Megan Mitchell AM was Australia’s first National Children’s Commissioner from 2013 to 2020, where she advocated for the rights and interests of children, and the laws, policies and programs that impact them. During her tenure, Megan made history by becoming the first Australian Children’s Commissioner to appear before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva.

In 2021, Megan was appointed a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours for significant service to children, human rights and wellbeing initiatives.

Megan has had extensive experience in issues facing children and young people, including undertaking significant work with vulnerable children. Her previous roles include NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Executive Director of the ACT Office for Children, Youth and Family Support, Executive Director for Out-of-Home Care in the NSW Department of Community Services and CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service.

Megan is currently undertaking a PhD research project at The University of Sydney titled Fostering cultural connections for children in out of home care: exploring barriers to the development of effective cultural support plans.

Earliest digital memory
I really enjoy art and photography. During my lifetime the story telling power of these mediums has been revolutionised though digital technology. Back in the day, you would take your role of film down to the chemist or camera shop and wait three weeks for it to be developed.

I remember buying my first digital SLR in the early 2000s, with 4 megapixels! I was amazed at what it could do, you could see, keep, enhance or delete pictures as you shot. Photos could be loaded straight to the computer, with all sorts of creative effects on offer. As technology has continued to evolve so has my creative and personal journey, along with my memories, which are now inexorably embedded in the digital space.