Mr Doorgachurn will commence transition activities on 19 October 2026 and assume full operational responsibility from 26 October. His appointment follows Chief Executive Officer Janine Bush’s decision to resign. Ms Bush’s final day with the organisation will be 3 December 2026.
Board Chair Dr Cathy Kezelman AM thanked Ms Bush for her contribution and welcomed Mr Doorgachurn.
“Janine has made a significant contribution to the National Centre, leading with a strong commitment to our purpose, our people and the communities we support. We thank her for her leadership and her support for a smooth handover,” Dr Kezelman said.
“Phil brings extensive leadership experience and a resolute commitment to preventing child sexual abuse. His work with victim-survivors has helped organisations and systems better understand harm, strengthen prevention and improve their responses.
“Our hope for a community where children are safe and victim-survivors are supported to heal and recover, free of stigma and shame – a future without child sexual abuse – is sustained by the courage, knowledge and wisdom of people with lived experience. Their voices must help shape the decisions we make and the action we take.”
Mr Doorgachurn’s career spans CEO, executive, safeguarding leadership roles and Board Director positions across Australia and internationally. He has worked to place the rights, voices and wellbeing of children, young people, victim-survivors at the centre of organisational decision-making.
He has also contributed to the advisory group supporting the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse and Sport Integrity Australia’s Culture and Safety Advisory Committee.
Mr Doorgachurn said he deeply believed in the National Centre’s purpose.
“I want the Centre to continue to be a source of hope, amplifying victim-survivors’ voices and turning what we learn into meaningful change,” he said.
“Working towards a community where children are safe and victim-survivors are supported to heal and recover, free of stigma and shame – a future without child sexual abuse – requires the wisdom of lived experience to guide the way, alongside research, effective practice and a shared commitment to action.
“I have worked with victim-survivors to change organisations and systems throughout my career. I bring that experience, and a deep commitment to this cause, to the National Centre.
“My first priority will be getting to know the team, listening and understanding the work underway. Alongside the Board, government and our partners, I will sustain focus on securing long-term funding so the Centre can continue to be a national source of hope for victim-survivors.” Ms Bush said she would work closely with Mr Doorgachurn to support the handover.
“It has been a privilege to contribute to the National Centre’s work alongside our team, victim-survivors, and our partners,” Ms Bush said.
“I remain deeply committed to its purpose and look forward to supporting Phil as he takes on this role and carries this important work forward.”
