Positioning for a new chapter: An important announcement from The Sector

As The Sector approaches its seven year anniversary it is with a mix of excitement and anticipation that the publisher confirms a number of important changes to the organisation’s leadership team and plans for the future. 

Having served as the platform’s editor since the founding of the publication in 2018 Freya Lucas will be transitioning out of her role and leaving The Sector to take up a position at leading early childhood education and care peak body Early Childhood Australia.

Fiona Alston, one of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector’s longest serving and most respected senior leaders will be joining The Sector as the Group’s new Editor with additional copywriting support provided by Isabella Southwell, a diploma qualified educator with extensive operational experience and a love for communications and advocacy. 

“I think it’s fair to say that the last several weeks has been probably the busiest in The Sector’s history as we worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure that the incredible platform that Freya has helped build is sustained long after she leaves,” Jason Roberts, founder of The Sector said. 

“Moments like these are always bitter sweet with sadness at seeing Freya leave but excitement to see Fiona and Isabella join with their extensive experience and passion for early childhood education making them an ideal fit for The Sector,” he continued. 

“Fiona and Isabella’s arrival paves the way for what will undoubtedly be a very exciting new chapter for the Group.” 

Freya’s last day at The Sector will be 25 April 2025, with Fiona and Isabella starting in their new roles on 28 April 2025. 

With thanks to Freya and welcoming Fiona as the Group’s new editor

As a cornerstone of The Sector since its inception, Freya brought over two decades of experience in ECEC to her editorial leadership, with her background as an early childhood teacher, primary teacher, and ECEC operations manager providing her with a unique perspective that saw the publication grow into a trusted source of news, analysis, and insight for the ECEC community.

“I will forever be grateful to Jason and Anna for the opportunity to share the stories of our community,” Freya said. “Having the opportunity to work with The Sector from its very first days was nothing short of a privilege, and I look forward to watching the organisation grow going forward.” 

In acknowledgement of her term with The Sector, Mr Roberts said Freya’s contribution not just to the publication, but to the ECEC community at large “cannot be underestimated.”

“Her deep knowledge of early learning, commitment to quality journalism and relentless work ethic channelled through thousands of articles has created a legacy that will continue to resonate for years to come,” he added. 

Fiona is a distinguished and highly respected leader in the ECEC sector, with over 30 years of experience across multiple roles from educator, to operations manager, and more recently senior and executive leadership at some of Australia’s largest and most respected providers with her career defined by a deep commitment to children’s, and educators, safety, health, and wellbeing.

A strong communicator with deep sector knowledge and extensive networks across the ECEC sector, Fiona is perfectly placed to lead The Sector’s editorial platform into its next phase. 

“I am honored to join The Sector and am thankful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundation established by the current team,” Fiona said, “I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the publication and continuing to serve the ECEC community with integrity and dedication.”

In welcoming Fiona to the organisation Mr Roberts said “we are incredibly humbled to be able to confirm that Fiona will be The Sector’s new editor. Her unique combination of energy, insights and vision are a perfect fit and with Isabella working alongside her the future of our organisation is in very good hands.”