Carers Australia announces new CEO

With extensive experience working in the aged care and health sector and Government agencies, Ms Callaghan has qualifications in Nursing, Social Work, Human Services Research, and Monitoring and Evaluation, and has a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management.

Ms Callaghan is excited to be steering Carers Australia and meeting all the new challenges this role will bring.

“I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves from day one, at a time when the very significant role of carers during the COVID-19 crisis has been under pressure. 

“Carers have had to quickly adapt to changes that are not likely to be eased for some time. I am excited by the opportunity to work with our state and territory colleagues in building a new strategy for Carers Australia that ensures the voices of carers are being heard and that their needs are being met”.

Ms Callaghan was previously a Director in the Aged Care Royal Commission Taskforce in the Department of Health’s Ageing and Aged Care Group.

Prior to the Government position, she was the CEO of Palliative Care Australia for four years and worked with the health and aged care sectors closely.

She has also held roles in Catholic Health Australia, the South Australian and Victorian Departments of Health, Metropolitan Domiciliary Care, the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards, and the Department of Management at RMIT University Melbourne.

Additional important roles Ms Callaghan has held include a member of the National Council for St Vincent de Paul, and a former member of Southern Cross Care New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and Companion House, ACT.

Ms Callaghan has edited and contributed towards two books, Determining the Future: A Fair Go and Health for All and Exploring the Connections: Catholic Social Teaching and the Social Determinants of Health.

Chairperson of Carers Australia, Sonia Rutnam, says Ms Callaghan has a wealth of experience in policy, leadership and management positions in both the not-for-profit and Government sectors.

“Her skills and experience will be of great benefit to Carers Australia and further our aim of improving the lives of carers through caring being accepted as a shared community responsibility,” says Ms Rutnam.

“Ms Callaghan has a strong vision and commitment to carer issues, as well as issues associated with social justice and equity in health.”

Carers Australia also acknowledge the contributions of Mary Reid, who has been the interim Chief Executive (CE) for the organisation.

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