The People behind the education hub
Victoria McDowell
Victoria McDowell is an early childhood teacher, mentor, and leader in early childhood pedagogy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Macquarie University, and over 20 years’ experience across diverse roles in the sector. Her most recent role included authoring several online learning courses, she is a published author of the book Communicating with children, and an experienced project manager. Victoria is passionate about educating young children, mentoring educators, and advocating for children’s voices and their rights as global citizens.
With a deep love for storytelling, the creative arts, and nature pedagogy, Victoria coordinates, designs and delivers impactful professional learning experiences and content that champion play-based learning and meaningful curriculum and professional development.
Grahame Andrews
Grahame Andrews has extensive experience in the early childhood education and care sector, working across learning design, training, consultancy, and workforce development. He has designed and delivered high‑quality professional learning resources, eLearning programs, and governance and management training that support educators, leaders, and services to build capability and quality practice.
With a background in teaching, instructional design, and systems thinking, Grahame brings a strong understanding of adult learning, regulatory environments, and best practice in early childhood settings.
Elisabeth Leese
Elisabeth Leese is the Education Hub Coordinator at Gowrie NSW, where she supports the coordination and delivery of professional learning experiences and communications that connect, support and inspire educators.
Elisabeth brings many years of professional learning administrative and coordination experience in early childhood education and enjoys building relationships within the sector. She is committed to connecting early and middle childhood educators with professional learning opportunities that strengthen practice, contribute to quality education and care and translate learning into meaningful change.