Governance

Our Board

REED is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors with a wealth of expertise who are passionate about providing early childhood education and care to regional children, families and communities.

Wendy Newman

Chairperson

Wendy is a Non-Executive Director and principal of Quintessence Consulting. She also serves as Deputy Chair of WA Country Health Service and sits on several regional boards. With a background in education, government, and community development, Wendy is passionate about driving service reform that supports regional and remote communities. She holds a Master of Commerce, a Bachelor of Education, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Jacquie Hutchison

Board Member

Recently retired from her role as Associate Professor at UWA Business School, Jacquie brings a strong background in education, leadership, and equity. Her career has included senior roles in education, unions, and media. Her academic focus includes Indigenous education, women’s employment, and participative decision-making. Jacquie also mentors regional students through UWA’s ASPIRE program.

Lucy King

Board Member

Lucy has practised as a lawyer since 2005, specialising in property and commercial law. She is in-house counsel for a Perth-based property development firm and advises on governance, compliance, and development matters. Based in the Wheatbelt with her family, Lucy is a strong advocate for supporting women in the workforce.

Yvette Harrison

Board Member

Yvette has worked in education for over 30 years, primarily in the Wheatbelt, including roles as teacher, principal, and public servant. She is currently the Coordinator of Regional Services in the Wheatbelt Education Region and actively contributes to disability advocacy groups and early years networks.

Suzanne Woods

Board Member

Suzanne is a regional educator and farmer with deep experience in agribusiness, education, and community development. She has served on a range of regional boards and committees and has been recognised with awards including the WA Rural Women’s Development Award. Suzanne is committed to strengthening regional communities through quality services and education.

Penelope Major

Board Member

Penelope is an Advanced Skills Lecturer at North Metropolitan TAFE and holds multiple qualifications in early childhood, leadership, and training. With experience across long day care, OSHC, inclusion support, professional development, and sector training, Penelope has contributed to key publications and national training package reviews. She is committed to improving outcomes for children and educators alike.

Jackie McBurney

Board Member

Jackie has a broad background in both primary and secondary school education, having worked as an early childhood teacher, deputy principal, principal and regional educator across the wheatbelt area. She brings with her a passion for and a depth of understanding of the importance of early childhood education; both pre school and during the early years of schooling. She recognises and values the benefits children can gain from a strong day care program, prior to attending school. Jackie has recently retired from the education system, but maintains a keen interest in education and is currently a member of the local School Council. She also brings governance skills through her role as Local Government Shire President for her hometown in the wheatbelt.

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