Introducing  UnitingCare Australia’s new National Director

The ability to hold conviction and complexity together will serve her well at UnitingCare Australia, which carries a dual mandate: strengthening its national network of service providers while advocating to government for policies that enable excellent care.

“One part is strengthening the network,” Tamara explains. “What I’ve observed already is the incredible passion of staff; their commitment to the dignity and centrality of the person they’re serving. There’s so much experience and innovation across the network.”

The second part is advocacy. “It’s about taking that lived experience and evidence to government and politicians. What policy settings need to be in place so that services can do their job well? So that people experience the dignity they’re owed?”

For Tamara, this advocacy work is inseparable from the deeper question of inequality. In Australia, the issues may look different, but the thread is the same: access to aged care, the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and ensuring people on low incomes can access essential services.

She is also deeply committed to reconciliation to First Nations people, seeing it as central to achieving true equality. “Until reconciliation happens, there’s no true equality,” she says.

For now, however, her priority is simple: listen. “It’s a very powerful tool,” she declares. “If you listen closely and well, then you can be a voice.”

Tamara is meeting with staff, engaging with Church leaders and stakeholders, and beginning conversations that will shape UnitingCare Australia’s next five-year strategy. She speaks of the role with humility, aware that national advocacy must be grounded in the lived realities of those providing and receiving care.

“I come into this role wanting to hear what people want their voice in Canberra to say,” she says. “How do they want it said? What are the things they want to see moved?”

Outside of work, Tamara’s world is centred on family. She and her husband are raising three children – a 16-year-old daughter and 12-year-old twin boys – and settling back into Melbourne life. After years of swimming in Lake Geneva and walking through alpine landscapes, she has discovered a new leisure activity in Pilates. “Humans are physical beings,” she laughs. “It’s important not to get stuck at a desk.”

She also guards space for reading, art and reflection; a way to recharge for the demanding work of social justice.

For Tamara, the challenge ahead is clear, and the approach is deliberate. “First, I’m here to listen and learn,” she says. “And then together, we’re going to be creating change in Australia for the people to whom it matters most.”

With her global experience, personal conviction and deep commitment to equity, Tamara Thomas is ready to guide UnitingCare Australia into its next chapter, a chapter that blends listening, evidence, and advocacy to ensure care and dignity for every Australian.

Pictured: New National Director Tamara Thomas with the UnitingCare Australia corporate office team