In March 2026, Joanne commenced the role of Commander Human Exploitation and leads the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE).
Lauren Barons (she/her) is the Assistant Secretary of the National Office for Child Safety (National Office) at the Attorney-General’s department.
Renée Leigh (Carter) is the CEO of Adopt Change, including Carers for Kids NSW, and a passionate advocate for the well-being of children and young people
Graham is an inaugural Assistant Director of Child Protection Litigation in Queensland
Kate is an experienced DFV/SV and Children’s Services practitioner with 26 years’ experience working in the sector in Ireland and Australia.
Birgitte Maibom is Chief Executive Officer of Lifestart Disability Services and a highly experienced executive and board leader across the children, disability, education and community sectors.
Miranda holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology.
Emanuela is a Clinical Services Manager with a background in Social Work and nearly 30 years’ experience in child protection
Vanessa is a clinical psychologist with almost 30 years’ experience working in child protection settings.
Karen is the Senior Practice Lead at Thrive House, with a dual degree in Psychology and
Criminology, and a decade of experience in the sector.
Ghassan is the Head of the Multicultural Child and Family Program (MCFP) at Settlement Services International (SSI).
Amalie is a highly pragmatic and passionate social worker
Biljana Milosevic is a bi-cultural Social Worker and the Director of Jannawi Family Centre in Sydney.
Laura Ní Chroimín is the Director of Services at Women’s Safety Services South Australia
Susannah has a wide range of experience leading teams in the public and private sectors
Ebony-Ann Blewitt is an experienced community services leaders with over 30 yrs experience across early childhood education and community services, working throughout South west Sydney, NSW.
Busani Gwesela is a skilled Child Protection Practitioner with 14 years of frontline experience in child protection practice.
Nikki Reece is the Team Leader for Child & Family Programs at CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning, leading teams across domestic and family violence and family preservation services.
Tania Hancock is an experienced practitioner and leader with a strong background across specialist family violence, care services, youth and family services sectors.
Kaitlyn is a dedicated youth leader and aspiring professional who currently serves as the Chair of the Kids First Council.
Victoria is a Youth Case Manager with nine years of experience working across the youth sector, supporting young people through a range of challenges and life transitions.
Born and raised in Bairnsdale with strong community ties, Lisa became GEGAC’s Executive Director of Children, Youth and Families in January 2025.
Vivienne Interrigi is the Executive Manager – Workforce Learning and Development, bringing extensive experience across frontline practice, leadership, and system‑level capability building in complex human services.
Rhea Mohenoa is an executive leader with more than 17 years’ experience across the child protection, domestic and family violence, mental health, and victim support sectors.
Dr Wendy Bonython is an Associate Professor of Law and Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) at Bond University on the Gold Coast. Her research explores issues including health law and ethics, torts, professional wellbeing,
Rachel has more than two decades of experience successfully delivering large-scale education programs, research and evaluations in early childhood and primary education across 15 countries including Australia.
I am a proud Bindal, Bigambul, and Wakka Wakka woman from Cherbourg with more than 25 years' experience in the child protection sector.
Alana Esposito (she/ her) is the Director of Strategic Policy and Oversight in the National Office for Child Safety. Alana leads a team overseeing the development of the Second Action Plan under the National Strategy
Jaye Wainui is a young Māori leader with a deep commitment to the wellbeing of whānau, hapori, and future generations. With over a decade of experience across Health New Zealand, Auckland Council,
As we finalise the agenda for this exciting event, we’re on the lookout for dynamic case studies and speakers that will inspire and educate. If you have a story to share or know of someone who does, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know!