About Allies for Children | Founding Member Deirdre Cheers, Barnardos Australia
Deirdre Cheers
Chief Executive Officer,
Barnardos Australia
Deirdre is an experienced CEO and respected leader in the Australian and International context of child focused social care and protection, with an extensive career in professional social work, management and leadership.
With qualifications including Masters Degrees in Social Work and Public Administration, Deirdre has an extensive publication and presentation record across a range of areas concerning outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families, including policy, practice and research.
Deirdre was appointed CEO of Barnardos Australia in 2015, and has a broad range of skills and experience in direct service delivery of child protective services, family preservation and early intervention, and out-of-home care for children in Australia.
Deirdre is a current Board Director of the Community Council for Australia (CCA) and Board Director of the NSW child welfare peak body Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA).
About Barnardos Australia
Because every child needs a champion.
Barnardos Australia is an organisation with a steadfast commitment to children and young people, placing them at the centre of everything they do. With aspirations to see every vulnerable child recover, thrive and reach their full potential, Barnardos programs focus on reducing child abuse and neglect, strengthening child and parental mental wellbeing, improving family learning, as well as increasing the sense of belonging for children.
Barnardos established their Aboriginal Cultural Unit, Gurung Wellama, to strengthen cultural identity and connection for Aboriginal children and young people engaged in their programs. They actively promote and celebrate the rich and enduring culture and connection to country of Australia's First Nations peoples.
Barnardos rely on relevant research, evidence and consultation to support hoe they design projects and programs that are inclusive, fit for purpose and deliver results. Through their programs and advocacy work, Barnardos Australia remains dedicated to the welfare, rights, and cultural heritage of all children and young people in Australia.