Ray Cleary

Dr Ray Cleary is the Chief Executive Officer at Anglicare Victoria, the state’s largest provider of support services for children and families.

A community leader with over 35 years experience in senior roles within community service agencies Ray’s first appointments were in 1977 as Executive Director of Child Care Services for the Uniting Church and the Copelen Street Family Centre. He subsequently moved to the position of Associate Director at the Mission of St. James and St. John in 1985. In 1987 Ray became Executive Director with Anglican Homes for Elderly People.

A desire to increase his involvement in parish work led Ray to accept the position of Vicar at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Canterbury from 1992. He returned to community agency work in 1995 when he joined Melbourne Citymission as its Chief Executive Officer. Ray took up his current appointment at Anglicare Victoria in December 2000.

In addition to his professional work Ray has played an important role on a variety of social policy committees within the community over the years. He is currently the Chair of the Social Responsibilities Committee Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and a member of the Victorian Inter Church Gambling Task force. In 2001 Ray Chaired the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Homelessness and until recently was a Charter Member of the Brotherhood of St Laurence. He is a Life Member of the Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria and a Board Member of the Victorian Council of Social Service, the Australian Theological Foundation and Families Australia.

In June 2003 Ray was appointed to the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Advisory Committee for Children and Family Support and the Ministerial Housing Council. He is a Council member of Anglicare Australia; the national network and peak body for Anglican welfare and justice. Dr Cleary is also a member of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia and its Public Affairs Commission. As a Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, he plays an active role in Diocesan affairs.

Dr Cleary believes the current political and economic climate has produced new tensions for Anglican Welfare agencies as they seek to define their mission and partnership with government and the community in the new millennium. He sees the challenge facing Anglican welfare agencies as one that requires a belief in and commitment to an inclusive, compassionate and just society, where the common wealth is shared. He writes regularly on these matters for both the religious and secular press. Supporting families, building community today is the mission of Anglicare Victoria and as CEO, Dr Cleary drives an agenda to improve the health, wellbeing and future of all Victorian children, young people and families.

A regular media commentator on social policies, Ray has a Bachelor Degree in Economics, Social Work and Theology combined with a Diploma in Education and a Doctorate in Ministry Studies.

Ray lives in Camberwell with his wife Judith and three children, Timothy, 26, John, 24, and Elizabeth, 21. His interests include camping, Irish music, reading and attending the theatre.

Author's website: Anglicare Victoria