Chief Executive Officer, Micah Projects
Karyn Walsh is a social justice advocate and the CEO of Micah Projects, a not-for-profit organisation which she established in 1995 to help the community access foundational human rights, such as housing, healthcare, safety, justice, and meaningful connection. Today, under Karyn’s leadership Micah Projects operates responses services across Queensland, working towards a society where inclusion, equality and connection are valued.
For 30 years, Karyn has been working tirelessly to break down barriers, create justice and respond to injustice in the lives of individuals, women, children and families. Karyn has a strong focus on working with people, communities, organisations and services to end the cycle of homelessness. Karyn is passionate about creating an equitable and inclusive housing system that is affordable, secure, safe and designed to meet the health and wellbeing needs of individuals and families.
Karyn has served in numerous roles including as the president of the Queensland Council of Social Services, as a member of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Implementation Council, as co-chair of Queensland’s Anti-Poverty Week, as a council member at the Queensland Mental Health Commission and as an inaugural member and director of the Australian Alliance to End Homelessness.
In recognition of her work, Karyn was awarded an honorary Doctor of Social Work and Nursing from the University of Queensland in 2016. In the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Karyn was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the community, supporting people with mental health issues, the homeless and children through various social welfare initiatives. Karyn was named as a Queensland Great in 2021 for her social justice advocacy. In 2025, Karyn was awarded an honorary Professorship of Social Work from the University of Queensland.
