Deborah Thomas - YWCA NSW Parenting Ambassador

As a mother and former editor of Australia’s biggest selling magazine, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Deborah has both personal experience and insight into the issues facing families in Australia today.

Deborah moved into publishing in1987 following a full-time modeling career in Europe, experience working in television production and advertising.

For over 20 years Deborah has successfully edited magazines including Cleo, Elle and Mode (which later became Harpers Bazaar). In 1999 she was appointed Editor-in-Chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly a position she held for 10 years. In 2002 The Weekly was awarded magazine of the year and Deborah received the highest accolade, Editor of the Year.

In 2009, Deborah moved to a more corporate role within ACP Magazines, as Director of Media, Public Affairs and Brand Development working across the entire portfolio of magazines -  50 plus titles. A well-known media commentator, Deborah is a regular on the Today show, Mornings, Nine News and A Current Affair.

Deborah is passionate about tackling parenting issues, particularly those faced by vulnerable families living in some of NSW’s most disadvantaged areas.

In her role as YWCA NSW’s Parenting Ambassador Deborah will be highlighting the importance of early intervention and practical assistance for parents who don’t have access to support networks or positive role models to help them develop vital parenting skills.

Deborah has a deep commitment to helping others and has always been involved in not-for-profits. Currently, Deborah sits on the board of Surf Lifesaving Australia Foundation, the council of the National Library of Australia and is a board member of the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre and a patron of the Taronga Foundation.

In addition to all that, Deborah is writing her autobiography and appears as adviser to Mark Bouris on Celebrity Apprentice.

 

Kate Frost - CEO, YWCA

Kate’s professional passion is about building long term sustainability in a culture that makes the most of opportunities with people working together as a team. She is committed to working with not for profit, community-based organisations and businesses to deliver increased returns on economic, human and social investment as well as building community capacity in disadvantaged communities in New South Wales.

Kate joined YWCA NSW because she believes in supporting the individuals, families and communities that YWCA NSW helps. Among a wealth of skills that she brings with her to the role is her ability to translate the often complex issues, statistics and facts of the NFP industry to communicate them clearly and succinctly to varied audiences.

In addition to her role as YWCA NSW CEO, Kate is an active participant on the Big Brothers Big Sisters™ Australia Board.
On a personal level, she is married to Simon and is an avid walker who loves to entertain. She constantly seeks to implement a practical balance between her work and life commitments.