ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025

Baringa is proud to be a not-for-profit, community organisation and registered charity. Family, staff and community make up our Incorporated Association.

Tuesday 25 Nov 2025, 630pm-730pm
Raiders Club Belconnen, Hardwick Cres, Holt

The Baringa Board warmly invites families, staff and community members to celebrate the year's achievements and learn plans for next year.

Light refreshments will be provided. Places are reserved for staff. Family and community members please RSVP by Monday 17 Nov to admin@baringa.org.au:

  • Please indicate if attending in person or requesting online meeting link (for family members only)

  • If coming in person please include any special dietary requests.

Agenda

  • Acknowledgment of Country

  • Welcome and Apologies

  • Confirmation of 2024 AGM Minutes

  • Board Reports

  • Management Reports

  • Other Business

AGM Documents

Board Elections

The Baringa Board is a skills-based voluntary Board, bringing a range of expertise to enhance early childhood education. The Board's diverse experience include governance, legal, finance, education, human resources, advocacy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation.

Board Nominations were invited to fill upcoming vacancies. We are grateful for the incredible interest with this year's Board candidates.

Family, Staff, and Community Members are eligible to vote.

  • As per the Constitution, there are 8 Board Positions on three-year terms.

  • For the 2025 AGM, there are 2 vacant Board Positions.

  • As per the By-Laws, each “Family Unit” have 1 vote.

  • Staff and Community Members have 1 vote.

  • Each vote will be for up to 2 Board Candidates to fill the vacant Board Positions.

For more information refer to the By-Laws.

Vote Now

Board elections are outlined in the Constitution and By-Laws. Before submitting your vote, please refer to Board Candidate Statements below.

Voting close Thursday 5pm, 13 November 2025. Returning Officer: PJ Aguilar, CEO, pj.aguilar@baringa.org.au

ONLINE VOTING FORM

BOARD CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Mary Ellen Miller

I am an experienced, senior public servant with a long-held interest in early childhood issues. My own daughter attended Baringa in the late 1990s. I welcome the opportunity to offer my knowledge and experience to being part of the Board.

I started my career as an Early Childhood Teacher, with a Bachelor of Education from University of Canberra and taught for almost 10 years in the ACT Education System.

Subsequently, I moved into the Australian Public Service. As Assistant Secretary, I worked in a variety of policy areas which overlap with early childhood care and education (ECEC), including Indigenous Affairs, international development and managing Australia's bilateral relationship with a number of Western European countries.

In 2017, I was appointed as Australia's Ambassador to Denmark, Norway and Iceland by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. During this time, I observed a range of effective policy models for ECEC that support positive outcomes for children. I am passionate about the importance of universal, high quality, affordable access and I bring deep public sector experience and the attributes to contribute to sound decision making and good governance.

I completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course in governance and recently returned to Canberra after serving at the Australian Embassy in Rome, Italy.

I have three adult children and two grandchildren, and look forward to contributing back to the Baringa community.

Erina Mikus

My name is Erina Mikus and I am an Indigenous woman, lawyer, and current academic at the University of Canberra.

My daughter attends Baringa and through her, I've developed a deep appreciation for the nurturing, inclusive, and community-focused environment that Baringa provides.

My professional background centres on children's and missing persons' legal rights as well as Indigenous policy implementation in the workplace, and I am passionate about ensuring that all children are supported to thrive in safe, caring, and empowering settings.

As both a parent and researcher, I bring a unique perspective that combines legal insight, academic rigour, and a strong commitment to community wellbeing.

This will be my first board nomination, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute a fresh voice and a new lens to Baringa's ongoing growth and success.

I believe my experience in advocacy, policy, and education can help strengthen our shared vision for high-quality, inclusive early childhood education that values diversity and belonging.

I would be honoured to represent families and contribute to Baringa's continued excellence and community spirit.

Bianka Rodda

I am an experienced HR and employee relations professional with extensive public sector experience in pay and conditions, policy development, and organisational governance.

I have a strong understanding of legislative compliance, risk management, and workforce wellbeing, skills that align closely with the governance responsibilities of an early learning centre board.

I am passionate about contributing to an organisation that supports children's early development and wellbeing.

I believe that safe, nurturing, and inclusive environments are built on strong governance, transparent decision-making, and collaboration between educators, families, and the community.

Throughout my career, I have provided strategic advice to executives, developed employment frameworks that promote fairness and compliance, and led initiatives that strengthened organisational culture and accountability. I bring integrity, analytical capability, and a consultative approach to every role I undertake.

As a Board Member, I would draw on my HR expertise and leadership experience to support Baringa's mission, uphold its values, and contribute to the continued success and sustainability of the centre.