Maree Walk, the CEO of ACWA, has decided to retire from her role. Many of you know that Maree had a health scare late last year, and she is changing her priorities for the coming years.

Nigel Lindsay, Chair of ACWA, said “Maree has been a terrific CEO over the last two years. She has shown real commitment and insight. As Chair, I speak on behalf of the board, staff and members who I know are sorry to see her go. However, we understand her next phase and really wish her well.”

“I have absolutely loved working at ACWA, with our NGO members, fellow peak organisations, and colleagues in government.” Said Maree.

“In my career, both as a practitioner and in executive and CE roles, I have worked inside and alongside government, non-government agencies, Ministers’ offices, peak agencies, boards and individually. I know that everyone is trying to do the best by children, young people, families and communities. Collaborating around children and families is in fact, pretty much the whole of my career—championing causes without fear or favour and working respectfully with all involved. I urge everyone not to give up on the challenges ahead—we still have so much to do to bridge the ‘know-do’ gap.”

“I wish everyone the very best in the future. This work is wholly relational—there is no room for transactional work—and we rarely leave our work at the front door. I’d like to thank all of the colleagues I have worked with since 1995 where I began the NSW part of my career at the Child Protection Council,” Maree said.

The Board is embarking on a recruiting process immediately and will take any necessary steps to ensure that ACWA continues to function strongly during the transition period.