About Relationships Australia
Our Values
At Relationships Australia we believe that respectful relationships are essential for the wellbeing of children, families, individuals and communities. These principles underpin our work.
Safety
We believe everyone should live with dignity and safety.
Respectful Relationships
We support the development and nurturing of respectful relationships
Social justice
We are committed to social justice and inclusion.
Diversity
We respect and support the rights of all people and relationship types, in all their diversity.
Locations across Australia
Relationships Australia member organisations provide support services across all Australian states and territories, including in regional and remote areas.
We are here to support you.
Our services are for all members of the community, regardless of religious belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances.
Please click on your state or territory to find support services near you
Our History
Relationships Australia has been providing services and supports to Australians for over 70 years.
1948
Social services commenced in Australian states and territories under the shared brand “Marriage Guidance Council” to support, in particular, the family relationships of soldiers returning to Australia post World War II
1993
The federation of Marriage Guidance Councils voted to rename to Relationships Australia, in response to social shifts in late 20th-century society, and reflecting the broad scope of services provided
2006
Government funding established for Family Relationship Centres. 66 have since been established across Australia, over one third of which are operated by Relationships Australia and various consortium partners
Relationships Australia Governance
Relationships Australia national office is governed by a Board, consisting of the eight Chief Executive Officers of the state and territory member organisations. The National Executive Officer leads a dedicated team at the national office, focused on advocacy, policy, research, campaigns and supporting the Relationships Australia federation.
Dr Claire Ralfs
South Australia
National Board Chair
Dr Michael Kelly
Tasmania
National Board Deputy Chair
Terri-ann Maney
Northern Territory
National Board Member
Dr Andrew Bickerdike
Victoria
National Board member
Dr Stephanie Hodson
Canberra & Region
National Board member
Natasha Rae
Queensland
National Board Member
Danielle Newport
Western Australia
National Board member
Elisabeth Shaw
New South Wales
National Board member
Nick Tebbey
National Executive Officer
Annual Reports
The Relationships Australia National Annual Report reflects the work of the National Office and includes highlights from across the Relationships Australia federation. Most member organisations also produce their own Annual Reports, which are accessible via their websites.
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2021
Relationships Australia Annual Report
Annual Report 2020
Relationships Australia Annual Report
Annual Report 2019
Relationships Australia Annual Report
Annual Report 2018
Relationships Australia Annual Report
Friends and Partnerships
Relationships Australia works collaboratively with a number of respected organisations across Australia, and internationally. Below is a list of organisations and providers we currently work with at the national level.
Family and Relationship Services Australia (FRSA)
The national peak body for family and relationship services
Families Australia
Families Australia is a national, not-for-profit peak organisation that strives to improve the wellbeing of Australian families
Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS)
The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) is an Australian organisation that advocates for action to reduce poverty and inequality and is the peak body for the community services sector in Australia.
Mental Health Australia
Mental Health Australia is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector
Suicide Prevention Australia
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body for the suicide prevention sector
Every Age Counts
EveryAGE Counts is an advocacy campaign aimed at tackling ageism against older Australians
Ending Loneliness Together
Relationships Australia is a founding member of Ending Loneliness Together, which is comprised of organisations with the common goal of helping create a world where ‘every single person feels a sense of connection and belonging’.
Elder Abuse Action Australia
Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA) is the national voice for action to eliminate elder abuse through systemic advocacy and policy development, best practice and research, and education and capacity building.
Neighbour Day Ambassadors
Relationships Australia is proud to work with a number of passionate ambassadors in our Neighbour Day campaign.
Neighbour Day Very Neighbourly Organisations
Relationships Australia’s Neighbour Day campaign welcomes the many Very Neighbourly Organisations who have joined us in connecting communities.
Careers
Relationships Australia is a federation of state organisations and each state employs staff independently. For information on current vacancies visit the relevant Relationships Australia website in each state.
Featured Position
Child Counsellor and Therapeutic Case Manager – Traralgon
(Traralgon) VIC
- Key clinical position providing mental health support for children and families
- Join a passionate team providing positive and respectful relationship support
- Part-time 3 days per week located in Traralgon