Our Executive Team

“I’m motivated by the sheer audacity of our mission and our power to change lives for the better, here in Australia, the Pacific, and around the world.”

Mat Tinkler is a deep policy thinker and a fierce advocate for children and our mission. He has driven change for children by transforming Save the Children Australia's approach to delivering impactful programs at scale that are locally led and globally connected, while ensuring we have a strong public voice for and with vulnerable children through our media, advocacy, and campaigns work. More about Mat.

“Working at Save the Children enables me to live my purpose to inspire those around me to be curious, take risks, drive change, and grow. It’s a privilege to strive for better outcomes for children every day.” 

Mel’s expertise is leading transformational change in complex environments, including extensive experience working with teams across the UK, Singapore, Philippines, India, Hong Kong, USA, and throughout the broader Asia Pacific region. Mel leads our technology, people and culture, risk, safeguarding, safety and services teams. She is a passionate advocate for the empowerment and advancement of women and girls.

“The real motivation for me is ensuring sustainability is embedded in everything we do for impact with innovative financing at the core, given the growing and unmet need globally.”

Michael is a seasoned expert in finance and supporting services across commercial, government and not-for-profit, with an interest in reimagining finance for the not-for-profit sector.

“I love working for an organisation with such an inspiring history of engaging with children in every corner of the planet to secure their rights to health, education and protection. We’re part of a movement that serves 100 million children per year – that’s a very special feeling.”

Francis Woods has worked in international programs for nearly 20 years – the first decade working in countries like South Sudan, Kenya, Haiti, Yemen and Libya; and the second decade working from Save the Children offices in London and Melbourne to create the right operating environments in more than 70 countries to deliver high quality interventions for children.

“What could be more critical than making rights real for kids all across Australia? I'm looking forward to working alongside children, young people, and our incredible team and partners to ensure their voices are heard, valued, and make a real impact.”  

Vicki leads 54 reasons, delivering Save the Children’s work in Australia across every state and the Northern Territory. She oversees our national program of rights-based services and advocacy focused on early childhood development, family support, domestic and family violence, education engagement, youth justice, and place-based community work. 

With more than 25 years' experience in international and domestic humanitarian settings across the Middle East, Southern Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Australia, Vicki brings deep expertise in building locally-led responses to conflict, disaster, migration, intergenerational adversity, and community services delivery. 

Liz Croger is stepping in as the Acting Director of Supporter Engagement at Save the Children Australia. In this role, she leads the organisation's fundraising, marketing, and retail initiatives, generating essential support for both domestic and international programs. 

Liz is dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting children through the development of strong partnerships and the delivery of impactful initiatives. 

With a background in strategic leadership and project management, she brings a wealth of experience to the role, ensuring the organisation's goals are effectively communicated and supported across various channels.