Brisbane Youth Service CEO Annemaree Callander Steps Down

Message from BYS Board President:

I am sad to announce that Annemaree Callander is moving on from her position as CEO of Brisbane Youth Service (BYS) in May this year.   

After 11 successful years, Annemaree has decided to take a career break and move onto new challenges.    

Annemaree has given so much to BYS. She first joined the organisation in 1986 as a youth worker and during the next five years, went on to establish the Youth Health Service, one of the first in Queensland. In 2011, she returned to take on the monumental role of CEO and has guided BYS through significant growth and change over the past decade.   

During her time as CEO, Annemaree has led the merger of three smaller organisations into BYS, significantly increasing the organisation’s reach and scope. Recognising the need to understand and monitor the organisation’s impact, she led the introduction of outcome measurement, the establishment of the research and evaluation functions and has embedded a focus on quality and evidence-informed practice.   

Under her leadership, BYS has built a strong reputation and positive partnerships with government and community partners, corporate and philanthropic supporters, and research institutions. More recently, she has successfully steered the organisation through the considerable challenges presented by COVID-19 and the surge in demand from young people in need of support.    

Annemaree is a well-respected leader in the Community Services Industry and BYS’s growth, commitment to quality services and innovation speak to her drive to ensure the best support possible for vulnerable young people.      

Filling her shoes will not be an easy task, but I know the team of outstanding professionals here at BYS can take this organisation forward into its next phase and continue supporting homeless and vulnerable young people and young families for many years to come.    

Kind regards, 

Mark Wheatley, President

Brisbane Youth Service