Ambassadors

Tony Fini AM has always believed that if you can give back to the community, then one should. Tony came to Australia, like many people post World War 2 with very little, he is very grateful for the opportunities Australia has allowed him and grateful that he is in a position to give something back to the community.

For the past 60 years Tony has fundraised for many causes, associations and organizations. In order to make the best of his contributions to the community, Tony founded the Tony Fini Foundation through which he could personally donate to many charitable organizations. Since its inception in 2008, the main focus has been on medical research and the wellbeing of children.

Indigo Ellis is a proud Noongar Nunga girl who has already made a name for herself in the music industry as a powerful singer/songwriter. She has been performing around Perth from the age of 7 at numerous festivals, corporate events and in competitions both locally and nationally with many accolades to her name.

Most notably, her original debut single Home; a song she wrote at 13 that won her two NAIDOC Awards in 2019 for Best Vocalist and Best Emerging Artist.

Home was also nominated for three WA Music WAM Awards in 2020, collecting a win in two of those categories. Home is a sung in both English and Noongar language. It explores her connection to culture and the idea of piecing together her family heritage.

Indigo's talents have graced respected platforms, from the iconic Telethon to the esteemed Perth Concert Hall, and Crown Theatre where she has left lasting impressions. Enchanting audiences at events like the World Indigenous Tourism Summit, NAIDOC Events, the Perth Wildcats, and Symphony Under the Stars with the Perth Symphony Orchestra, Indigo's artistry knows no bounds. Guided by Boss Arts Creative, she has received invaluable mentorship, nurturing her on her musical journey.

Beyond the realm of melodies, Indigo has embraced roles in community theatre, musicals and professional productions, notably the ground-breaking "Wundig Wer Wilura," written and composed by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse and performed in collaboration with the West Australian Opera. This production, performed in Noongar language at His Majesty’s Theatre in 2024 was one of the highlights of Indigo’s career and stands as a testament to her commitment to cultural expression.

As a passionate advocate, Indigo lends her voice as an Ambassador for the Valuing Children Initiative, championing the cause of Aboriginal mental health and youth welfare. As a vocal coach, she endeavours to ignite the flames of inspiration in the hearts of the next generation of performers.

With her sights set on international recognition, Indigo is currently working on her new album, due to be released in 2026. Indigo Ellis embodies a rare blend of passion, talent, and unwavering dedication to her culture, destined for a radiant future in music and advocacy.

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Kayelene Kerr is the founder of eSafeKids and is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography education workshops.

Formerly a Detective with the West Australian Police, Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 24 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. She delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals.

Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and she aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics. Commenting on this, Kayelene said, “I believe we can all play a role in the care, safety and protection of children. The health, wellbeing and safety of children should be our highest priority.”

Kaylene is endorsed by the Australian eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.

Kaylene is a proud mum of two boys.

Joshua Patrick is a Member ‘Australian Youth Affairs Coalition’, National SWAN Sibling Ambassador, Carers Australia Media Ambassador, Carer/Disability Advocate & Speaker.

Josh’s journey as a carer began very early in life when his sister Charlotte was born with an undiagnosed genetic condition. She has endured 61 operations, is continuously PEG-fed, and has countless other unexplained physical anomalies which result in her requiring round-the-clock, intensive medical care, much of which Josh provides.

Despite these traumatic memories and the many daily challenges he experiences caring for Charlotte, Josh maintains a positive attitude and a balanced, mature approach to life. He adores Charlotte and lives his life to the full. He said, “My strongest desire is to shine a positive light on caring as I genuinely view Charlotte as a gift and opportunity. For all the small sacrifices and challenging things I have faced, Charlotte has endured far greater hurdles and challenges. I choose to face tough situations positively, seize every moment and opportunity to make the most of the time we have with Charlotte.”

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Colin Pettit is the former Commissioner for Children and Young People in Western Australia, a position he held from November 2015 to January 2022. During his time as Commissioner for Children and Young People, Colin wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the wellbeing of children in Western Australia. He consulted widely with children and young people and led a number of key research projects that helped government, community and other stakeholders understand key issues impacting children and young people.

Colin has spent his career working to improve the wellbeing of children and young people, particularly in delivering education services and programs to children and young people living in regional and remote areas of Western Australia.

Colin has worked with children, young people, families and communities all over the Western Australia as a teacher and then principal in a number of regional schools, before holding the role of Executive Director Regional and Remote Education at the Western Australian Department of Education for three years.

Between 2010 and 2015, Colin was the Secretary of Education for the Tasmanian Department of Education. He is a former President of the Western Australian Primary Principals’ Association and Deputy President of the Australian Primary Principals’ Association.

In 2019, Colin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from Edith Cowan University. He is Patron of Children’s University, an Ambassador for Barking Gecko Theatre, a member of the Great to Eight governance committee. In late 2020 he was awarded the ACE WA medal for services to education.

Dr. Sandy Chong, a Harvard University Alumna is the winner of 2017 US Stevie Awards for Women in Business; 2015 Singapore Management Consultant of the Year; 2016 WA Multicultural Recognition Awards. An active contributor of the Sustainable Development Goals, Sandy strongly believes that education & leadership are key to economic empowerment for youths & women. Appointed Global Ambassador of The Inspiring Rarebirds, International Mentor of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Sandy has served as Special Rapporteur at the 105th International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference in Geneva. Her passion for connecting business with philanthropy helped raise funds for UN Women, Special Olympics Australia & Homeward Bound.

As President of the Office UNAAWA, Sandy is passionate about making a difference, she believes that human talent is expansive and is driven by making meaningful impact and lifelong learning. What an empowering woman caring for future generations!

We are delighted to announce that Dr Sue Packer, AM; Australian of the Year is supporting the Valuing Children Initiative as an Ambassador. With over 40 years of valuing children – Dr Packer is a true Valuing Children Champion!

Since starting her career as a paediatrician in 1972, Dr Sue Packer AM has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of children. Sue has been a leader in child abuse prevention and treatment and a champion of the importance of early childhood environments in the healthcare system and in the wider community.
Sue was one of the driving forces behind the acknowledgement of the importance of creating child-friendly spaces in hospitals and the value of play in recovery.
Presenting papers at conferences internationally and still volunteering on a number of boards to improve health and well-being of children, Sue maintains an interest in the adult lives of children she has seen. Sue stands up for the rights of children at every opportunity and encourages others to do the same.

It is an honour to have such a Champion in our Valuing Children team.

As a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University's School of Education, Dr Dobson is a champion for children and young people through her teaching and researching roles.

Passionate about our future generations, Dr Dobson's recent research explores trauma-informed practice, wellbeing and the voice of children. We look forward to collaborating with Dr Dobson and making a positive impact in valuing children and young people.