Leadership updates across early childhood and care: appointments and resignations shaping the sector

The early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector continues to undergo significant leadership change, with new board appointments, executive transitions, and a high-profile resignation in Victoria’s statutory oversight body.

PeakCare Queensland welcomes four new board members

PeakCare Queensland has confirmed the appointment of four new board members for 2025, each bringing substantial experience and leadership in child and family services.

• Darcy Cavanagh, CEO and Co-Founder of REFOCUS, has 28 years of child protection experience and is recognised for his leadership in community-controlled organisations. His focus on systems reform and commitment to self-determination will support PeakCare’s efforts to reduce the over-representation of First Nations children in statutory care.
• Grant Hawgood, Executive Director of Churches of Christ in Queensland, oversees the state’s largest provider of family-based care. He brings a strong foundation in governance, clinical leadership and strategic service delivery.
• Tom McIntyre, Executive Director of Strategy and Growth at Act for Kids, has been re-elected following his first term as a valued board member. With over 25 years’ experience across government and non-government sectors, Mr McIntyre brings deep insight into child protection systems and frontline service design.
• Sandra Moore, an experienced executive at selectability and GAICD-qualified director, leads child and family programs across regional Queensland. Her governance and compliance expertise strengthens the board’s oversight and strategic capability.

These appointments come at a time when the sector faces growing complexity in meeting the needs of children, young people and families, particularly in regional and First Nations communities.

Victorian Commissioner Meena Singh to conclude her term in December

Meena Singh has announced her resignation as Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in Victoria, effective 19 December 2025.

Appointed in April 2022, Ms Singh has led with a strong focus on culturally safe systems, self-determination and justice reform. Her tenure included serving as Acting Principal Commissioner during a period of increased regulatory scrutiny and child-safe system reforms.

In a statement released on 20 November, Ms Singh reflected on the resilience of Aboriginal children and young people, the legacy of colonisation, and the critical importance of embedding children’s voices in systems that affect them.

Her departure marks the conclusion of a term that has influenced public policy and brought increased attention to the rights, safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children across the state.

Warren Jacobson steps down as CEO of Camp Australia

Camp Australia has announced that CEO Warren Jacobson will step back from day-to-day leadership at the end of 2025, transitioning into a non-executive director role on the organisation’s board.

Mr Jacobson joined the organisation in 2019 during a period of significant instability and has since overseen a major transformation across strategic, operational and cultural dimensions. His leadership included the launch of a new brand identity, a redefined service model, and a renewed focus on team culture and organisational clarity.

The transformation took place amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a change in ownership, with Mr Jacobson credited for guiding the organisation through complex change while maintaining focus on quality and engagement.

While operational outcomes such as quality ratings, customer satisfaction and service delivery have strengthened under his leadership, Camp Australia cites his impact on workplace culture and leadership approach as central to his legacy.

Mr Jacobson will continue to contribute to the organisation’s governance in his new role as non executive on the board.

Busy Bees CFO transition

Busy Bees Early Learning has appointed Richard Gregg as its new Chief Financial Officer, following the retirement of long-serving CFO Ann Caulton.

Ms Caulton leaves the organisation after a significant period of financial leadership, during which she oversaw key phases of development and operational scale. 

Mr Gregg, who has been serving in a transitional capacity for several months, formally steps into the role. 

Leadership movements across the early childhood and care sector continue to reflect broader shifts in governance, accountability and strategic focus. While new board appointments and the departure of respected advocates mark significant milestones for the sector, they also highlight the ongoing need for steady, values-driven leadership, particularly in areas impacting children’s rights, safety and community-led reform.