Tracy Mackey accepts CEO role at EPA after 4 years leading ECEC at NSW Dept of Ed

Tracy Mackey will be leaving her position as Executive Director, Early Child Education at the NSW Department of Education to join the Environmental Protection Agency New South Wales as their new Chief Executive Officer. 

Ms Mackey joined the Department of Education NSW as Executive Director, Early Childhood Education in December 2015 having previously worked as Executive Director, Strategy and Engagement at foster care and disability services charity Life Without Barriers. 

Commenting on her time at the Department of Education, Ms Mackey said “Working together we have achieved some significant improvements across the early childhood education and care sector, delivering better outcomes for children in NSW. This has included the introduction of a range of reforms and initiatives to improve participation and access as well as regulatory initiatives to support the continued availability of high quality services.”

In particular, Ms Mackey noted the part her team played in the Start Strong funding reforms which made preschool more accessible for families across NSW, and the implementation of important programs supporting Aboriginal children in the areas of language and culture through Ninganah No More and Deadly Teachers Solid Jarjums.

As Ms Mackey prepares to transition out of her role, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work so closely with the sector, in particular many educators, directors and stakeholders whose continued commitment and willingness to provide feedback had allowed them to ensure children are placed at the centre of everything that they do. 

“I am confident the directorate, in partnership with the sector, will continue to deliver increasing quality, access and participation in early childhood education for children and families across the state.” 

Ms Mackey’s role had previously been advertised on the Department of Education NSW job particle but the closing date has now passed and the post has been removed. 

A replacement has yet to be confirmed by the Department.