Stacey Fox has significant experience in research and policy development, and has worked within and across government, universities and the not-for-profit sector. Stacey is a strategic thinker adept at applying evidence to policy and practice and grappling with complex challenges. She has worked on a range of public policy issues, including early childhood education, integrated service delivery, maternal and child health, system design for prevention and early intervention, family support program design, the development and embedding of outcomes frameworks, and systems change. Stacey leads Dandolo’s early years practice and is a noted expert in early childhood education and care policy.

Paul Mondo brings over 15 years of experience as an early learning service provider to the role of President. Formerly the Secretary of ACA's Executive Committee and former President of the ACA Victorian Committee, Paul has played a key role in advocating for the interests of members at the Federal and State Government levels. He is dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality, affordable early learning services in Australia. Paul has a long-established history in early learning and child care, which started through his work in the family business from the age of 13. Since then, Paul has built and managed his own services and currently has one service in Victoria. Throughout his time in the sector, Paul has filled most roles within the daily operations of the service and continues to work day-to-day with children, families, and educators in these services. As a result, Paul has developed a strong understanding of the challenges facing families in accessing affordable early learning services, resulting in the desire to take a leadership role in the advocacy space.

Mayor Jo-Anne Quigley was elected to Council in 2010 and elected as Mayor in 2018. Mayor Quigley is passionate about the local community having moved to Cummins 35 years ago. Here she raised a family of six children with husband and General Practitioner, Dr Gerard Quigley OAM. Together they run Lower Eyre Family Practice. Mayor Quigley is committed to the longevity of the communities within Lower Eyre Council and is a strong advocate for ensuring essential services such as health and childcare are secured for the future. Mayor Quigley represents Council as Vice-President on the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association, is currently the Chair of the South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils Committee and a Local Government Association of South Australia Board Member. Mayor Quigley sits on Council Section 41 Committees, the Cummins Homes Committee, Staff Committee and Friends of Cummins and Poonindie Cemetery’s. Mayor Quigley has also represented Council on external committees that address state, regional and local matters, such as the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant Selection Committee and is currently the spokesperson for the Regional Childcare Desert Advocacy Project group. Mayor Quigley enjoys spending time with family, including two young grandchildren, volunteering for local causes including the Cummins SA Ambulance Service and Meals on Wheels, travelling abroad, and spending time at the family holiday home in Coffin Bay.

Nicholas Taranto is the Head of Business Operations at social enterprise, Sparkways. The organisation has been supporting children, young people and families across Victoria since 1883. Currently, Sparkways deliver high quality early childhood education and care programs in 30+ centres to over 4,000 children each week. With qualifications in Business and Education, and 15 years’ experience in the not-for-profit early years sector, Nick has expertise in new business activations, funding models, partnership development with Local, State and Fedeal Governments and the implementation of reforms. Prior to his roles in the eary years, Nick has worked in education support in the Primary School Sector and Multicultural Media. He has a vast experience in the engagement and support of CALD communities. Social inclusion and impact are at the forefront of Nick’s work to ensure every child is given the opportunity to access and participate in early learning.

Stu Braganza-Travis is an Executive Director at ECMS, one of the largest not-for-profit Early Years Managers in Victoria delivering kindergarten and long day care services to ~7,000 children across 75 services. Stu has responsibility for organisational strategy and growth, including working closely with State and Local government partners to deliver the change required to implement the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform in Early Years.

Liz Webster is an Associate at SGS Economics and Planning. She is trained in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and brings this mix of skillsets to understanding population needs, assessing infrastructure and housing requirements, and formulating policy responses. She leads interdisciplinary project teams of planners, economists, and data and spatial analysts in synthesising highly technical analysis with local insights and strategic objectives. She believes a strong evidence base should underpin policy and investment and sees the great potential that urban datasets, dashboards, and other tools have to better inform decision-making.