Deborra-lee Furness

Deborra-lee Furness is an internationally acclaimed actress as well as a passionate supporter of children and defender of their human rights across the globe. It is her passion that children all over the world be given every chance to live a fulfilled and joyous life and achieve their full potential.

Deborra-lee is Patron of the Lighthouse Foundation for displaced children in Melbourne, Australia, Patron of the Fight Cancer foundation Australia and Patron of International Adoption Families for Queensland. As a World Vision ambassador Deborra-lee has travelled through Asia and Africa to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and the enormity of the Global Orphan Crisis. Most recently traveling as part of a delegation with President Bill Clinton throughout Africa to witness the initiatives created by the Clinton Global Initiative. Deborra-lee is Executive Director for the Worldwide Orphans Foundation Australia and was honored at the Worldwide Orphans Gala in New York City for all her work in advocacy for vulnerable children. She was also honored in Washington by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and received the “Outstanding Child Advocate” award by the Joint Council on International Children's Services.

Deborra-lee is the founder of National Adoption Awareness Week in Australia.