New Commissioner to strengthen voice for Aboriginal children and young people in Victoria

Victoria has appointed Dallas Widdicombe as the state’s new Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, marking an important step in strengthening advocacy, accountability and culturally grounded leadership for Aboriginal children and young people.

Mr Widdicombe, a Dharug man with extensive experience across Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, child and family welfare, governance and executive leadership, will begin his five-year term on 15 June 2026.

The appointment places a strong focus on ensuring Aboriginal children and young people are heard, protected and supported through systems that recognise the importance of culture, identity, family and community.

Mr Widdicombe brings a significant track record to the role. As Chief Executive of the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative, he has led work focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and families, including initiatives connected to Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care and the Garinga Bupup Early Intervention Program.

The Garinga Bupup program, which supports expectant mothers, achieved a 63 per cent diversion rate from child protection involvement and contributed to Mr Widdicombe receiving the 2024 Walda Blow Victorian Protecting Children Award.

His broader sector experience includes leadership and governance roles with Aboriginal community-controlled health and children’s organisations, Bendigo Health, the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance and the Loddon Mallee Aboriginal Reference Group.

In accepting the role, Mr Widdicombe said his focus would be on listening, advocacy and turning commitments into action.

“As Commissioner my promise is simple, I will listen with respect, speak with courage, and insist that commitments become change, so Aboriginal children grow up safe, strong and proud,” he said.

The role sits within the Commission for Children and Young People and provides dedicated advocacy and oversight for Aboriginal children and young people across Victoria.

For the early childhood education and care sector, the appointment reinforces the importance of culturally safe, child-centred and community-led practice. It also aligns with broader reform priorities around child safety, self-determination, family support and the role of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations in leading change.

The appointment signals a continued focus on embedding Aboriginal decision-making in child and family services, strengthening accountability for outcomes and ensuring Aboriginal children’s voices are reflected in policy, practice and system reform.

For approved providers, service leaders and educators, the announcement is a timely reminder that cultural safety is a core part of child safety. This includes building meaningful relationships with Aboriginal families and communities, embedding Aboriginal perspectives respectfully, supporting children’s identity and connection to culture, and ensuring governance and safeguarding approaches are responsive to Aboriginal children’s rights and experiences.

The original Victorian Government announcement can be viewed here.