Global Shifts, Local Impact: Oxfam Australia

An evening in Freo with Oxfam’s new Chief Executive Jennifer Tierney

Oxfam Australia is an international charity and global movement dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty. Jennifer Tierney is the org’s new Chief Executive. And last Wednesday evening, 15 April 2026, many of the movement’s committed and passionate supporters were on hand at Fremantle Park Club to hear Jennifer speak and to find out more about the challenges that lie ahead for Oxfam in this ever changing geo-political world.

Jennifer Tierney. Credit Jean Hudson

Jennifer herself is a passionate executive leader with 20 years’ experience in the international humanitarian sector, including more than five years’ experience in Executive Director/Chief Executive roles. She brings broad grassroots experience spanning Board governance, executive and international team leadership, in-country field program management, risk management, communications and fundraising.

Jennifer has most recently been the Executive Director at MSF Australia. Prior to joining MSF Australia, Jennifer had worked with organisations like UNICEF Australia, Synergos and Amnesty International. She was also a founding board member of The Alliance of International Medical Action (ALIMA) USA.

On working for Oxfam, Jennifer says: “Oxfam recognises that inequality worsens poverty and amplifies the negative impacts of crises like conflict and climate emergencies. We highlight and work on the way poverty intersects with economic, gender, climate and First Peoples justice. It is not easy work, but it is the complex work that needs to be done to make lasting change.”

On Wednesday night, Jennifer shared insights about Oxfam’s work, the changing world order and how these changes affect families and communities especially during humanitarian emergencies in low-income countries.

The gathering enabled supporters to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping Oxfam’s programs.

If you’d like to know more about Oxfam Australia, look here.

*By Jean Hudson

Jean Hudson is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

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