Orla is a purpose-driven leader in social work and community services, with over 20 years of experience shaping lives and systems across Ireland and Australia. Her career is defined by innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice.
From pioneering Ireland’s first family reunification project to leading South Australia’s first social impact bond – and more recently, driving homelessness reform across Adelaide’s North West – Orla has consistently championed transformative, person-centred approaches to complex social challenges.
In her current role as Senior Manager of Community Services at Uniting Communities, Orla leads multidisciplinary teams across alcohol and other drugs (AOD), health, legal, financial wellbeing, and multicultural services. Through strategic collaboration with key stakeholders, she works to empower individuals and communities to thrive.
Orla remains deeply committed to reshaping how we support our most vulnerable – one bold, strategic step at a time.