THE AGECS COUNCIL

The AGECS Council is committed to inspiring Early Childhood professionals to make a positive impact for all children and their families. Through free professional learning opportunities, resources, and grant opportunities, AGECS brings visions to life so that our children have access to high standards of care and education in Early Childhood settings. If you are interested in joining the AGECS Council in making a difference, we invite you to send us an expression of interest.

The AGECS Council nomination process

Council members must be a general member of AGECS. To find out more about membership, go to the Join page.

  • Council members are elected at the AGM, under the Constitution for a one year term.
  • To nominate you must complete and submit the Nomination form below
  • The Expression of Interest form has been designed to help potential council members determine whether they have skills, connections and relevant experience that will contribute to AGECS mission and values

Skills: Someone who is qualified and capable of the role that is asked of them.

Connections: Someone who knows the ECEC sector and is connected well enough to bring additional value to AGECS.

Passion: Someone who is motivated to see AGECS grow because they are passionate about what they do.

AGECS encourages early childhood professionals from diverse backgrounds to contact us.

The expression of interest process

This process is here for you, to help you determine whether you feel ready to join the Council. It is designed to assist potential Council Members in understanding the scope and needs of the role. General members who undergo the process are then in direct contact with the Membership Committee who can answer questions and assist the member in making their decision.

Complete the Expression of Interest form and send it to programs@agecs.org.au with a cover letter and CV. Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on the council and your reason for wanting to become a Council Member; your CV will demonstrate your professional experience and qualifications.

 

  1. The Membership committee are then available to provide feedback on expressions of interest and to assist potential Council members in deciding whether they would like to join.
  2. General members who have undergone this process can be co-opted on to Council to fill a casual vacancy at any time of year prior to the next Annual General Meeting.
Click to download role description.
Click to download expression of interest.
Click to download nomination form.

Coral Campbell

As a member of AGECS for nearly ten years, I have enjoyed the multiple benefits provided by the Fellowship Award scheme, the regular newsletter and our bi-annual journal AUDAX, the professional learning offerings and the online advice and material provided on the website. After a few years as a member, I decided to contribute to AGECS, so joined the Fellowship Advisory Committee assessing applications.  I enjoyed my involvement and gained further appreciation of the role of early childhood professionals. My last three years as President has exposed me to the incredible work of the AGECS Council members who ensure that our organisation meets its ongoing commitment to improving Early Childhood Education in Victoria. Being a Council member is extremely rewarding and I encourage our members to join us. Apart from the contribution you can make through AGECS, you will enhance your own professionalism and gain a  deeper understanding of the ECE field. (2026)

Melissa Adam

I became a member of AGECS as a new graduate in 1996 and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a community that advocates quality early childhood practices and supports early childhood professionals through various forums, online engagement, workshops, grants and fellowships. As AGECS celebrated 100 years of serving the early childhood community, I was prompted to join the AGECS Council and before long I was welcomed onto the executive as the Vice President. Working collaboratively with fabulous people who hold various passions and interests across the ECEC profession has been inspirational. The opportunity to give back to the community through leadership, governance, strategic planning, policy and legislative adherence and distribution of mini-grants enable active participation and the promotion of quality practices for our profession. If you are passionate about ECEC and upholding children’s rights, I warmly invite you to consider a role on our council. We all have a part to play! (2026)

Nicole Lees

As an educator I had been the recipient of an AGECS grant, that’s how I came to hear about the Association. When I learned more about the professional learning opportunities, resources, and grant opportunities I wondered if I could find other ways to engage. I was seeking to: connect with others outside of my organisation, share the current experiences of educators and to build on my own skills as a professional. I found the ‘join the council’ page and submitted an expression of interest. The process was smooth and I felt so supported in my transition into the council. Almost three years in I continue to gain so much from my role on council, recently challenging myself further by taking on the role of Secretary. I feel that with AGECS I can contribute to supporting and strengthening our incredible early learning sector. (2026)

Emma Boag

I joined AGECS because I see it as both a professional and ethical responsibility to contribute to and support the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. As a graduate of the University of Melbourne, I feel a strong responsibility to give back to the profession by supporting the teachers, educators and innovators who are working to strengthen outcomes for children and families. I have particularly valued the opportunity to work alongside other teachers, many of whom I have held in high esteem for years. My role as Treasurer has also given me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of governance and financial management, while contributing to the sustainability and practical supports AGECS provides. (2026)

Sarah O'Donnell

A number of years ago, I was “dragged” onto the AGECS by a friend! It was great to find a group of people who were as passionate as I was about supporting educators to be able to give children the best start possible to education through quality early childhood programs. Over the years we have seen some change at AGECS. As we have grown we have been able to offer some amazing opportunities to the sector. As a council we have matured and developed roles, systems and procedures so that the workload is shared. 

We are about to enter a new era with AGECS. We have some amazing projects about to start, we will be celebrating our 100 years and we will be rebranding to take us into the next 100 years. There has not been a time I have enjoyed being part of the council more. Hope to see you soon! (2022)

Judy Dunn

I became a member of AGECS, or the Graduates as it was known then, when I left Melbourne Kindergarten Teachers College in the early 70s. Many years later I joined the AGECS Council and later became president. During those years AGECS reached out to their colleagues in settings other than traditional kindergartens. By expanding the membership criteria, teachers and educators were now able to come together for many stimulating professional events. It is true to say, the nature of our services does not provide many opportunities for professional discourse and even less opportunities to form broad networks. AGECS has endeavoured to fill this gap through their journal AUDAX, forums and now most successfully offering online professional events.     

In 2022, AGECS achieved 100 years as a professional body. Throughout its long history it has essentially strived to improve the quality of education and care for young children. Early childhood teachers and educators who choose to belong to a professional body demonstrate they are seeking to be energised and committed to self-improvement and that is always good for children. 

So, I invite you to join us in this most exciting time to be an early childhood professional and take an active part in what I believe is a renaissance in our profession.

Avril McHugh

I had been practising in Early Childhood Education for 30 years when I joined AGECS Council.  I wanted to contribute back to the profession while still practising.  The profession had expanded rapidly with societal changes of women going back to work when children were still young.  I saw a need for a strong voice advocating for young children and their education, as well as supporting new graduate teachers.

Belonging to The AGECS has enabled me to be part of an organization that explores ideas and practices through providing Forums, workshops, grants and fellowships to Early Childhood Teachers.  AGECS also funds projects such as Adopting and Embedding the Possum Skin Pedagogy and Culture of Change in Long Day Care. The AGECS brings together people who want to make a difference in the Early Childhood Education profession by advocating for those children in areas of need and vulnerability.

Maree Wiggins

I have been on the AGECS Council for ten years and I am glad I made this commitment. The groundwork in Early Childhood Education and Care is the key to increasing the value of the future of children. The AGECS Council provides a standard of excellence by advancing Early Childhood education through workshops, forums and PDs and this is available for all Early Childhood professionals.

I have learned many skills as an executive and general member of AGECS and have developed an understanding of good governance; keeping up with the current rules and regulations and the responsibility of management and strategic planning. (2019)