April is a proud Aboriginal woman with three sons and heralds from the Mirning and Kokatha people from the Far West Coast of South Australia. April is SA’s inaugural Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People. April commenced in the role in 2018 and was given further tenure in late 2021 when the role was enshrined in Legislation. Commissioner Lawrie holds a Social Work Degree which she attained in 1990 taking her early career in front line child protection work and Aboriginal community controlled foster care services. From there, she moved into management roles of Aboriginal social welfare policy and programs and later took on a range of Aboriginal Executive Leadership roles in South Australian Government Agencies such as health, justice and education. Over the last 30 years, Commissioner Lawrie has contributed to the formation of Aboriginal policy at the State and National level, and excellence in service innovation and Aboriginal community development. Commissioner Lawrie believes that Aboriginal children and young people need to be supported with platforms to elevate their voices. Commissioner Lawrie is also active in Aboriginal Land’s Rights and Native Title for the Far West Coast Aboriginal Community.
April Lawrie
