As we mark National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day, we are reminded that reconciliation must be grounded in truth, hope and respect for culture, identity and belonging. Real change depends on listening to and acting alongside First Nations children, young people, families and communities – ensuring their voices guide the systems designed to support them.
This year’s Families Week theme, Every Family, Everywhere, was a powerful reminder that every child, young person and family deserves to be seen, heard and supported. Throughout the week, I was reminded that hope is contagious. In a conversation with more than 600 Department of Social Services staff, alongside Deputy Secretary Corri McKenzie and National Children’s Commissioner Deb Tsorbaris, we reflected on what is possible when children and young people are genuinely engaged as partners.
That same message echoed across current national conversations, from the submissions made to the Northern Territory Every Child Matters Bill to the 2026 Annual Meeting for the National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing held yesterday. Young people continue to show us what stronger futures can look like and how we get there.
Families do not need to be ‘fixed’ – they need to be backed!
As my tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Families Australia comes to a close tomorrow, I want to sincerely thank successive Boards, dedicated staff and the hardworking member organisations across the country who show up every day for children, young people and families. Your commitment, expertise and compassion continue to drive meaningful changes.
Most importantly, thank you to the children, young people and families who have trusted me with your stories and experiences over the years. Those voices have challenged me and systems to do better, and have helped shape a stronger national conversation about rights, safety, belonging and wellbeing.
I leave this role hopeful for the future. Hope lives in our leadership and that of young people, in the strength of communities, and in the growing commitment across our sector to listen, act and work together to create a fairer and brighter future for every family, everywhere.
Jamie Crosby
Chief Executive Officer
Welcome Interim CEO
While the board concludes their search for a new Chief Executive Officer, we are pleased to welcome Maree Walk as Interim CEO.
Sector Snapshot
From 1 July 2026, the way businesses and organisations send branded text messages is changing
Submission to the Northern Territory Legislative Scrutiny Committee: Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026
Families Australia is looking for an Engagement Officer - National Coalition on Child Safety and Wellbeing to join our team. Interested? Apply by 12 June.
Exploring caregivers’ needs while waiting for their adolescent’s mental health treatment
Flinders University
For adult parents/caregivers of a teen aged 13-17 years who are currently waiting (or have waited more than two weeks in the past three months) for their first appointment with a mental health professional or service provider.
Child mental health & wellbeing supports for migrant families
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
For parents or primary caregivers who migrated to Australia and speak a language other than English, this study aims to learn about preventive supports that help migrant families promote their children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
It’s never too early to talk about child sexual abuse prevention
Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in collaboration with Project Paradigm
A practical guide to help parents and carers start conversations with family, friends, care providers and other adults about child sexual abuse prevention.
An information kit designed to help educate young people aged 14-24 and their parents and carers about the harms of vaping and nicotine addiction, and to raise awareness of available support services to help them quit.
Apply to a PhD scholarship at Australian Catholic University (ACU)
ACU is offering an industry-funded PhD scholarship supported by MacKillop Family Services for someone committed to making schools safer, more inclusive and more responsive. The PhD commences in 2026.
Join a national network working together to advocate for stronger policies, provide critical resources and build a supportive community for children, families and young people nationwide.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.
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