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Belinda Mawhinney
Consultant (Supervision, leadership Coach and mentor) at Belinda Mawhinney Consultancy
Professional Background
Belinda Mawhinney is an accomplished professional in the human services sector, primarily focusing on social work and health management. With an impressive educational background, Belinda holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the prestigious University of Sydney, as well as a Master of Health Management from the University of New South Wales. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Doctorate, where she specialized in the prevention of child maltreatment at the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sydney.
Belinda’s career is marked by an unwavering commitment to enhancing the capacities of individuals, teams, and organizations alike. As a qualified Social Worker, she harnesses her expertise to identify vulnerabilities within families, particularly in the context of child abuse and neglect. Her dedication to safeguarding vulnerable children and young adults has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices in child protection across Australia.
In 2013, Belinda was honored with a Winston Churchill Trust Fellowship, which underscored her leadership in the field. This prestigious fellowship allowed her to travel internationally, where she engaged with experts across Canada, the United States, England, and Ireland to explore effective health service collaboration in addressing the needs of children at risk. This experience not only enriched her understanding of global best practices but also laid the groundwork for her doctoral thesis, which concentrated on the role of Australian child and family health nurses in safeguarding at-risk children.
Through her consultancy, Belinda Mawhinney Consultancy, she is a Child Protection & Wellbeing Consultant who specializes in curating tailored capacity-building services designed to meet her clients' specific needs. Her range of services includes clinical supervision, case review, training, education, and workshop facilitation. Belinda thrives on building meaningful relationships with her clients, fostering partnerships that enhance collaboration and productivity in the pursuit of child welfare.
Education and Achievements
Belinda’s academic credentials are both profound and extensive, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and her passion for improving the wellbeing of children and families. Her educational journey began with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Sydney, where she developed an understanding of the fundamental principles of social justice and human welfare.
She furthered her education with a Master of Health Management from the University of New South Wales, which equipped her with vital leadership and management skills in health contexts. As a Doctor of Philosophy candidate at the University of Sydney, her research has contributed valuable insights into the dynamics of child maltreatment prevention, particularly through examining the critical roles played by health professionals in supporting vulnerable families.
Belinda’s notable achievement includes being awarded the Winston Churchill Trust Fellowship in 2013, a recognition that highlights her influential work and innovative research in child protection. Her study, which forms the basis of her doctoral research, has become a cornerstone in understanding how health services can efficiently address the complexities involved in safeguarding children at risk of maltreatment.
Achievements
Belinda’s professional journey is filled with significant roles and contributions that have had a lasting impact on child welfare and protection. She has held various leadership positions, including serving as the Head of Department for Social Work at Canterbury Hospital, where she managed clinical teams dedicated to delivering essential services.
Previously, Belinda worked as the Co-ordinator for Child Wellbeing & Clinical Projects at Sydney Local Health District and for both the Sydney and South Western Sydney Local Health Districts, where she honed her skills in developing and implementing strategies that promote child health and welfare. As the Safeguarding Lead at parkrun Australia, she contributed to enhancing community confidence in safeguarding principles, ensuring that families feel supported and secure in their participation.
In addition to her consultancy role, Belinda also served as a Policy Officer at New South Wales Health, where she played a vital part in formulating health policies that prioritize the wellbeing of children and families throughout Australia. Her diverse experiences across various sectors exemplify her versatility and dedication to fostering collaboration and capacity building in child protection.
Belinda Mawhinney’s contributions to child welfare extend beyond her direct roles, as she frequently engages in community outreach and knowledge sharing, further emphasizing her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable populations.
