Wendy McCarthy AO and Karen McKay OAM recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for service to early childhood education

Two remarkable early childhood leaders, one shaping national policy and the other leading practice in the community, have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for their lasting contributions to children, families and the early learning profession.

Wendy McCarthy AO and Karen McKay OAM have each made a powerful impact across different layers of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Their recognition in this year’s Honours list celebrates not only personal achievement, but also the value and diversity of leadership within the profession.

Karen McKay OAM: Leading with care and community

Karen McKay, Centre Manager at St Joseph’s Early Childhood Services in Port Macquarie, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for her exceptional service to children, families and the local community.

For more than four decades, she has built a legacy of leadership grounded in care, connection, and quality. At St Joseph’s, Karen has guided educators through sector reforms, nurtured inclusive environments and worked closely with families to ensure every child receives the best possible start in life.

Colleagues describe her as a steady, generous and deeply respected leader. Beyond her service-level role, she has contributed to professional networks and advocacy across the region, always focused on lifting the profession and supporting communities.

Wendy McCarthy AO: Systems change through advocacy

Wendy McCarthy, one of Australia’s most prominent public figures and a lifelong advocate for gender equity, has been recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service across multiple sectors, including education, health and civic leadership.

Ms McCarthy played a pivotal role in the establishment of Goodstart Early Learning, serving as Deputy Chair of the founding Board. Her leadership helped position Goodstart as Australia’s largest not-for-profit early learning provider, with a mission centred on access, inclusion and long-term social impact.

A former Chancellor of the University of Canberra and Deputy Chair of the ABC, Ms McCarthy has championed public education and reproductive rights for decades. In a recent interview, she reflected:

“I’ve played a long game to make sure that community leadership enabled people in communities to have the lives that they wanted to lead. Whether it’s been reproductive rights or early learning and care, it’s just something that I feel really passionate about.”

Recognising leadership in all its forms

The inclusion of both Ms McCarthy and Ms McKay in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours is a timely recognition of the many ways leadership shapes the ECEC sector, from policy reform to everyday practice.

Their stories show that progress in early childhood education is built not only through systems and funding, but through personal commitment, values-led leadership and unwavering advocacy.

 We congratulate Wendy McCarthy and Karen McKay on their achievement and thank them for their decades of service, mentorship and inspiration.