YACWA is delighted to induct Katherine Browne as a Life Member, as of 26 November 2024.
Katherine has over 20 years’ experience supporting young people in WA. She began as a Youth Councillor with the City of Cockburn in 2000, before completing a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours.
Their formative career was with Child Protection, advocating for the safety and wellbeing of some of our most vulnerable children and young people.
In 2012, Katherine was appointed State Manager of CREATE, the national consumer body representing the voices of children and young people with an our-of-home care experience. During her time, Katherine built strong ties to YACWA. She contributed significantly to the policy development and advocacy agenda of the time, being the critical need to increase the age of young people leaving care. This ongoing advocacy between YACWA and CREATE saw the Homestretch trial in 2018, and a fully funded state program in 2021.
During this time, Katherine was part of the Ministerial Advisory Council to Child Protection, and the AIM WA Rising Leaders Program. In 2017, she began work on the Policy Team for the Commissioner for Children and Young People, moving to into the manager position after three years. And in 2023, Katherine became the Manager of Strategic Policy for Children and Families at the Department of Communities.
Katherine has been a long-term member of the YACWA Board. First elected in 2016, she brought significant knowledge of the sector, policy and advocacy, as well as contributions of risk management and financial oversight.
Katherine was elected to the board for the maximum number of three consecutive terms, holding the position of Treasurer in 2019 and 2020, and was the Vice Chair from 2020 to 2024.
YACWA’s Chairperson Sal Cleveray said Katherine’s “drive, enthusiasm, compassion and intelligence” has continued to impress them for the almost three years they have worked alongside each other.
Katherine has shown commitment to YACWA’s values consistently, and is a positive and compassionate advocate for young people.
Congratulations Katherine.
Life Membership is voted on by the YACWA Board, and recognises the enormous contributions these individuals have had to the mission of YACWA and the lives of young people in Western Australia.
