Mat Tinkler, a tireless advocate for children
Meet Mat Tinkler, the new Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Australia
For more than eight years, Mat Tinkler has driven change for children by leading Save the Children Australia's International Programs team and ensuring the organisation has had a strong public voice for vulnerable children. He has been Deputy CEO since 2019, and in June 2022 was appointed CEO.
Paul Ronalds moves to global role
For the first half of 2022, Mat filled the role of acting CEO while Paul Ronalds was working with Save the Children International to explore new technologies and innovative finance solutions for some of the biggest challenges facing children today. Paul, who led Save the Children Australia for more than nine years, will continue this important work on the Save the Children Global Ventures project. And while Paul will be missed, he will continue to be a key part of the Save the Children community.
Mat is a committed campaigner for child rights, seen here supporting a student-led School Strike for Climate.
Photo: Pablo Barnes
After a rigorous selection process Mat has stepped into the role of CEO permanently. Save the Children Australia Board Chair Larry Kamener said,
“I am delighted that Mat has taken up the position of CEO at Save the Children Australia. He has shown tremendous integrity and drive for the work our people do each day to advance the rights of children.”
“Paul has made an extraordinary contribution as CEO at Save the Children Australia over the last nine years. It has been a privilege for me as chair to have been able to work with Paul and now to oversee the transition to another outstanding leader.”
Paul Ronalds also offered his support for the appointment. “Mat is a fierce advocate for children and our mission to change lives for the better, and I congratulate him on his appointment,” Paul said.
Mat Tinkler during a visit to cash recipients at the Nasole HART community in Fiji.
Photo: Kelly Vacala /Save the Children Fiji
As CEO, Mat is committed to continuing the important work of the organisation in protecting the rights of children, here in Australia, across the Pacific and around the world, saying,
“I stand on the shoulders of giants. From our founder, pioneering teacher and sociologist, Eglantyne Jebb, to my predecessor, Paul Ronalds, who skilfully led Save the Children through a period of significant change and growth.
“I will continue to strongly advocate for the rights of children both through our international efforts and closer to home in Australia.”
Throughout his time at Save, Mat has fostered an environment of trust and candour with supporters, peers and the people of Save the Children Australia, with a strong focus on building a culture that is diverse and inclusive. While acknowledging the significant challenges the world’s children face, Mat believes we can face the future with confidence.
“We’re living through unprecedented times, and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to lead Save the Children as we face some of the biggest challenges of a generation. The incredible efforts of our community of staff, volunteers and supporters gives me hope that we can continue to make the world a better place for children. I look forward to being on this journey, and I can’t wait to take the next steps with you.”