The Centre is excited to share the appointment of the Centre’s CEO Deb Tsorbaris as the new chair of Families Australia, bringing a national perspective and insights to its work as Victoria’s peak body for child and family services.
Ms Tsorbaris joined the Families Australia board in 2022 and brings over 35 years of experience, with senior executive positions in state government and community sector organisations.
Working closely with Families Australia creates a fantastic opportunity to gain a national perspective on the child, youth and family services sector and engage and pursue opportunities at a national level to amplify the issues and concerns faced by the Centre’s members in Victoria, says Ms Tsorbaris.
Ms Tsorbaris says she is looking forward to continuing Family Australia’s important work in advocating for and supporting early years reform.
“There is a lot of work to do to improve the lives of children and families in Australia, as was evidenced by the Australian Child Maltreatment study findings released earlier this year. One of my priorities is raising the profile of children and ensuring that they are front and centre in every discussion or decision that will impact their wellbeing,” she says.
She says the pending release of the Early Years Strategy, direct and tangible outcomes under Safe and Supported, greater support for families facing cost of living pressures, and efforts to realise the aspirations of First Nations peoples – especially following the referendum result – are areas of common and direct interest nationally and for each state and territory.
“A global and nationwide decline in the availability of foster carers will be a critical issue the state peaks and child and family welfare leaders to address in 2024, and Families Australia looks forward to leading and coordinating work in this space at the national level,” she says.
“I look forward to supporting Families Australia to drive sector commitment to the Safe and Supported Framework and ensuring it is applied in a context that works for families, children and carers,” says Ms Tsorbaris.
Families Australia CEO Jamie Crosby says Ms Tsorbaris’ expertise as a peak body CEO would help drive increased member engagement and he looked forward to pursuing national peak’s priorities under Ms Tsorbaris’ leadership.
“There are many critical issues that Families Australia will tackle in 2024, and we will seek support from our state and territory members in advancing issues including early intervention, the over-representation of First Nations children in child protection, information sharing and strengthening workforce development and capability,” he says.
“Our doors, inboxes and phones are always open and ready to hear from member organisations about the issues and impact of policy in their communities.”
Visit familiesaustralia.org.au
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