Maree Walk appointed chair of Parenting Research Centre Board
17 March, 2023
Child and family services industry leader Maree Walk is the new chair of the Parenting Research Centre Board.
Maree joined the PRC Board in November 2020 and brings more than 30 years’ leadership experience in the child and family services sector. Maree has experience working in the government sector, including serving as Deputy Secretary of Family and Community Services in NSW, as well as within the non-government sector, which included leading the Benevolent Society for more than a decade. She is now the director of consultancy Storyroad.
“PRC is a terrific organisation and I am so honoured to be chairing its board,” Maree said.
“Our work with service providers – whether it be through PracticeWorks, in Telepractice, in evaluations and reviews and of course the terrific partnership that means that Raising Children Network is the powerhouse that it is – all truly remarkable. If we didn’t have PRC we’d have to invent it!”
PRC’s new deputy chair is Heather Finlayson, who joined our Board in 2021.
The PRC Board also welcomes three new members – Heather Smith, Helen Ali-Haapala and Michael Maher.
Heather, general manager at NSW insurance and care provider icare, has a management career that spans public, private and for-purpose sectors, with a background in occupational therapy.
Helen Ali-Haapala is a senior manager in restructuring and insolvency at accounting firm William Buck and has cross-industry experience at a senior level in professional and commercial services.
Michael Maher is a partner at Cube Group and leads the consultancy firm’s evaluation and review practice. With over 30 years of experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, Michael’s work spans all areas of social policy with a particular focus on early childhood, education, justice, health and human services.
PRC Chief Executive Warren Cann expressed the organisation’s thanks to immediate past chair Andrew Hume, who ably facilitated a period of effective governance and strategic thinking.
Warren also thanked outgoing board members Tracy Gibson and Marina Jury for their service.
“Tracey and Marina’s contribution spanned six-year terms. We are most grateful for Marina’s contribution on the Audit Committee, and for Tracey’s contribution as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Governance Committee.’
“We welcome our new board members who bring with them new skills and experience which will ensure we can meet the evolving needs of our clients and the families they support.”
Media enquiries
Contact the Parenting Research Centre communications team
E: media@parentingrc.org.au
M: 0407 925 523