After 24 years of dedicated service to the OzChild board, including 15 years as President, Maxwell-Wright AM stepped down from her role on the Board at the final Board Meeting for 2025.
Addressing her fellow Board members, Helen shared that “the time feels right, both for me and for the organisation to welcome a new President. It’s also time for me to enjoy a little more free time.”
Following Helen’s decision to resign from the OzChild Board, we are delighted to share that Stephen Fontana APM has been appointed as the new Board President, with Dr Sandra Heriot stepping into the role of Vice President.
Helen’s lifetime of service, both within OzChild and across the broader community sector has left a profound and lasting impact. Over her 24 years on the OzChild Board, Helen has shown what can be achieved when dedicated individuals give their time, their heart, and their expertise to a cause bigger than themselves.
For Helen, voluntary service has always been more than a responsibility, it has been a privilege. Her belief that giving back enriches not only the community but also one’s own sense of purpose has inspired many. Helen often reflected that contributing to the wellbeing of children, young people and families was “good for the soul,” a reminder that acts of service, no matter how small, ripple outward in powerful ways.
Helen joined the OzChild Board in 2001 after a nudge from then-President Chris Ralph, who knew her blend of advertising expertise and passion for making a difference would be a tremendous asset.
Chris Ralph“When I invited Helen Maxwell-Wright to join the OzChild Board in 2001, I already knew she was someone special. From the very beginning, she brought a rare combination of strategic thinking, confidence on her feet, and the ability to inspire and persuade others with warmth and purpose. Over more than two decades, Helen proved herself to be a tireless champion for OzChild building support, opening doors, and advocating relentlessly for children and families. Her determination, integrity, and unwavering commitment have left an enduring mark on this organisation. OzChild is immeasurably stronger because of Helen’s leadership.”
During her 15 years as President, Helen helped guide OzChild through a period of significant transformation. She was instrumental in the Board’s adoption of evidence-based models of care, ensuring children and young people experiencing trauma or complex behavioural needs received the highest quality support. This work expanded OzChild’s reach across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT, improving outcomes for hundreds of families.
Helen’s commitment extended well beyond governance. She was a tireless advocate for philanthropy, recognising that financial support and strong partnerships are essential to sustaining and growing the work of not-for-profits.
She championed the importance of giving – whether through donations, corporate partnerships, or community fundraising, and helped facilitate relationships that strengthened OzChild’s long-term impact.
Her leadership has been characterised by generosity, humility, and a steadfast belief in the power of community. She consistently elevated the voices of foster and kinship carers, acknowledging their extraordinary contribution, and emphasised the importance of transparent, values-driven governance.
In 2021, Helen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her outstanding service to child welfare, community health and voluntary service, a well-deserved honour that reflects her far-reaching influence.
Reflecting on Helen’s retirement from the Board, OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa J. Griffiths says “On behalf of the entire OzChild community; children, young people, carers, colleagues and partners, I offer my deepest gratitude to Helen. For more than two decades, she has lived our purpose with conviction and heart, helping to shape the organisation we are today. Helen will forever be a much-loved member of the OzChild family.”
When asked about her retirement, Helen says she hopes her journey will inspire others to consider how they too can contribute, whether by joining a board, volunteering time or skills, supporting a local not-for-profit, or providing financial assistance. She believes strongly that when individuals commit to community service, everyone benefits: the organisation, the families we support, and the volunteers themselves, who gain a sense of meaning, connection and purpose that lasts a lifetime.
“My years with OzChild have reminded me time and again that community service enriches us all. You don’t need to have a particular title or background to make a difference — you just need the willingness to give a little of yourself. Whether it’s time, expertise or financial support, every contribution strengthens the work of organisations like OzChild. I encourage anyone who can to get involved; it will give you a sense of purpose and connection that stays with you.”
We are excited to announce that Stephen Fontana has accepted the role of President of the OzChild Board. Stephen has served as Vice President for the past 11 years, bringing deep commitment, a wealth of governance and leadership experience, and a clear dedication to OzChild’s purpose.
Stephen Fontana APM“I feel humbled and privileged to step into the role as President of the OzChild Board of Directors, and wish to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt thanks to Helen Maxwell-Wright AM for her outstanding leadership, cultural stewardship, advocacy, selfless drive, passion and contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families through her work on the OzChild Board for over the 24 years, including the last 10 years as President. Under her leadership and guidance OzChild has grown from strength to strength in improving the lives of children, young people and families who are experiencing significant challenges through the delivery of a board range of evidence-based programs and services. I look forward to continuing in Helen’s footsteps and working with our highly skilled Board of Directors, and experienced and dedicated team of staff and carers at OzChild to advocate for and deliver better outcomes and brighter futures for those in our care.”
We are also pleased to welcome Dr Sandra Heriot into the role of Vice President. Sandra, who has been part of the OzChild Board since 2019 brings a strong background in psychology, public administration and human services, and shares our commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care for children, young people and families.
Together, Stephen and Sandra will lead the Board forward, building on the strong foundations Helen helped lay, and guiding OzChild into its next chapter, as we continue to grow, adapt and serve.
As we move forward under new Board leadership, our commitment remains the same: to provide safe, compassionate, culturally responsive, evidence-informed care for children, young people and families; to support our foster and kinship carers; to pursue systemic reform; and to advocate for better outcomes and self-determination, particularly for First Nations children and families.
We are confident this transition will strengthen our governance and leadership and equip OzChild to adapt to emerging needs while staying true to the values that Helen helped embed across our organisation.
Please join us in thanking Helen, and welcoming Stephen and Sandra – as together we chart the next chapter for OzChild.
Meet our Leadership Team and Board > https://www.ozchild.org.au/who-we-are/our-board-executive/
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