Congratulations Reverend John Taylor OAM

John’s leadership has helped shape the landscape of child and family services in Victoria and beyond. Joining what was then the Melbourne Family Care Organisation (now OzChild) in 1976 as Director, he guided the organisation at a time when just 50 children were supported in Family Group Homes alongside a counselling service. Under his stewardship, the foundations were laid for growth, innovation and expanded community impact.

During his tenure, John played an instrumental role in the establishment of agencies including Upper Murray Family Care, Mallee Family Care and Windermere Child and Family Services, strengthening support for children and families across regional Victoria and ensuring communities could build local solutions for local families.

John also served as Former President of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (formerly the Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria) and as Former President of the Victorian Association of Child Care Executives. Through these sector leadership roles he championed strong governance, collaboration and principled independence. His commitment to thoughtful stewardship and community-anchored leadership helped shape resilient, sustainable not-for-profit services that continue to support children and families to thrive today.

OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa J. Griffiths said the recognition reflects the power of leadership grounded in purpose.

“As OzChild marks 175 years of service in 2026, John’s recognition feels especially significant. It reminds us that our history is not just measured in years, but in the leadership, courage and conviction of people who chose to build something that would outlast them. The strength of the services supporting children and families today can be traced back to the foundations John and others laid with care and purpose. We are proud to carry that legacy forward.”

Reflecting on his journey, John recently shared:

“To think it all began with a group of parishioners at St James Church (now Old Cathedral) in 1837. I am humbled to have been the inaugural CEO of OzChild, which is now a leading nationwide child and family welfare and advocacy agency.”

175 years on from those early beginnings, OzChild and our partners continue that legacy, growing from strong roots, adapting to new challenges, and standing alongside children, young people and families with courage and care.

We thank John for his vision, steady leadership and enduring contribution, and congratulate him on this well-deserved honour.