The Y Ballarat appoints Kylee Bates former Ardoch CEO

Ms Bates will begin her new role in January 2027 returning to Victoria after two years as Chief Operating Officer for BrightPeak Group which consists of three training organisations providing employability, skills training and alternate education programs across England.

Y Ballarat announced that Ms Bates’ experience in the not for profit, public and private sectors will provide valuable support to their work with children, young people and families.

Ms Bates is looking forward to working with staff and volunteers in local communities to support children, young people and families across Victoria.

From education charity leadership to The Y Ballarat

Before joining The Y Ballarat Ms Bates has worked as the CEO of Ardoch, a children’s education charity providing support to schools within disadvantaged communities for five years. She has also held various executive positions within the Country Fire Authority, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Mission Australia and Volunteering Australia.

As a volunteer Ms Bates has served on the International Association for Volunteer Effort board for 10 years, including 6 years as World President. She has also chaired the Victorian Community Services Panel for the Churchill Fellowship Awards.

With her background in Economics, Law, Philanthropy, Nonprofit and an MBA from Melbourne Business School Ms Bates has a leadership style that fits with The Y Ballarat’s mission to empower young people and build stronger communities.

Supporting kindergartens across Victoria’s cities and rural communities

With this appointment Ms Bates will now be leading an organisation that provides early learning support to kindergartens across Victoria. They provide management, administration and educational support to both large metropolitan and small rural kindergartens through The Y Kinders Early Years Management.

Support is provided through the head office in Ballarat and local experts. The organisation works closely with teaching staff, parent committees and families.

This appointment will help continue to develop services as Ms Bates will be working with staff and volunteers across the communities they service, Y Ballarat said.

Read the announcement here.