Trudi Mitchell speaks to Grace, a young Congolese refugee living at the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement in Kyegegwa District in western Uganda about her future aspirations to learn hairdressing and open her own business.
Trudi Mitchell

Trudi Mitchell

Chief Executive Officer

Trudi Mitchell is the Chief Executive Officer of Australia for UNHCR, leading the organisation’s ambitious vision to empower refugees around the world. Prior to her appointment in August 2022, Trudi served as the Deputy National Director of Australia for UNHCR for six years.

Trudi has extensive experience in senior executive roles across the not-for-profit sector. Her expertise spans strategy, innovation, leadership, public relations, communications, fundraising, technology and data. Before joining Australia for UNHCR, Trudi was the Director of Marketing and Communications at Cancer Council NSW. She has been a Board Director of WEAVE Youth and Community Services and for the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA).

Trudi is currently a Board member and chairs the Appeals Committee for the Emergency Action Alliance – a group of 15 Australian non-government organisations working together on humanitarian emergencies around the world. Trudi is also a Trustee of New Zealand for UNHCR.

Annika Low

Annika Low

Head of Finance

Annika has worked with Australia for UNHCR since 2008 and has over 20 years of finance and accounting experience. Prior to joining Australia for UNHCR, Annika held positions in accounting and financial reporting in the private sector. Annika is a qualified CPA and has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney.

Catherine Harding

Catherine Harding

Chief Operating Officer

Catherine is the Chief Operating Officer at Australia for UNHCR, providing leadership to HR, Finance, International Programs, IT and Donor Care within the organisation.

Catherine has over 20 years’ experience working in the government, corporate and non-profit sectors across Australia. Passionate about social impact, her career has focused on social and economic policy, encompassing community development, human rights, health, justice, education and sport. She is experienced in developing organisational strategies to drive the growth and performance of organisations, and motivated by finding creative and innovative solutions to complex problems.

Prior to joining Australia for UNHCR, Catherine was a Director at KPMG and served as a non-executive director for organisations including VicHealth and Vicsport.