Our team

Expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Last updated: 21 Apr 2026

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 Senior Leadership team

Michele Lonsdale

Michele Lonsdale

Interim CEO
Padraic Keyes

Padraic Keyes

Executive Manager, Operations and Finance
Viv Interrigi

Viv Interrigi

Executive Manager, Learning and Business Development
Justine Koutsoupias

Justine Koutsoupias

Senior Finance Business Partner
Louise Johnson

Louise Johnson

Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, Engagement and Advocacy
Jason Crockett

Jason Crockett

Senior Manager - Workforce Learning and Development
Mandy Charman

Mandy Charman

Senior Manager, OPEN
Pearl Goodwin Burns

Pearl Goodwin Burns

Senior Manager, Education
Madeleine Dowling

Madeleine Dowling

Manager - Foster and Kinship Care
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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Joint Submission Calls for Stronger Commitments in Tasmania’s Youth Justice Model of Care

27 Apr 2026

The Centre has joined TasCOSS, the Youth Network of Tasmania (YNOT), and the CREATE Foundation in lodging a joint submission in response to the Tasmanian Government's consultation draft Youth Justice Facility Model of Care (MoC).
  • News

Fuel crisis will push vulnerable families to breaking point — Victorian Child and Family Services sound the alarm

24 Apr 2026

The Centre is calling on governments to act urgently as the fuel crisis and rising cost of living threaten the safety, wellbeing and service access of Victoria's most vulnerable children and families.
  • Media Releases

February March Research Review

23 Apr 2026

The Research Review delivers the latest research relevant to the child and family services sector directly to your inbox. 
  • Research
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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