The new CEO of Bravehearts is determined to use his background in law and police enforcement to create a safer environment for Australian children.

Former policeman and lawyer Angelo Venardos has taken over from Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston AM in the role of CEO to oversee the organisation's operations and expansion.

The national child protection advocacy group aims to educate, empower and protect Australian kids from sexual assault.

Ms Johnston, who established Bravehearts in 1997, will remain within the organisation as the chair of the board focusing on special projects.

"Hetty's not leaving the building, thankfully and it's good for a number of respects," Mr Venardos told 612 ABC Brisbane's Terri Begley.

"Her heart and soul has always been with Bravehearts and I think it will forever be in Bravehearts."

Although he has been part of the group's board for many years, Mr Vernados said being "at the coalface is a completely different challenge".

"I'm ready for the challenge and to Hetty's credit, she started the organisation 20 years ago and has been doing the job of two and a half people," he said.

"If I can replicate half of what Hetty has been doing, I would've done a good job."

Policeman to lawyer

During his first career as a Queensland police officer for 11 years, Mr Venardos also studied law part-time.

"At the end of my law degree, a position came up in the law and I took that position; it was as difficult decision to leave the police," he said.

The move to law came with the help of his mentor, Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.

"Wayne asked me a series of questions and I told him 'you never answered my question' and he said 'you always had the answer'," Mr Venardos said.

"It's a philosophy that I've spoken about many times since."

The proud father of three adult daughters said at this stage of his life, it was time to give back.

"I've spoken to many people over the years that have done terrible things, but a very small minority are bad people in my view," Mr Vernardos said.

"If you look in the whites of their eyes and they are actually very good people; [it's] sliding doors.

"What a lot of people don't have is a voice and Bravehearts has been that voice."

A drawing from one of the 'brave hearts' who under took counselling with the Braveheart team. ( Facebook: Bravehearts )

Looking ahead in 2016

Mr Venardos said Bravehearts would continue teaching children about personal safety through their education program, Ditto.

"We are about to educate the 500,000th child in Ditto, and this year we will educate more than 30,000 children in that program," he said.

"In my view, we should be spending more time treating the cause rather than the symptoms.

"We want to be seen equally as a proactive organisation rather than a reactive organisation."

He plans to see the organisation's mission achieved within the next four years.

"Our vision is to make Australia the safest place to raise a child in 2020," Mr Venardos said.

"If we can get to 2020 and look back and say we've done a good job, I'll be happy."