Tony Pietropiccolo AM is a well-known figure in the Australian social services sector, dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of all Australians. With over 40+ years of experience, he has tirelessly worked to protect the integrity and standards of community service organisations, enabling them to maximise their contribution to the community.
His achievements and impact on the sector are impressive: Director of Centrecare (since 1989); Founder of the Valuing Children Initiative (since 2016); Co-founder of Community Employers WA; Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia (since 2019); catalyst for the establishment of Stellar Living; Past President of WACOSS; Past Chairperson of the State Homelessness Taskforce; Former Board member of FRSA; and Committee member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Child Protection.
Tony's dedication has earned him numerous awards and recognition: Individual Leader at the WA Community Services Industry Awards in 2006; Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2012; and Finalist for the 2023 West Australian of the Year (Community Category).
In April 2024, Tony and the Valuing Children Initiative launched the End Child Poverty Campaign, advocating for an Australian Child Poverty Reduction Act. Tony's unwavering commitment to the intrinsic worth of all people continues to inspire positive change, making a lasting impact on the lives of many Australians. In Tony’s words: "I feel an obligation to work towards creating a fair and just society where all, especially the most vulnerable, have an opportunity to thrive … and after 40+ years, my passion for the work has not diminished. There's still so much more to do."
Sarah is an award-winning journalist turned community campaigner, who for the past 20 years, has worked across politics for government Ministers and Senators, not for profits, a union, peak bodies and did a stint as a councillor at the Town of Bassendean.
Sarah has a deep sense of social justice and is passionate achieving political outcomes on issues including public education, children getting the right start to life, housing and homelessness, suicide prevention and mental health.
Sarah now runs the Valuing Children Initiative where she manages the End Child Poverty campaign and has developed a program that values the rights of children in decision making through child centred workshops.
Sarah’s job is being mum to a 9-year-old human with ADHD, who teaches her to truly value children to be their best selves.
Phoebe is a psychotherapist and counsellor with six years of experience walking alongside children and families through challenges related to mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), family and domestic violence (FDV), trauma, and relationships.
At the heart of Phoebe’s work is a deep passion for truly listening to children—hearing not just their words, but their feelings, stories, and unique ways of seeing the world. She is committed to understanding and appreciating each child for who they are, and she values the trust they place in her.
Phoebe is skilled in co-creating Child Safe environments where children feel genuinely seen, heard, and protected. She is especially passionate about supporting children and young people to discover and express their voices through playful, creative, and developmentally appropriate approaches, always honouring their individuality and innate wisdom.
Amanda is a passionate journalist and photographer with deep expertise in stakeholder engagement. She has worked in Malaysia and Perth as a journalist, with a focus on social justice issues, community, women and youth affairs. Her experience at Catholic Education WA allowed her to build strong relationships with schools and young people, understanding how to safely engage children and give them a voice. At the Valuing Children Initiative, Amanda manages the End Child Poverty campaign partners, working strategically to raise awareness about child poverty in Australia. She also oversees the VCI and ECP social media, website, and newsletters, with a special focus on child voice projects and advocacy efforts to create meaningful change for children and families across the community.
