Our Board

The Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre Board is a dedicated group that brings a high level of professional oversight to the service, ensuring strong, strategic governance and operational stability.

The Board sets the long-term direction of the service and ensures we meet all responsibilities as the Approved Provider under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations. In addition to maintaining compliance and accountability, the Board works closely with our leadership team to support continuous improvement and to ensure our service philosophy, policies, and practices reflect the needs of our children, educators, and families.

This is not a parent committee — our service is governed by a skills-based Board of Directors, composed of local professionals with extensive expertise in: 

  • Governance and strategic leadership

  • Understanding of board responsibilities under the Education and Care Services National Law

  • Risk management, accountability and compliance

  • Finance and accounting

  • Early childhood education and care expertise

  • Understanding of National Quality Standards and National Quality Framework

  • Legal and regulatory compliance 

  • Town Planning

  • Human resources and industrial relations 

  • Community engagement and communication 

  • Fundraising and grants 

  • Project management

New board members are appointed in accordance with skills gaps to ensure a broad range of skills are maintained at all times.

Meet our board

Lauren Malins
President

  • With a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering from Monash University and a Master of Environmental Law from ANU, Lauren began her career as a consultant in the construction sector before transitioning to the public sector after relocating to Beechworth. Lauren has held a variety of senior environmental and resource recovery roles across local and state government. She currently leads a team of 80 staff in a senior management position at a local council. Lauren brings invaluable skills in best practice governance, HR and staff management, risk oversight and large-scale project delivery to our centre where she leads the board with dedication and great impact. 

    Favourite nursery rhyme: “You Are My Sunshine” – not technically a nursery rhyme, but it’s my go-to when my kids are feeling down.

Maggie McGowan
Vice President

  • Maggie holds a degree in Arts(Politics)/Law from the University of Melbourne and practiced civil and welfare rights law with NT Aboriginal Legal Aid.

    She has since founded a successful fashion label in partnership with Aboriginal artists, transitioning it to Aboriginal ownership. She has worked in communications and small business consulting and founded a co-working space in Beechworth. Currently, Maggie works in policy and organisational reform for the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT.

    Her legal, strategic and communications skills, along with a powerful drive for justice, make her a passionate and vital voice on our board.

    Favourite nursery rhyme: “Michael Finnegan” – not sure if it’s a nursery rhyme, but it’s Percy’s pump-up track!

Joe Grech
Secretary

  • With a Bachelor of Environments (Urban Design & Planning) and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Melbourne, Joe has worked as a planning consultant on a broad range of projects, including early learning centres. 

    He offers expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, strategic planning and governance. Joe’s sharp thinking and considered approach are vital assets to the board and his expertise in design and planning provides solid direction into the practicalities of running our learning centre. 

    Favourite nursery rhyme: “Incy Wincy Spider” – I love watching our kids do the actions. That spider’s perseverance is pretty impressive!

Belinda Crossley
Treasurer

  • In the past 4 years Belinda has applied her extensive experience working for a social enterprise. Belinda has always sought to work with small businesses where she can make a meaningful impact, in roles that are wide reaching including, supply chain management, sourcing, people management, design development, budgeting and managing critical timelines. Practical and impactful, Belinda is a valuable addition to the BCEYLC.

    Favourite nursery rhyme: “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star for my big boy, Baa Baa Black Sheep & Wheels on the Bus for my little boy.”

Bethany James
Director

  • Bethany has a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Graduate Diploma of Primary Teaching. With her expertise in curriculum development, student engagement and inclusive education, Bethany plays a key role in supporting early years learning and guiding smooth transitions to school. A valued member of the community and a parent at BCEYLC, she brings an essential, child-centred focus to the board. 

    Favourite nursery rhyme: “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” – it’s hard to go past a classic.

Tanya Howard
Director

  • Tanya has worked as a kindergarten teacher, centre coordinator, educational leader and inclusion specialist. Tanya’s in-depth knowledge of early years frameworks, department regulations, policy and inclusive practice adds strength and integrity to our board.

    Favourite nursery rhyme: While I can’t sing, I love rhyming books—“Guess How Much I Love You” was my favourite to read to my children.

Harriet Stone
Director

  • Harriet has worked in the social housing sector with not-for-profits and currently works in local government, leading community engagement and capital works.

    Harriet’s valuable skills in project delivery, construction and stakeholder management, along with a strong commitment to inclusive community infrastructure provide a sensible, yet empathetic lens to the board. 

    Favourite nursery rhyme: “Baby Beluga” and “Purple People Eater” – from our very daggy home-recorded kids’ CD.