REED Welcomes New Board Members
At its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 19 October 2020, the Regional Early Education and Development Inc. (REED) welcomed three new members to join their Helen Creed led board, replacing two inaugural members.
REED is a not-for-profit service established in March 2018 that provides high quality Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services for Wheatbelt families and is now the Approved Provider for 19 childcare centres. Originally funded by the State Government and Lotterywest, REED offers a cluster model of management, working with local childcare providers and Shires to reduce their burden to provide these vital community services, and offer expertise and assistance.
REED welcomes Jackie McBurney, Scott Wildgoose and Lucy King to the Board, whilst farewelling members Tom Kendall and Paul Schutz, whose terms had expired.
Board Chair Helen Creed thanked Tom and Paul for their commitment and efforts in assisting REED since it was established in 2018, and said that she was looking ahead to the next phase of REED’s development and collaboration with all of their centres. She noted that ‘our new board members bring with them an impressive skill set, as well as live and work in the Wheatbelt, and we look forward to their invaluable input and guidance’.
Jackie McBurney is a recently retired school principal who is passionate about being able to provide high quality education in the regional areas – especially the Wheatbelt, which is her home. She had been looking for a Board position that would keep her connected to education and one where she can continue to make a difference in the regions.
Scott Wildgoose, Executive Manager Corporate Services at the Shire of Narembeen recently celebrated the birth of his first child which increased his focus on the importance of early years learning and development. ‘I believe REED offers an essentially and often undervalued service to Wheatbelt communities and the development of children should never be overlooked. I am a passionate advocate for the needs of children and the benefits of early years education and believe that my professional skill set, and passion will be of value to the REED board’.
Lucy King, is an established lawyer who is based in the Wheatbelt said ‘I am acutely aware of the career limitations experienced by primary parents due to lack of access to high quality early childhood care. I am passionate about seeing people with qualifications and experience being able to continue in their chosen field following having a family. The benefit of these skilled people returning to the workplace benefits not only the individual, and their family, but also the community collectively. Further I believe the centralised REED model can deliver better training and support to centre employees which will ensure the continued provision of high-quality childcare to rural children.’
Continuing Board members are Mark Morrissey, Deputy Chair; Carol Child, Treasurer; Yvette Harrison, Suzanne Woods and Wendy Newman. Wendy joined the Board some months ago filling a casual vacancy and is also based in the Whealtbelt. She is an experienced board director, collaborator and educator who has been instrumental in the strategic and marketing planning process for a range of high profile regional organisations. She was the previous CEO of Wheatbelt Development Commission for 10 years, and is a current non-executive Director of WA Country Health Service.