Our staff

Nigel Spence

Nigel Spence joined ChildFund Australia as CEO in February 2006, after almost nine years at the helm of the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA). During this time, he was responsible for leading the association and the sector to achieve significant improvements for vulnerable children, young people and their families. He was previously director of Children and Youth Services Centacare, Catholic Community Services, Sydney.

Carol Mortensen

Carol, who began her working life in the education sector, has almost 20 years experience in international development. This includes in-country assignments in countries such as Botswana, India, Pakistan and East Timor, and managing program work in Afghanistan and Nepal. Carol has significant management, program development, fundraising, strategic planning, and advocacy experience. She holds a Masters degree in Development, and is a specialist in child protection and child rights, as well as quality programming. Carol joined ChildFund in July 2007.

Warwick 'Smokey' Dawson

Warwick joined ChildFund in 2005. From 1999-2003 he worked in Port Moresby at the National Apprenticeship Trade Testing Board and over the following two years within indigenous communities of northern Australia. These experiences fostered Warwick's interest in and capacity for working in remote and culturally challenging environments. Warwick has a strong management background, commitment to community development and empowering approach to capacity building, which are driving ongoing, sustainable growth in ChildFund's PNG programs.

Peter Walton

Peter has worked in development for 18 years, undertaking assignments in over 30 countries. Peter holds the position of Mekong Regional Representative which includes supporting ChildFund's planned activities in Cambodia and Laos, and overseeing operations in Vietnam in his capacity as Country Director. Peter holds a Master of Science in Development Economics and an MBA and was awarded the Vietnamese Government's Medal for Friendship and Peace. Peter joined ChildFund in 2003.