The former Sydneysider has relocated to the Hunter after she was appointed the new director of St Nicholas in September.
Ms Hill has more than 30 years of experience in the early childhood education and care sector and started as an early childhood teacher.
“I’ve worked in the sector for a very long time, but I started working on the ground with the children,” she said.
“I’m bringing the lived experience lens and leveraging that to be able to support, build and uplift quality across the portfolio.”
She has a passion and vision for centring children’s voices and rights in her work.
“I’m really passionate and committed to children’s rights, and I’m really keen to bring that lens of child voice into the organisation,” she said.
Ms Hill previously held roles with Playground NSW and KU Children’s Services, and most recently served as General Manager for Children’s Services at the Y NSW, supporting 50 services and over 7000 children each week.
While she had only ever holidayed in Newcastle, she said she was looking forward to getting to know the area and its people.
“Collaboration is really important to me, and relationship building. I’m committed to doing so to ensure I embed the voices of educators in each community, as well as the family voice,” she said.
“Part of me doing that and getting to know the area and the region is to get out on the ground and spend time with the people at the grassroots.
“What’s really important to me is making sure I’m spending time with the people that are actually delivering service for children and families.”
Ms Hill has taken over from David Healy, who previously held the position from June 2021 to April 2025.
A Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle spokesperson said they were unaware of Mr Healy’s next steps.
“The Diocese wishes him all the best. Since then, our focus has been on continuing the momentum David helped build and welcoming Mel into the role,” they said.
This article has been taken from The Herald. The original piece can be access here.
