The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is pleased to share our 2025 Report to the Community with you.
Inside the report, you’ll see the impact of our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs – and the incredible community support that made this all possible.
To celebrate the launch of the report, we’re sharing some words from our CEO, Sarah Davies.
Looking back on 2025, it feels as though all the areas we work in hit fever pitch. The nature of our work to keep children and young people safe is complex and challenging – it’s why we exist.
Last year, in particular, the issues relating to firearms safety, the early years sector, and online safety were in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, demanding urgent action.
In the middle of the year, special interest groups made a concerted effort to wind back New South Wales’ gun legislation and the National Firearms Agreement. Then the horrific terror attack in Bondi put the issue of firearms reforms squarely back on the national agenda. We’re proud that our fierce advocacy helped hold the line and influence tangible changes to our firearm laws.
The allegations of extensive child abuse in early years services last year were deeply distressing to the community and sector. We continue to champion better support for educators, the integration of trauma-informed practices, and for the safety and wellbeing of children to come first – always.
In the bullying space, we saw more and more evidence of the harm being done to our young people. The Australian Government’s support of a National Anti-Bullying Framework offers a valuable opportunity for closer collaboration between Government, schools, and Dolly’s Dream to ensure every child feels safe, supported and heard.
The need for our school-based online safety programs and advocacy has never been more urgent. We’ve long spoken about children’s digital experiences and the harms posed by big tech and social media’s deliberate and intentional design elements. With growing awareness of these egregious harms, we welcome Government support for a Children’s Online Privacy Code and Digital Duty of Care.
Thank you to Greg Sutherland for 21 years of service
2025 also marked Greg Sutherland’s last year as the Chair of our Board. I would like to sincerely thank Greg for his extraordinary leadership and service as Chair for the past nine years and as a Board member for 21 years.
With that said, we are delighted that Andrew Metcalfe AO FIPAA has been appointed as our new Chair. Please join me in warmly welcoming Andrew as we continue to advance our shared commitment to keeping children safe.
Looking back to look ahead
Now at the end of our 2022-2025 Strategic Map, we’re proud of the impact of our small but mighty team. But we haven’t done it alone. We’ve galvanised colleagues and created collectives to build understanding of the issues facing children and young people.
It is extraordinary what has been achieved and what has been sustainably changed over the last four years – not just for individual children but for the educators, organisations, and sector partners we work with, and the systems change we have influenced.
Looking ahead to our 2026-2029 Strategic Map, we feel strong, connected and laser focused on our purpose.
We’re building on our strengths by deepening our work in online safety, supporting children to heal and recover from trauma, preventing bullying in rural communities, advocating for systems change, and delivering integrated support where it’s most needed.
We have never been more excited, motivated and inspired about what we can achieve for children and young people. We hope you’ll continue the journey with us.
Thank you,
Sarah Davies AM
