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We’re excited to share some recent changes to our Board that mark a new chapter in Parenting Research Centre’s governance.
After three years as Chair, Maree Walk has stepped down. We thank Maree for her outstanding leadership and are pleased she’ll continue to lend her experience and insight as a valued Board member.
Heather Finlayson, who has served on our Board since 2021, will take up the role of Chair. With a background in education and senior public sector leadership, Heather brings deep strategic experience and a passion for improving outcomes for children and families. Michael Maher will chair our Governance Committee, along with David Meagher, who is continuing in his role as Chair of the Audit, Risk, and Finance Committee.
In reflecting on the transition, Parenting Research Centre CEO Rob Ryan acknowledged Maree’s wise and thoughtful leadership as Chair.
“Maree has helped guide the organisation through a period of significant growth and change, and we’re delighted that her experience will remain part of our governance,” he said.
“I’m equally excited to welcome Heather as our new Chair – her long-standing commitment to children and families, paired with her strategic mindset and leadership experience, will be invaluable as we continue our work to improve parenting support in Australia and beyond. It is also great to have David and Michael leading the committees.”
In further Board news, we are thrilled to welcome three new Board members:
- Joanna Fletcher, a strategic leader with extensive experience in family law and access to justice
- Trent Ludkin, a public policy and strategy expert with a focus on social impact
- Rachel Podbury, a communications and engagement specialist with deep expertise in children and family services.
Each brings unique strengths and perspectives to our work, and a shared commitment to helping children and families thrive.

Heather Finlayson, Rob Ryan and Rachel Podbury.
Recently, Heather, Rachel and David joined us at a staff event, taking time to connect and hear firsthand about our work. Their openness, insights and genuine interest in the experiences of staff was energising and affirming.
“We’re lucky to have such an engaged Board with deep knowledge of, and experience across a range of diverse areas,” Rob said.
“We look forward to a fruitful term of collaboration and learning as we continue to strengthen the impact of our work with the strength of our existing Board members and the insights of our new Board members.”
Please join us in thanking Maree and warmly welcoming our new members Joanna, Trent and Rachel.
More information
Learn more about our Board here: https://www.parentingrc.org.au/about/our-team/our-board/
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