Wesley is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Donna Cross to the College Council.

Professor Cross OAM FAHMS GAICD brings an outstanding background in education, research, governance and community service, together with a deep commitment to the wellbeing and flourishing of children and young people. Her experience and values align closely with Wesley’s mission to educate the whole person within a caring and inclusive community.

Professor Cross is an Emeritus Professor at The University of Western Australia and a Senior Honorary Fellow with the Telethon Kids Institute, where she previously led major research programs focused on children’s and adolescents’ mental health, wellbeing and social development. She is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts in student wellbeing, bullying prevention and school‑based mental health, with more than 40 years of experience translating research into practice in real‑world education settings.

Donna has served as Western Australian Node Director and Chief Investigator of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, a $32 million national initiative supporting children and families experiencing disadvantage. Her work has directly informed education policy, curriculum and wellbeing frameworks across Australia and internationally.

Her contribution to children’s wellbeing and education has been widely recognised. Donna was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to youth mental health and education and has been named Western Australian of the Year. She was inducted into the Western Australian Science Hall of Fame in 2023 for her enduring impact on child and adolescent wellbeing research.

Chair of the Wesley College Council, Matt Braysher, welcomed Donna’s appointment.

“Donna brings extraordinary depth of experience, wisdom and heart. Her lifelong commitment to young people, education and community reflects the values at the core of Wesley. We are delighted to welcome her to the Council as we continue to steward the College with care and purpose.”

Donna said she was honoured to join the Wesley College community.

“Wesley College’s commitment to educating young people with purpose, compassion and integrity strongly resonates with my own values. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the College community and to contribute to its thoughtful governance.”

Wesley College warmly welcomes Professor Donna Cross and looks forward to the insight, leadership and service she will bring to the College Council and the wider Wesley community.