Congratulations to FRSA Executive Director Jackie Brady on 10 years with FRSA. Jackie joined the FRSA National Office on 1 July 2014.

At the time of her recruitment, then Board Chairperson, Michael Austin described Jackie as, “an outstanding candidate in the recruitment process”, and noted that “with her skills, energy and enthusiasm, the Board is confident in her ability to inspire and lead the FRSA network into a new phase of development.”

Since then, she’s done that and more. Jackie has continued to lead the FRSA team with expertise and dedication to, and passion for, the family and relationship services sector. She has cemented FRSA’s place as the national peak for family and relationship services, building strong relationships and successfully securing funding over the years.

During her time with FRSA, Jackie has championed important pieces of work including:

• A research report about strengthening prevention and early intervention services in March 2017
• Commissioned analysis of the impacts on FRSA members of the then expiring Social and Community Services (SACS) Special Account. The combination of tireless advocacy and robust economic analysis contributed to the government’s decision in 2020 to increase baseline funding to meet the shortfall that expiration of the SaCS Supplementation would generate
• Assisting and supporting the membership as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic
• The recent Cost Benefit Analysis report by the CIE, which demonstrates the significant value of family and relationship services, released in September 2023.

Jackie has always ensured that FRSA is actively engaged in policy development and reform, providing an important conduit between members on the ground and the people they work with, and government and parliamentary decision makers.  She continues to ensure that good practice is developed, shared and showcased, demonstrated through FRSA’s highlight events such as the ever-growing annual National Conference and annual Strategic Leadership Forum.

On behalf of the FRSA Board I extend my deepest appreciation for all Jackie’s contributions and achievements. Jackie holds at the heart of her work the children, adults, families and communities that FRSA members work with each day and we look forward to Jackie’s demonstrated ongoing commitment to the Membership of FRSA.

– Teresa Jayet, FRSA Board Chair