The Albanese Labor Government has appointed Ms Karyn Baylis AM as the new Chair to the Stronger Places, Stronger People National Leadership Group.
Ms Baylis is the Non-Executive Director of Elanor Investors Group, and was instrumental in advancing the Jawun program. She comes with a wealth of industry expertise across the real estate funds management sector, various multinational businesses, and has worked on some of the leading Indigenous reform voices in the country.
Under her leadership, the National Leadership Group will continue supporting Stronger Places, Stronger People to take action to address disadvantage and create better futures for children and their families by strengthening the structures that support the initiative.
The National Leadership Group consists of 13 non-government leaders from across communities, business, philanthropy, academia and service delivery, along with Special Advisors from the Commonwealth, and state and territory governments.
In addition to Ms Baylis' appointment, 4 new members have joined the National Leadership Group: Ms Natalie Egleton, Mr Martin Hawson and Professor Maggie Walter and Professor Kirsty Muir. Dr Michelle Lucas has also joined as a community representative.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth highlighted the importance of the National Leadership Group in providing appropriate and independent advice to ensure Stronger Places, Stronger People continues to reflect the views and needs of the community.
"I congratulate Ms Baylis on her appointment as Chair to the Stronger Places, Stronger People National Leadership Group and thank the outgoing Chair, Mr Tony Berg, for his significant contributions to the Group," Minister Rishworth said.
The National Leadership Group's primary purpose is to support the Stronger Places, Stronger People strategy and implementation of place-based and community driven change as an approach to building stronger futures for children and their families and disrupting disadvantage.
"We cannot do this without the experience and advice of the members of the National Leadership Group, and I am looking forward to seeing their ongoing engagement with Stronger Places, Stronger People communities and championing of resolutions to systemic barriers."
Stronger Places, Stronger People is a community-led, collective impact initiative, stewarded by the Government in partnership with state and territory governments and 10 communities across Australia.
A unique feature of the initiative is the shared commitment to supporting a local strategy from communities, governments, service providers and other partners, with shared accountability for planning, decision-making and results.
"Alongside Ms Baylis, a refresh of around half the membership will bring in relevant new perspectives, while a range of reappointments provide for continuity in the group," Minister Rishworth said.
"I look forward to continuing to engage with the group, and the forward work of the Stronger Places, Stronger People initiative in driving better outcomes in our communities."
The Australian Government committed $64 million over 6 years to 30 June 2029 to extend and enhance the existing partnerships under the Stronger Places, Stronger People initiative.
