National Centre Against Bullying

Maree Stanley is the General Manager of Prevention for The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and founder of the Better Buddies Framework—a prevention program to help schools create friendly and caring environments where bullying is reduced.

A teacher for more than 20 years, Maree has considerable first hand experience of bullying in schools. Identifying the need for national leadership around the issue of bullying, Maree approached a number of experts in the field and the result was the establishment of the National Centre Against Bullying.

For many years, Maree has worked closely with government, education departments and communities to raise awareness of the seriousness of bullying and preventative measures. Maree was the Foundation's Project Director working with the Department of Science and Training on the National Safe Schools Framework Best Practice Grants Program providing funds, leadership, advice and direction to 171 schools around Australia.

She was also the Principal Consultant working in partnership with Deakin University through the Department of Education and Training, on the Victoria Review of Anti-bullying Policy and Practice.

Maree self funded her Masters of Education to bring a sound evidence base and a best practice model into the redevelopment of Better Buddies. She has successfully introduced Better Buddies into over 600 Australian Primary Schools, and recently seen it delivered to schools overseas.