Vicki has led disaster responses, national reform efforts, global advocacy and community-driven change. And through it all, her focus has always been clear: walk alongside children and families, centre their voices, and work for change that’s grounded in justice and dignity.
Reflecting on the parts of her career she is most proud of, Vicki says:
“I think there's probably three things that stand out. One is around working with communities after a crisis. So whether that's conflict or displacement or disaster, it's really walking alongside communities as they come out the other end of that and supporting them in what they need.
“I think the second one would be around then basing really strong advocacy on what we've learned on the ground up to every level of government – and services providers - for change – whether it’s policy change, access to information, access to services or sometimes, for someone to listen… We have to change the system, not just address the symptoms. For example, after a disaster, after the floods in northern New South Wales, working with teams to make sure that communities have what they need to recover, and that next time this is considered as part of the preparation.
“The third part, and perhaps the thing I'm most proud of, is leading really diverse and committed teams. I love leading big teams, aiming to do big things, and seeing how you can bring together people aligned by purpose – it’s where you get that really special impact. And making sure that your teams have a diversity of backgrounds, of experiences and of perspectives to really get the best possible product for the communities that you're working with every day."
Vicki is already energised about working with her new team at 54 reasons, and the work happening right across the country.
“They’re so passionate and know so much about the work they do.” She says. “We have such a great opportunity to build on the really strong work that's been done already at 54 reasons to make sure that we're making rights real for children and young people today.”
Asked what it means to have an ‘activist heart’, Vicki says it’s about “Showing up every day with passion, with purpose, and with courage to face into some of the really difficult issues that we deal with.
“It's working at the pointy end, where children and young people have been subject to a whole range of issues that lead to disadvantage and vulnerability.
“If we show up with that conviction and we put them at the centre of our work, it means we're doing everything we can to change the systems and the environment in which those kids are living. And for me, that's the purpose of our organization.
Vicki acknowledges that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the state of the world right now: “Especially, I think, when we see how much of the world we know these days, how much we see in our everyday social media feeds and on the news … not only in our community, in our country, but also globally.” To stay positive, Vicki says, the answer is to “Look for the people who are helping. Look for the people who are trying to make change and find hope in that change.
“There are people out there helping and trying to make a difference. And the more we see that support and talk about that, the more change we can achieve together.”