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    Kate Leaney

    Campaigns and Communications Manager at Welcoming Australia

    Professional Background

    Kate Leaney is a dedicated and passionate advocate, campaigner, and communications professional with over a decade of experience working alongside refugees and individuals seeking asylum. Through her extensive career, Kate has developed and implemented numerous impactful initiatives, such as the Welcoming Centre and Welcoming Careers, aimed at fostering community integration and support for those who face significant barriers to belonging in Australia.

    Currently, Kate serves as the Campaigns and Communications Manager at Welcoming Australia, where she plays a vital role in amplifying the voices of everyday Australians committed to creating a welcoming culture. In this capacity, she collaborates with a variety of partners, including the Baba Mazari Foundation and the WA Refugee and People Seeking Asylum Network, to advance advocacy efforts aimed at reforming refugee policy and promoting inclusive practices across the nation.

    Throughout her career, Kate has worked alongside emerging leaders to build campaigns that not only highlight the importance of community support but also strive for a future in which all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to belong, contribute, and thrive within society. Her work encompasses nurturing grassroots movements and empowering community members to engage in advocacy for systemic change, making her a pivotal figure in the fight for social justice in Australia.

    Education and Achievements

    Kate Leaney holds a Bachelor's degree in Community Development from Murdoch University, a foundation that has enriched her understanding of the complexities surrounding community dynamics and social inclusion. Her educational background informs her approach to her work, equipping her with the necessary tools to advocate effectively for policy changes and community support mechanisms.

    Over the years, Kate has held various prominent roles, demonstrating her versatility and unwavering commitment to social justice. She served as the Team Lead for Justice for People Seeking Asylum at Common Grace, where she was responsible for spearheading initiatives that sought to provide a voice for individuals navigating the asylum process. Her leadership and project management skills were further showcased when she acted as Project Coordinator for Welcoming Careers at Welcoming Australia, effectively developing programs that connected refugees and migrants with job opportunities and professional development.

    Kate's professional journey also includes significant volunteer work, emphasizing her commitment to giving back to the community. She held positions as a Deputy CEO (in a volunteer capacity) and Acting National Director at Welcoming Australia, where she helped steer the organization towards fulfilling its mission of fostering a welcoming community for refugees and people seeking asylum. Additionally, her role as Founder and Manager of The Welcome Centre at Welcoming Australia showcased her entrepreneurial spirit in creating spaces for connection and support for newcomers to Australia.

    Kate’s experience extended to working in youth support roles, notably as a Youth Support Worker with Baptist Care (SA) Inc, where she provided essential services to young refugees and their families. More recently, she was involved as the Corporate Sales and Service Coordinator at Adelaide Football Club, where she utilized her skills in communications and relationship building.

    Notable Contributions

    Not only has Kate played critical roles within established organizations, but she has also actively contributed to the development of programs and initiatives that effect change. As an Organizer and Trainer with Love Makes A Way, she has trained volunteers to effectively advocate for justice within the faith community, emphasizing the importance of empathy and action in achieving meaningful change.

    Her tenure as a Social Justice Officer at the Uniting Church in Australia - Synod of Western Australia further solidified her advocacy efforts, allowing her to engage with broader social issues while fostering cooperation among various stakeholders in the community. Kate's ability to forge partnerships and mobilize resources has enabled her to lead many projects aimed at uplifting marginalized voices.

    In her current role, Kate continues to utilize her exceptional communication skills to share the inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome adversity, thus fostering a culture of understanding and empathy within the Australian community. Her efforts are pivotal in normalizing the conversation around refugees and asylum-seekers, working diligently to dismantle misinformation and stigma often associated with those seeking refuge in Australia.

    Through her initiatives, Kate Leaney is making a lasting impact on the lives of many, advocating for policies that pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Her journey as an advocate not only underscores her commitment to social justice but also highlights the power of collaboration and community in effecting real change.

    Closing Remarks

    In summary, Kate Leaney's extensive background as a communications professional and advocate for refugees and asylum seekers positions her as a leader in the pursuit of social justice. Her education, experience, and relentless passion for fostering an inclusive community reflect her unwavering commitment to helping those on the margins of society find belonging and opportunity. As she continues her journey with Welcoming Australia and various partnerships, Kate remains a beacon of hope for many, inspiring change and transforming lives through her work.

    tags':['Advocate','Communications Professional','Campaigner','Refugee Policy Advocate','Welcoming Australia','Welcoming Centre','Community Development','Murdoch University','Social Justice','Youth Support Worker','Baptist Care','Common Grace','WA Refugee Network','Baba Mazari Foundation','Volunteer','Leadership','Grassroots Campaigns','Inclusivity'],'questions':['How did Kate Leaney’s education in Community Development shape her career in advocacy?','In what ways has Kate Leaney successfully collaborated with emerging leaders across various organizations?','What initiatives has Kate Leaney implemented to support refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia?','How does Kate Leaney utilize her communication skills to promote social justice and inclusivity?','What motivated Kate Leaney to focus her career on supporting refugees and those seeking asylum?']}},{

    Kate Leaney
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    Location

    Adelaide, South Australia, Australia