The National Board of Directors of Early Childhood Australia:

ECA adopted a new Constitution in April 2021 which means that all members of ECA are now invited to join the national organisation directly and have the right to vote on candidates for both the National Board and State/Territory Committees when vacancies occur. The ECA National Board now has nine directors: five Ordinary Directors elected by members and four Independent Directors appointed through a Nominations Committee process. Members in each jurisdiction will have an opportunity to elect someone from their state/territory to the National Board over time, according to a fixed rotation schedule. The Independent Directors will be appointed based on skills or expertise needed on the Board from time to time to achieve the strategic objectives of ECA. These appointments will be managed by the Nominations Committee, which will consist of current Board members and state/territory representatives.

Within the new governance model, the ECA National Council will become the main forum for consultation and consensus-building on matters of public policy affecting young children. Council will continue to be made up of four delegates from each state/territory Branch Committee as well as representatives from national committees such as the Reconciliation Advisory Group. In recognition of its expanded role, the Council will meet at least twice a year (once in person and once virtually).

Role

The role of the National Board of Directors is:

  • the governance and long-term planning of the organisation
  • the implementation of the organisation’s strategic plan
  • to ensure that Early Childhood Australia meets its objectives and fulfils its mission to advocate for young children.

Members of the National Board of Directors carry the legal responsibility for governance of the organisation and are required to act in the best interests of the National Organisation.

Members

National President & Independent Director Ms Chris Legg CEO, KU Children’s Services
Ordinary Director Ms Italia Parletta) Senior Lecturer, Children’s Education and Care, TAFE South Australia
Ordinary Director Dr Marina Papic Professor in Early Childhood Education in the Faculty of Education & Arts at Australian Catholic University, NSW
Ordinary Director Ms Jane Bourne Formerly CEO, Creche & Kindergarten Association (C&K) now retired. QLD
Ordinary Director Dr Pauline Roberts Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Edith Cowan University, WA
Independent Director Mr Simon Fewings Manager – Koorie Programs & VCAL Delivery, SuniTAFE,  VIC
Independent Director Ms Jackie Wilson  Partner ORIMA Research, Canberra ACT
Ordinary Director Mr Trevor Brown Manager – Innovation & Growth, Lady Gowrie Tasmania
Independent Director Mr Tony Fairbairn  Management Consultant, Adelaide SA