Dear Colleagues and Friends of the National Centre,
We are profoundly sad to let you know that our Board Chair and ACF CEO, Dr Joe Tucci passed away in Melbourne this last week. His passing is a loss which is unfathomable and leaves us shocked and bewildered.
Joe was a driving force in the safety and protection of children in Victoria, across the country and internationally for decades. He was a visionary and deep thinker – an insightful, committed, passionate and compassionate leader. His smile, laugh and humour were infectious, and put those around him at ease with the simple ability to be calm and instil calm in others in any given situation. Joe was not only clever but ever so warm and kind.
His legacy is extraordinary. Joe, through his determination and vision, improved the lives of countless children, young people and families, far and wide. He championed the rights of children and young people every single day and worked and fought to make the world a better place for children and young people, creating a groundswell for change with and alongside him.
His vision for the National Centre was clear and steadfast, and filled with hope and optimism that we would create real change together. His drive to establish the National Centre knew no bounds. He recently told us that the development and delivery of our Here for Change 5-year strategy was a career highlight for him. Joe’s leadership and direct contribution into a range of foundational areas including around disclosures of child sexual abuse, and the harmful sexual behaviours research, have and will be critically important for the National Centre.
Joe’s untimely passing is a deep loss for the National Centre Board and staff, our colleagues and friends. It was an honour and a privilege to have worked with him. Joe was an absolute inspiration and it will take some time to absorb the news and find some equilibrium in this new world. He was a shining light in a world that is devoid of true luminaries. The National Centre is Here for Change in no small part due to Joe’s vision and leadership.
At this time, we also want to express our deepest sympathy to our colleagues at the Australian Childhood Foundation and most importantly, to his family and friends. Our hearts go out to you all.
We look forward to honouring Joe’s remarkable contributions by further realising his vision of a very different world for children and survivors.
