Our founders
Two people who turned compassion into practical action.
Tim Conolan AM and Ana Darras AM founded TLC for Kids in 1998 after recognising that sick children and their families were often falling through gaps in traditional support systems.
A shared commitment
Built from lived experience and a belief in practical support.
Together, Tim and Ana created an organisation designed to respond quickly, reduce distress and provide practical relief during frightening or uncertain moments.
Their approach has shaped four services, national healthcare relationships and a culture centred on the dignity of every child and family.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer
Tim Conolan AM
Over the past thirty years, Tim has dedicated himself to supporting children and families. His work is informed by personal experiences from his own childhood and early volunteer work, along with a belief that every child deserves support shaped around their circumstances.
In 1998, Tim established TLC for Kids with Ana after meeting children facing serious illness and seeing how clearly their practical and emotional needs could fall outside existing systems.
Tim was named Australia’s Local Hero in the 2014 Australian of the Year Awards and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for service to sick children and their families.
“Any sick child, regardless of their illness, has a right to support.”
Co-founder and Program Director
Ana Darras AM
Ana brings decades of experience across the nonprofit, media, retail, public relations and government sectors. Her communication, stakeholder and community engagement experience helped shape the development and growth of TLC for Kids.
Since co-founding the organisation in 1998, Ana has helped turn empathy into responsive services that healthcare professionals can use and families can feel.
Ana was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023 for significant service to the community through charitable organisations.
“I am passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families facing difficult times.”
What continues to guide TLC for Kids
Listen carefully. Respond practically. Treat every family with dignity.
Tim and Ana continue to focus TLC for Kids on useful outcomes, trusted healthcare pathways and support that respects the individual circumstances of each child and family.