Our team

Expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Last updated: 23 Dec 2024

Purpose-driven

Our people are the heart of our organisation.

Across Victoria and Tasmania, our team is made up of professionals from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and ideas that enrich our work.

We are propelled by innovation and our commitment to our purpose – creating a future where every child, young person and family receives the support they need to thrive.

Our Board

Teresa Jayet, Board Chair

Teresa Jayet, Board Chair

CEO, Mallee Family Care
Andrew Bruun, Deputy Chair

Andrew Bruun, Deputy Chair

CEO, YSAS
Sue Sealey, Treasurer

Sue Sealey, Treasurer

Deputy CEO, Anglicare Victoria
Jeremy Pettet, Tasmania Representative

Jeremy Pettet, Tasmania Representative

Executive Officer, Uniting Vic/Tas
Heidi Tucker, Member

Heidi Tucker, Member

CEO, Anchor
Alison Wainwright, Member

Alison Wainwright, Member

CEO, Family Life
Sue White, Member

Sue White, Member

CEO, Queen Elizabeth Centre
Justin Flynn, Member

Justin Flynn, Member

CFO, Uniting
Janise Mitchell, Member

Janise Mitchell, Member

CEO, Australian Children’s Foundation
Ninevah Hooper,

Ninevah Hooper,

Director of Children Youth and Families, North South and East Victoria, MacKillop Family Services

Our CEO

Deb Tsorbaris is CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Tas/Vic.

Deb has worked in health and community services for over 30 years and is Co-Chair of the Victorian Government’s Roadmap for Reform Implementation Ministerial Advisory Group.

Prior to joining the Centre, Deb was CEO of the Victorian Council to Homeless Persons and held executive positions at Victoria’s Department of Human Services.

Deb has extensive knowledge of policy and practice and has provided policy advice to government on a range of issues and has worked across disability, drugs and alcohol, youth services and employment programs.

Deb is a keen advocate for improving the lives of children, young people and families in the areas of child safety, education and health.

Our Senior Leadership team

Michele Lonsdale

Michele Lonsdale

Deputy CEO
Padraic Keyes

Padraic Keyes

Executive Manager, Operations and Finance
Viv Interrigi

Viv Interrigi

Executive Manager, Learning and Business Development
Lisa Abbey

Lisa Abbey

Senior Manager
Mandy Charman

Mandy Charman

Senior Manager, OPEN
Pearl Goodwin Burns

Pearl Goodwin Burns

Senior Manager, Education
Justine Koutsoupias

Justine Koutsoupias

Senior Finance Business Partner
Imogen Gerraty

Imogen Gerraty

Manager, Executive Strategy, Partnerships, and Engagement
Louise Johnson

Louise Johnson

Manager, Strategic Communications, Engagement and Advocacy
Madeleine Dowling

Madeleine Dowling

Manager, Fostering Connections and Campaigns
Jason Crockett

Jason Crockett

Manager
Our story
Since its inception in 1912, the Centre has played a pivotal role in shaping child welfare in Victoria, evolving from a small voluntary movement into a leading authority in the sector.
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Latest news
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Children, young people and families feature in the Centre's pre-budget submission to the Commonwealth Government.

Submission to the 2026-27 Commonwealth Budget

12 Mar 2026

The Federal Government has a watershed opportunity to implement a bold and visionary budget which places children at its heart and draws on the best available evidence of what works to keep children, young people, families and communities safe and thriving.
  • Submissions

Looking for positives amongst recurring disasters

10 Mar 2026

For individuals and families who have suffered loss and dislocation, it is hard to find positives amid frequent and intense natural disasters. There are green shoots however in the systems that support effective response and recovery. Here are three emerging positives and ways in which each can, indeed must, be developed further.
  • Perspectives

A conversation on care experienced leadership with Churchill Fellow Clare Holdsworth (UK)

06 Mar 2026

The Centre's OPEN team was honoured to host Clare Holdsworth for a sector gathering focused on building meaningful, safe and impactful employment pathways for care experienced young people.
  • News
Careers
Every team member at the Centre is part of the leading force in Victoria and Tasmania’s child and family services sector. We engage in meaningful work that directly impacts communities across both states.
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Become a member
The Centre’s membership benefits build collaboration, advocacy, and capacity within the child and family services sector, ensuring a more resilient and supportive environment that provides better outcomes for children and families.
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