Inaugural Board appointed for Kinhaven

We welcome the appointment of the inaugural Board of Kinhaven, the new organisation that will form on 1 April 2027 when QEC and Tweddle merge. 

From 1 April 2027, Kinhaven will bring together QEC and Tweddle to improve outcomes for babies, children, families and carers and strengthen Victoria’s early parenting sector. 

The inaugural Board brings together directors from the current QEC and Tweddle Boards, providing continuity of leadership and drawing on the skills, experience and organisational knowledge of both organisations.  

The QEC and Tweddle Boards will continue to govern their respective organisations until the merger takes effect on 1 April 2027. At that point, governance will formally transition to the inaugural Kinhaven Board.  

The inaugural Kinhaven Board is: 

• Nicole Barwick
• Nicole Batagol
• Jennifer Falco
• Julie Green
• Andrew Jaworski
• Annette Mercuri
• Rachel Shaw
• Kylie Scoullar
• Jenny Zahara
• Janine Wilson
   

QEC Board Chair Nicole Batagol and Tweddle Board Chair Annette Mercuri have acknowledged the dedication and leadership of directors from both organisations, whose shared focus has been on achieving the best outcomes for babies, children and families while preserving the strengths of QEC and Tweddle. 

The inaugural Board will lead the recruitment process for Kinhaven’s inaugural CEO, in partnership with the Department of Health. 

This is another important milestone as we work towards a shared future, building on more than 200 years of combined experience supporting Victorian families. 

QEC Board Chair Nicole Batagol acknowledged the contribution of directors across both organisations and their leadership. 

 “Our gratitude goes to all QEC and Tweddle Board members for the leadership, care and commitment they have brought to this process."

“Their focus throughout has been on what will best support babies, children and families, while protecting the strengths of both organisations. That work has laid strong foundations for Kinhaven.” 

Tweddle Board Chair Annette Mercuri welcomed the appointment of the inaugural Board. 

“We are fortunate to have an inaugural Board that brings together significant experience and knowledge from both QEC and Tweddle."

“This continuity will be invaluable as we prepare for 1 April and begin establishing Kinhaven as a new organisation, building on the strengths, experience and contribution of both QEC and Tweddle.” 

Until 1 April 2027, QEC and Tweddle will continue to operate independently and services will continue as usual. Families will continue to receive care from the teams they know and trust.