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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
