As we celebrate 15 years of impact, Centre Director Krystle Peace is living proof of what’s possible when passion and purpose come together. With a career spanning nearly two decades and a leadership role at Goodstart Braddon in the ACT, Krystle has seen first-hand what makes Goodstart different – and why it matters.
“Goodstart is unlike anywhere I’ve worked. We’re not driven by profit. We’re driven by what’s best for children. That changes everything – the decisions, the investment, the feeling of purpose across the team,” Krystle said.
Krystle’s journey into early learning began with playgroups and family day care as a new mum and Defence spouse. Since then, she’s worked across four states in both not-for-profit and for-profit services – and she says the Goodstart difference is clear.
“Here, you can feel the reinvestment. In professional development. In wellbeing. In environments. I love that what we make goes back into children, families, and educators.”
As Centre Director, Krystle champions a values-led culture built on trust, inclusion, and respect.
Krystle has also taken on a part-time role as a Practice Partner, which gives her the opportunity to visit and support other Goodstart centres within NSW and the ACT.
“I always say: happy team = happy children = happy families. My first job is to support and value the people I work with – because when educators feel supported, everything else flows. By now being able to extend my scope into our other services, my goal is to support building a strong network that collaborates and celebrates together, beyond our ‘home base’.”
Under Krystle’s leadership, Goodstart Braddon has been recognised for its Enabling Environments – recognising their child-led approach to learning and the way the team empowers children to shape their space and their experience.
“Children are capable of so much more than we give them credit for. We work hard to create a space where they feel ownership – and where our team has the freedom to support them authentically.”
As Goodstart launches its most ambitious strategy yet over the next five years, Krystle believes the sector needs bold leadership and collective purpose more than ever.
“It’s not just about being the biggest provider. It’s about being the most trusted. The most inclusive. The one that stands up for children and families. That’s why I’m proud to be part of Goodstart.”
Krystle’s story is one of many across Goodstart – people who bring passion, expertise and deep community connection to their work every day. It’s people like Krystle who turn purpose into action, and action into impact.