We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our CEO, Dr Lisa J. Griffiths, has been appointed Chair of Families Australia.
Families Australia has announced the appointment of Dr Lisa J. Griffiths as its new Chair of the Board, following the transition of outgoing Chair Deb Tsorbaris to the role of Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner.
This prestigious appointment reflects Lisa’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children, young people, and families across Australia. For more than a decade, Lisa has led OzChild with vision and compassion, championing the delivery of innovative, evidence-based programs that make a lasting difference. Now, as Chair of Families Australia, Lisa will bring her leadership, experience, and advocacy to the national stage, helping shape policy, influence reform, and strengthen outcomes for families everywhere.
Lisa’s leadership has never been about standing still. From her role as founding member and Chair of the National Foster Care Sustainability Group to her board positions with PeakCare (QLD) and the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (NSW), and her role as the former Chair of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (VIC), Lisa has consistently demonstrated her commitment to driving change and giving a voice to those who need it most.
Her appointment as Chair of Families Australia is both a recognition of this track record and a new opportunity to amplify her impact. As Families Australia’s CEO Jamie Crosby said:
“Lisa is a deeply respected community leader and advocate whose passion for supporting families, children and young people shines through in everything she does. I look forward to working closely with her as she leads Families Australia into its next phase.”
For more than a decade, Lisa has served as the Chief Executive Officer of OzChild, and we could not be prouder to see her take on this important role. Her appointment represents not only an incredible personal achievement but also a powerful acknowledgment of the impact of OzChild’s work in the national child and family services landscape.
Hearing of her appointment OzChild’s President, Helen Maxwell-Wright AM said:
“We are excited to see the influence Lisa will bring as Chair, and the opportunities she will create for Families Australia to continue leading conversations on child safety, family wellbeing, and system reform.”
The announcement also marks the conclusion of Deb Tsorbaris’ tenure as Chair, during which she played a pivotal role in strengthening Families Australia’s influence as the national peak body for families and children.
Over her four years on the Board, including three as Chair, Deb’s leadership helped advance sector-wide collaboration, elevate the voices of member organisations, and drive meaningful outcomes in child safety, family wellbeing, and system reform.
Families Australia CEO Jamie Crosby acknowledged Deb’s outstanding contribution:
“Under her leadership, our organisation’s profile, influence and visibility as Australia’s national peak body have grown considerably. I want to sincerely thank Deb for her dedication, wisdom and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for families, children and young people”
Families Australia will officially celebrate Deb’s contributions and acknowledge Lisa’s appointment at the 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
As Dr Griffiths takes on this important national role, her deep experience in child and family services, evidence-based practice, and advocacy will help guide Families Australia’s mission to keep children safe, support families, and strengthen communities across the country.
Read the Families Australia Media Release here (PDF) or on the Families Australia website.
Families Australia has announced the appointment of Dr Lisa J. Griffiths as its new Chair of the Board, following the transition of outgoing Chair Deb Tsorbaris to the role of Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner.
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