Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) appoints Anne Hollonds as Chief Executive Officer

The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) has announced the appointment of Anne Hollonds as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 24 November 2025. 

A strong leader for a pivotal time

Anne Hollonds brings more than 28 years of senior leadership across government and non‑government sectors, with a distinguished career focussed on children, families, education, health and social services. Most recently she completed her term as Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, where she championed children’s rights, safety and wellbeing. 

Her proven track record in leading research, policy and practice includes early childhood education and family support services, advising government at various levels, and driving evidence‑based reforms. 

Why this matters for the early childhood sector

For ELACCA, an organisation representing 17 CEO‑members operating nearly 2,000 long‑day care services, preschool/kindergarten services and OSHC services across all Australian states and territories, this appointment comes at a critical juncture where the sector is navigating significant regulatory, workforce and quality challenges as well as providers under growing pressure to deliver safe, inclusive, high‑quality early learning for all children, including those facing disadvantages.

ELACCA’s role in advocacy, policy engagement, and sector leadership is increasingly important as governments and stakeholders focus on early childhood settings as part of the broader education system.

Anne Holland’ s leadership is expected to strengthen ELACCA’s capacity to influence policy, build partnerships and support providers in delivering quality outcomes for children and families. 

What ELACCA members and stakeholders can expect

With Anne at the helm, ELACCA is poised to:

• Continue advocating for greater public investment in early learning and care, emphasising the sector’s integral role in children’s development and the education system. 
• Strengthen its support for quality improvement among member services, including enabling evidence‑based practice, workforce development and inclusive approaches.
• Deepen engagement with government, research and sector partners to address emergent issues, such as access, affordability, workforce stability and children’s safety, rights and wellbeing.
• Enhance the sector’s visibility in national policy dialogues, ensuring that early learning and care is recognised as a foundational element of children’s lifelong learning journey.

These priorities reflect Anne’s commitment to advancing equity, quality and child safety and wellbeing across the sector. Speaking on her appointment, she said:

“I am honoured to join ELACCA at such a pivotal time for the early learning and care sector in Australia. Every child deserves access to high‑quality education and care, and I look forward to working with our members, partners, and governments to strengthen the sector and make the safety, rights and wellbeing of children our priority nationwide.”

For providers, educators and stakeholders, this leadership change signals ELACCA’s ongoing commitment to sector‑driven reform and quality improvement.

In appointing Anne Hollonds, ELACCA positions itself to navigate the next phase of the early learning and care sector’s evolution, with strengthened voice, leadership and policy engagement to support children, families and educators across Australia.