Media release
5 January 2024
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) has warmly welcomed its newest members, Mr Phil McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer of Busy Bees Australia, and Ms Jo Moloney, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkways.
“We are delighted to welcome both Phil and Jo to ELACCA,” said Elizabeth Death, CEO of ELACCA. “They join us at an exciting time for the early learning sector in Australia, ahead of a year of significant policy work and investment at federal, state and territory levels.”
“ELACCA is very fortunate to draw on a large, diverse talent pool among its 18 member CEOs. We look forward to the contributions that Phil and Jo will make to our strategic discussions.”
Both Mr McKenzie and Ms Moloney bring valuable experience to their new leadership roles and to ELACCA’s membership.
Mr McKenzie joined Busy Bees after five years as the CEO of Pacific Smiles, a multi-site dental services group. His expertise includes acquisitions, cultural alignment and the expansion of existing services. Mr McKenzie holds qualifications in Management, Marketing, Business and Commerce and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Ms Moloney joined Sparkways as the Executive Director Corporate Services in early 2023, after serving as the CEO of Melbourne Legacy. Her expertise includes business improvement, integration, change management and transformation initiatives. Ms Moloney has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting. She is also a member of CPA Australia and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
ELACCA also extends its appreciation to the former representatives of Busy Bees Australia (Cheryl Creaser) and Sparkways (Daniel Findley) for their contributions to ELACCA.
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For more information please contact:
Amanda Walsh
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia
PO Box 348
Annandale NSW 2038
Mob: 0499 306 794
About us:
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA) was established to promote the value of quality early learning and care as an integral part of Australia’s education system. Our 18 CEO members include some of the largest early learning providers in the country, representing both not-for-profit and for-profit services. ELACCA members operate 2,011 long day care services, 370 preschool/kindergarten services and 92 OSHC services, covering every state and territory. They offer one-quarter of all the early learning places in Australia. Together, our members serve 369,776 children and their families, and employ more than 56,000 staff.
As well as promoting the value of quality early learning and the need for greater public investment, ELACCA advocates for the right of all children to access quality early learning and care, particularly children facing disadvantage. We do this by drawing on the knowledge and practical experience of our members and representing their views to decision makers in government, the media and the public.
