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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.
