9 June 2026
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia is very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Amanda Walsh as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Amanda has a long association with ELACCA, previously working with the organisation in policy, projects and partnerships roles.
Amanda began her career as a diplomat, before moving into policy and advisory work. She is well known to the early years sector, where she has worked for peak bodies and served as the CEO of Playgroup Australia. She was a member of the Australian Government’s Advisory Panel for the Early Years Strategy 2024-34. Amanda rejoins ELACCA from United Way Australia, where she served as Director of Strategic Partnerships.
Amanda has a PhD in political economy and political science.
ELACCA members look forward to working with Amanda, as we continue our efforts to build the strong, safe and inclusive early learning system that Australia needs.
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About ELACCA
ELACCA wants all children in Australia to have access to inclusive, high-quality early learning and care, delivered by a skilled, valued workforce.
We draw on the knowledge and experience of our members, contributing to the development of evidence-based public policy for the early years sector.
We seek to co-create with governments a strong, sustainable early learning and care system that can support all children and families across Australia.
Our 17 members represent both not-for-profit and for-profit providers of early learning and care services. They operate a total of 2,383 services, including 2,002 long day care services, 304 preschool/kindergarten services and 77 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. ELACCA members serve 356,339 children and their families, and employ more than 57,382 staff.
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