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Our Committee was elected at the Annual General Meeting on 22 November 2023 and is made up of experienced Approved Providers and their delegates.
The Committee informs the strategic direction for our organisation, oversees our operations and supports our office team who provide day to day support for our members.
Approved Provider:
Starfish Early Learning
Tonii is the founder and Managing Director of Starfish Early Learning, a group of 5 centres, all located in the Eastern, South Eastern and Northern districts of Melbourne. Tonii has a Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) 1996 and Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) 2011.
Tonii currently oversees the management and leadership of all these centres. She provides professional learning opportunities, and manages, mentors & supports her staff regularly. She coaches Lead Educators on the research & development of early childhood education theories. Tonii believes innovation is key to her success and has a conscientious approach to branding her centres within the community.
Owner and Approved Provider:
Kool Kidz Mill Park
Director: Kiddie Cove Kool Kidz Mill Park
Nicole is the Owner and Approved Provider of Kool Kidz Mill Park as well as the Director of Kiddie Cove; a purpose built 130 place centre which opened in 2016. Nicole is also the Nominated Supervisor at Kiddie Cove Early Learning Centre.
Nicole has a significant background in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations which has been invaluable to her role in managing more than 70 permanent employees across the two centres. Nicole has been a member of ACA Victoria since 2018.
Approved Provider:
Buddies Early Learning Centre
Over many years, Sam has developed and run multiple services, priding himself on providing top quality service with a difference for the children in his care.
A Chartered Accountant, Sam is also the Director of Childcare Management Systems, a childcare consultancy, and Early Childhood Training - an RTO specialising in early childhood qualifications.
Sam has operated 12 services since 1996 either under the Kinder Haven or Buddies ELC brand. Operating a consulting service to sector stakeholders and an RTO delivering training for Certification III and Diploma in Early Childhood. In addition Sam has also sat on boards of sector peak bodies for approximately 15 years.
Executive Director:
Meraki Early Learning Centre
Sally has extensive experience as an Executive Director in a variety of services, including start-ups and turning around underperforming centres. She is driven to provide high quality care for all children and to support small business owners in their journey of growth and improvement.
With over 20 years’ experience in the sector, she has a passion for mentoring, coaching, and helping people find their voice in the workplace. She is dedicated to developing fresh leadership styles, finding comfort in the uncomfortable, and imparting the essential skills that today's leaders need to stand out from the crowd, enabling their dreams to become a reality. Sally has a Diploma of Children’s Service, a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and is an Accredited Organisational Coach.
Approved Provider:
Monash Vale ELC
Nick is a registered VIT teacher and is the Director and owner of Monash Vale ELC in Clayton and Bridge Road Early Learning Centre in Richmond.
Nick manages these two companies alongside his family. Nick understands the challenges the sector faces and brings to the role robust financial skills, strong negotiating skills, a thorough knowledge of the sector and an innovative approach derived in part from previous roles in the real estate industry.
Nick is dedicated to improving outcomes for stakeholders in the early childhood sector.
Approved Provider:
Bimbi ELC & Deer Park Early Learning and Kindergarten
Paul has extensive experience in early childhood education and care, which began with his employment in the family business. Over the years, he has built, bought, and sold various services and is currently the Approved Provider of Bimbi Early Learning and Kindergarten in Airport West and Deer Park Early Learning and Kindergarten.
Reflecting his enthusiasm for the sector, and ensuring the viability of early education and care in Australia, Paul is also President of the Australian Childcare Alliance National. He plays a key role in advocating for the interests of members at a Federal and State Government levels.
Approved Provider:
Knox Childcare & Kindergarten
Sarah brings to the Committee 25 years of experience in all levels of ECEC service operations.
Sarah has been Approved Provider of Knox Childcare and Kindergarten in Wantirna South for over 11 years. She has also previously worked as an Operations Manager for another group of large, privately owned services (up to 159 places each).
Sarah has previously been the ACA Victoria President, Vice President and board member over the last five years.
Director:
Dandenong Ranges Childcare Centre
Brooke and her family own and operate Dandenong Ranges Childcare Centre, with Brooke as Nominated Supervisor and Director. Brooke has fulfilled a variety of roles within the Early Childhood Education & Care sector since 2004, including as an Educator. This has given her a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges that those working in the sector face.
To further develop her skills and passion for working with and leading others Brooke is currently studying her Bachelor of Business at Deakin University majoring in People Management.
Managing Director:
Kekeco Childcare Pty. Ltd.
Jennifer Kearney has been operating Early Childhood Education and Care services for more than 16 years specifically running three Long Day Care services within Mitchell Shire. She has extensive hands-on experience at a day-to-day level in operating these services, which gives her valuable insights into the Early Learning sector.
Jennifer brings extensive business operations experience in a number of industries including operating ECEC services, board leadership experience, finance, marketing and a commitment to addressing challenges and opportunities in the sector.