighter future for children and young people facing homelessness. Through combining art and the support of our community, we are committed to creating a lasting impact that opens the door to a limitless potential for those we support.
All proceeds from the exhibition will go towards Barnardos safety and prevention programs that support children and young people at risk of homelessness. Together, we can turn a night of creativity into a lifeline.
Florals for the event thanks to Flowers Across.
Liesel Wett OAM appointed as Chair of Barnardos Australia
Barnardos Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Liesel Wett OAM to the position of Chair. Liesel joined the Barnardos Board as a Director in January 2025 and we welcome her skills, expertise and knowledge, having over two decade’s experience operating at Board level both as a Non-Executive Director and CEO.
Liesel is CEO of Australian Pathology, the national peak body and industry association for private pathology in Australia and previously held the role of Chair of the Board of Goodwin Aged Care, the largest Aged Care provider in the greater Canberra region, and non-executive role on the Board of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Liesel was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2022 for her contribution to medical administration and is a Member of Chief Executive Women, International Women’s Forum Australia and the Co-Chapter lead in the ACT for the Minerva Network.
Liesel succeeds Ms Janett Milligan who retires as Chair after her appointment in July 2019.
“I am truly privileged to take on the role of Chair of Barnardos Australia and look forward to working with my fellow Directors, along with Barnardos Executive Leadership Team to continue to achieve best outcomes for the children and families we support,” Ms Wett said.
“Barnardos is known for our commitment to vulnerable children and families, uniting around a child because they should never have to overcome challenges alone.
“The dedicated team at Barnardos, along with our valued carers and supporters, is focused on improving the wellbeing and safety of those most vulnerable, addressing the challenges faced by an increasing number of Australian children, young people and families.
“We are led by a strong Executive Team and supported by a dedicated, highly skilled Board of Directors. We value the strong partnerships that have been made with government, organisations and peak bodies over the years, and appreciate our passionate donors and supporters, enabling us to continue the important work of Barnardos.
“I look forward to working together to continue Barnardos essential vision and purpose in creating a brighter future for all children, young people and families.”
