Ros Cornish AM honoured for lifetime commitment to early childhood education

Ros Cornish, a passionate advocate for access and equity in early learning, has been recognised with a national honour for her decades of leadership in the sector.

The long-serving early childhood education leader has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for significant service to early childhood education administration.

From volunteer to leader

Mrs Cornish’s career in early childhood education and care (ECEC) began with a simple desire to support her daughter’s development. After joining the management committee of a local community-based service, she soon discovered a deep passion for the sector that would span more than 30 years.

“I never, ever, wanted to be the CEO. I was quite happy being the teacher and the director of a childcare centre,” she said.

Despite that, she went on to lead Lady Gowrie Tasmania for 27 years, overseeing its expansion from a handful of centres to more than 40 services across the state.

An advocate for access

Under Mrs Cornish’s leadership, Lady Gowrie became known for delivering services in communities where other providers could not operate sustainably. With support from the organisation’s board, services were established and maintained in areas where children and families would otherwise have missed out.

“At Lady Gowrie, we focused on more than childcare, working to support families and strengthen communities,” she said.

Beyond her work in Tasmania, Mrs Cornish played a key role in national advocacy efforts, including the successful campaign for paid parental leave. She served as deputy national president of Early Childhood Australia and was known for her frank, fearless and solution-focused contributions to public policy conversations.

A lasting legacy

Now retired, Mrs Cornish remains active in the sector through her work on several ECEC governance boards. She lives in Sandy Bay with her husband and continues to advocate for children, families and the early learning workforce.

“Early childhood education and care is really important and it is at the forefront of government thinking at the moment, so we have to make the most of it,” she said.

Reflecting on her recognition, Mrs Cornish acknowledged the contributions of those she worked alongside.

“There were lots of people I worked with who were just as worthy of recognition,” she said.

“The children are our future and we have to make sure they are safe.”

This article was first published by The Mercury on 8 June 2025. Read the original article here.