However, we also lost our CEO Dr Joe Tucci. I’ve met plenty of people with drive, plenty with vision, and plenty with compassion. But finding someone who embodies all three, not just for a moment but across a lifetime of work? That’s rare. And Joe Tucci was one of those rare, extraordinary people.

Joe’s drive came from his unshakable belief in a better world for children—a world where childhood was never betrayed but celebrated. He envisioned a kinder, safer, more loving world. And he didn’t just dream about it; he tirelessly fought for it. Whether it was pushing governments, challenging professionals, or waking adults across Australia to the reality that children matter, Joe never backed down. He demanded that their rights be respected, even when it wasn’t the easy or popular thing to do.

Joe didn’t just lead the team at ACF—he lit a fire in every one of them. He inspired people to step into their best selves, to share in his vision, and to work toward a world that truly sees and hears the pain of children—and, most importantly, acts to change it.