Annie Hayward

With more than 25 years advising Boards and C-suites in ASX-listed and unlisted companies and the not-for-profit sector, Annie now focuses on public policy, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about programs and projects which increase awareness of Victoria’s 736,000 unpaid carers and the social and economic value they add. Annie has led statewide research and consultation with carers and service providers to develop Victoria’s first Carer Strategy and the appointment of the State’s first Minister for Carers. A former teacher, journalist, marketing communications director and general manager, she is the founder of IRS, a strategic communications consultancy based in Melbourne. Annie holds an MBA from RMIT University, a Bachelor of Education from University of South Australia and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has held senior executive positions with leading not-for-profits, including; Carers Victoria, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, the National Heart Foundation and Melbourne Grammar School. She is Victorian President of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and an independent director of the National Allied Health Professions Australia.

Annie likes working with Different Journeys because it is a cause-related not for profit organisation which is making great inroads to improve the lives of carers working tirelessly to support Autistic people. These often hidden carers don’t know what they don’t know and they deserve advice and guidance to navigate complex systems and gain access to essential carer supports and services.