Tearfund Australia Announces New CEO: Rebecca Oates
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Media Release
Tearfund Australia is delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca (Bec) Oates as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2025. Bec brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to Tearfund’s mission of addressing poverty and injustice through integral mission and restorative justice.
Bec joins Tearfund from the Carey Group, where she served as Executive Manager of Brand and Marketing. Her previous roles include Director of National Engagement at Baptist World Aid Australia, where she led a significant portfolio of projects such as the Ethical Fashion Guide and Baptist World Aid's recent brand and identity refresh. Her leadership extended to international collaborations as a member of the Integral Alliance International Marketing Group and participation in the Emergency Action Alliance. Additionally, Bec has served on the board of EmpowerAid International. Bec began her career as a hairdresser, and founded and grew her own business in Perth using her skills as an entrepreneurial and relational leader.
Bec brings strong leadership experience in the advocacy, church engagement and fundraising spaces and a solid understanding of development work. She is a strategic and creative thinker with experience building organisations, and has a talent and love for investing in people and teams.
When asked about her appointment, Bec shared, “I am deeply honoured to be joining Tearfund Australia as the next CEO. It is a privilege to join a team that works in partnership to build a just and compassionate world, where all people have the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential. I look forward to connecting with the Tearfund community and hearing your stories of holy discontent with the injustice of poverty.”
The Board is excited by Bec’s deep passion for the local church and its calling to tackle poverty and injustice.
Her deep commitment to partnership in all its forms is evident – with our partners, members, supporters, the Tearfund Family and many other coalitions. She is clearly passionate about coming to the table as equal partners, and feels that the Australian church has so much to learn from the Global South, not only about justice but also who God is. Bec had the opportunity to visit partners and learn from them at BWA and through her involvement with vocational training organisations in India and Bangladesh. She describes these times as formative in her discipleship journey.
Joanna Lee, Chair of the Board, commented, “It was clear to the whole Board that Bec had connected with Tearfund in the ways our staff and supporters have. She believes wholeheartedly in our mission and approach, and is very excited to work with our staff, partners and supporters – and God – towards our vision.”
The Board is confident that under Bec’s leadership, Tearfund will continue to inspire and mobilise Christians to take biblically-shaped action in responding to poverty and injustice.
ENDS
For further information or interview requests call Melody Murton (Tearfund Head of Communications & Education) on (03) 9264 7000 or email [email protected]
About Tearfund Australia:
Tearfund works in partnership to end poverty, challenge inequality and build sustainable communities. Following Jesus, we go where the need is greatest, acting with courage to tackle injustice so that all may experience fullness of life. Our partnerships with local Christian agencies develop long-term holistic transformation for communities facing poverty and injustice around the world and in Australia. We do justice together as we inspire, connect and equip Australian Christians to live, act and pray for a more just and compassionate world. tearfund.org.au