Executive Team

RALPH SOUTHALL
Chairperson

  As the newly elected Chairperson of Carewest, I bring four decades of dedication to Western Australia’s community-based early childhood education and care sector. I am the Director of Moolanda Care and Learning Centre Inc., a stand-alone, not-for-profit early childhood hub, and have spent my entire career championing this unique and vital model of service. Beginning my journey in OSHC at age 15 and later moving into long day care, I completed an Associate Diploma of 

GABRIELLE CROSSE

Treasurer

Gabrielle has spent the past 20 years working with children and young people supporting their learning through one on one and small group sessions.  She has also coached and mentored families of children with ADHD and on the autism spectrum along with developing and facilitating support groups.  In both the private and not for profit sectors, Gabrielle has worked in centre based care, family day care and outside of school hours care.

SARA HINCHLEY
Vice Chairperson

Sara works for Gowrie WA as the Executive Lead – People, Places and Partnerships 

Sara holds extensive experience working across various roles and jurisdictions (WA & NT) within the Early Childhood sector including international experience. Serving on the Carewest Committee for the past 3 years Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the membership.

Leah Bie - Regional Portfolio

Operations Manager- REED

I have worked in early childhood education and care since 2001, including 17 years as a Centre Director.
Driven by a passion for inclusion, I believe every child deserves the best start in life. I am committed to creating quality programs and environments that support children’s development during their critical early years, setting them up for success at school and beyond.
I stive to empower , upskill and provide tools for my team to be able 

 ROBERTA KEOWN
General Executive Member

 With 20+ years in the ECEC sector in multifaceted roles, including a training facilitator for EYL Networx and various operational and management positions, Roberta has significantly contributed to enhancing early learning practices. Complementing her practical expertise, Roberta is also deepening her academic prowess through postgraduate studies in Early Childhood Teaching, continually fostering environments where both children and educators thrive.  

LEANNE LEE

General Executive Member

I have worked in the Education and Care sector for over 25 years, as an Educator, Manager, Trainer and Assessor in the Not-for-profit sector across WA and NT.

For the previous 10+ year my focus has been on community engagement and providing holistic programs that support children and families from diverse backgrounds to improve their learning and social outcomes through a place-based approach.