Barbara Wellesley was the co-founder and National Director (1997 – 2007) of Good Beginnings, Australia. She was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honors in 2006, for her services to child health and nursing.

She is currently convener of the Early Years Chapter of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), Director of Decided Advantage (social research consultancy), President of Contact Inc (focus on isolated children and their families in particular those living in remote Aboriginal communities). Her previous positions have included:

• Senior Policy Analyst Maternal and Child Health Unit, NSW Health Department (1966)
• Coordinator of Child and Family Health Nurses Association (NSW) Inc (CAFHNA)
• A member of the national working parties for the Longitudinal Study for Australia’s Children (LSAC) and Longitudinal Depression (2007)
• Deputy Chairperson of NIFTEY (National Investment for the Early Years).