Thursday 7 May 2026 – for immediate release
Aboriginal leader, advocate and proud Dharug man, Dallas Widdicombe, has been appointed as Victoria’s fourth Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
‘The Commission welcomes Dallas Widdicombe as Commissioner at a critical but hopeful time for Aboriginal children and young people,’ said Tracy Beaton, Victoria’s Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People, today.
‘As we work to address the ongoing impacts of colonisation, and impacts such as the continuing over-representation in state care and youth justice, Victoria has also established Treaty and is on an historic pathway towards progress, including in the lives of Aboriginal children and young people.
‘The leadership, advocacy and experience that Commissioner Widdicombe will bring to this role will only build the momentum for positive change,’ Commissioner Beaton said.
Commissioner Widdicombe comes to the position with more than ten years’ experience in senior leadership roles at national, state and local levels – most recently as chief executive officer of the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative.
Through these roles, Commissioner Widdicombe has led new approaches to protecting Aboriginal children and young people, the early adoption of Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care, and the establishment of award-winning early intervention programs.
‘We welcome the commencement of Commissioner Widdicombe and the contribution I know he will bring to the work of the Commission, and to the lives of Victoria’s Aboriginal children and young people,’ Commissioner Beaton concluded.
Dallas Widdicombe commences as Victoria’s Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People on 15 June 2026.
Darren Lewin-Hill
0437 046 360
Senior Communications & Media Adviser
Commission for Children and Young People