Donna is passionate about centralising children’s rights in community development.  She is an experienced leader in the Australian and International non-government sector. Donna works with organisations to strengthen their governance, policy, processes and practice and is proficient in portfolio, program and project design, monitoring and evaluation, underpinned by meticulous risk management.

As an expert in safeguarding, Donna demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of both Australian and international child safeguarding and PSEAH standards, including those of multilateral and donor governments. Her deep understanding of safeguarding standards enables her to partner with organisations to address complex safeguarding challenges. 

Donna has experience working across schools, community development organisations, international development, and humanitarian programs in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region.  Her experience is strengthened by short and long-term international postings and working across health, disaster preparedness, WaSH, youth, and early childhood development programs.

Donna’s commitment to children’s safety, coupled with her background in international development ensures she offers sharp, fit for purpose and tailored advice and training about best practice safeguarding.

Donna has conducted child safeguarding reviews and audits of organisations of all sizes and sectors across Australia and internationally, collaborating with them to strengthen governance, policy and practice and achieve accreditation status.

Qualifications and Certifications

Bachelor of Business

Post Graduate Degree in International Development  

Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)

Safeguarding in International Development

Community Facilitation and Conflict Resolution

Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation Trainer of Trainers

​Participative Program Design & Monitoring

Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting (PMER)

Effective Gender Analysis & Strategies