Goodstart welcomes new Board members as two long-serving Directors retire

Goodstart Early Learning has announced the appointment of two new Directors to its Board, with Emeritus Professor Deb Brennan AM and Mark Woodland appointed from 17 September 2025. 

The appointments follow the departure of two long-serving Directors, June McLoughlin AM and Lynelle Briggs AO, who will retire after completing maximum terms on the Goodstart Board. 

Goodstart Chair Paul Robertson AO paid tribute to the departing Directors, acknowledging their outstanding service and commitment. 

“June and Lynelle have each made a profound contribution to Goodstart. June’s leadership as Chair of the Quality and Social Purpose Committee has ensured a strong and sustained focus on quality, contributing to 99% of Goodstart centres now meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard, and ensuring we provide the best possible early learning and support for children and families facing vulnerability. 

Lynelle, as Chair of the Safety, Health and Wellbeing Committee, has been instrumental in embedding a culture of safety and care for our children, families and educators and guiding our approaches to the one-in-a-generation reform opportunities in early learning. She has also brought her formidable expertise in regulation and reform to the Board. 

Their wisdom, leadership and dedication have been invaluable, helping to shape a foundation we will continue to build on.” 

Following an extensive 18-month recruitment process, Deb and Mark were identified as outstanding candidates to complement and extend the Board’s skills and expertise.

Deb is one of Australia’s most respected researchers in comparative social policy and gender and politics. She co-led the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Australia’s early childhood education and care system as an Associate Commissioner and is recognised internationally for her work in this field. She has advised governments in Australia and overseas on policies to improve outcomes for children and families. 

Mark is a technology entrepreneur and business executive with a strong track record of founding and scaling purpose-driven companies. He brings deep expertise in technology, data and artificial intelligence – vital skills for the next stage of Goodstart’s growth and impact – and is currently Chief Executive Officer of Kismet.

The Goodstart Chair said the Board was delighted to welcome such high-calibre leaders. 

“Deb and Mark bring complementary strengths that will be critical as Goodstart continues to deliver on our purpose – ensuring every child has the learning, development and wellbeing outcomes they need for school and life. Deb’s lifelong commitment to advancing early childhood education and social policy, together with Mark’s leadership in early learning, together with his expertise in technology, data and innovation – particularly in transforming systems to improve educator and family experiences – will help us navigate a changing landscape while remaining steadfast in our mission.” 

Marking its 15-year milestone in 2025, Goodstart continues to stand apart as Australia’s largest not-for-profit early learning provider – and the nation’s biggest non-government provider of kindergarten and preschool.