SNAICC welcomes new CEO, Arrernte/Luritja woman Catherine Liddle

National peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children, has announced the appointment of  Arrernte/Luritja woman Catherine Liddle in the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective 8 February 2021.

Ms Liddle joins the organisation with a strong background in senior management positions with First Nations organisations, having most recently been CEO of First Nations Media Australia, and previously Regional Director of Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships, Central Australia Regions. 

She has also held senior roles within the Northern Territory Education Department, the ABC, and NITV/SBS, and it is the combination of her previous leadership roles, along with her experience on the Coalition of Peaks, that will ensure that SNAICC can continue to strengthen partnerships with state and federal governments to make sure children are at the forefront of policies, SNAICC Chair Muriel Bamblett said. 

A journalist by trade, Ms Liddle’s motivation “has always been to drive change that leads to positive outcomes and options for First Nations people.” Over the past 10 years she has worked primarily in managerial roles where she has led multidisciplinary teams, overseen workplace transformations, and advocated for policy change.

Ms Liddle said she is excited by the opportunities her new position will avail, and pleased to be able to continue to build the organisation’s strong platform in representing the voice of the next generation – our children.

“I look forward to continuing SNAICC’s work in making a difference to the lives of First Nations children and making sure our young ones’ voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making,” she said.

“A particular focus will be the work being carried out as part of the Coalition of Peaks, ensuring we are partners in the decisions taken at all levels of government that directly impact on our children and our futures.

If we are to close gaps in disadvantage, consideration of the impact on our children must be front and centre when policies and programs are developed and implemented. We can only do this when First Nations people and organisations are driving the decisions.”

More information about SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children may be found here.