Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Contributions
References
Timeline
Generic

SARAH RICHES BA, MAICD

Macleod,VIC

Summary

Strategic and values-driven executive leader with over two decades of experience in early childhood, disability, and community services. I bring deep expertise in organisational transformation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of leading sector-wide reform initiatives and building high-performing teams. I thrive in complex environments where I can connect vision to execution, embed sustainable practices, and drive cultural and operational change. My leadership style is collaborative, curious, and grounded in purpose—focused on delivering outcomes that improve lives and strengthen communities.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Manager – Worker Support Program

ForestWorks
Melbourne, VIC
08.2023 - Current

Managed program activities for $80 million Worker Support Program initiative.

  • Manage the internal team (compliance and administrative support officer, finance/redundancy officer, training and employment specialist officer), ensuring the team have the necessary skills and resources to deliver quality service provision.
  • Direct everyday activities to ensure timely completion of key objectives.
  • Attend Payments and Appeals Board and Worker Support Central Governance Board, delivery and contract meetings.
  • Approve payments to workers, training requests, relocation applications, special consideration assessment, project expense approvals.
  • Participate in completion of project reporting.
  • Manage complaints process.
  • Attend industry meetings and worker events.
  • Coordinate monitoring and evaluation activities including liaison with contractor and organising quarterly reporting meetings
  • Developed comprehensive project plans to outline timelines and resource allocation.
  • Led cross-functional teams to implement program strategies and achieve project goals.

Chief Executive Officer

Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS
Melbourne, VIC
04.2019 - 06.2023

Led strategic planning and operational transformation across the organisation with an annual operating budget of $1 million.

  • Managed partnerships with government and sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice.
  • Oversaw all aspects of financial, including budgeting and forecasting, HR, membership, marketing, and compliance functions.
  • Developed organisational structures to support growth and sustainability.
  • Reported to the Board on strategic opportunities, financial health, and sector trends.
  • Embedded a strong culture of service, governance, and risk management.
  • Led fundraising and profile-building initiatives.

Program Manager – Sector Development

Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS
Melbourne, VIC
03.2016 - 04.2019

Managed the NDIS Readiness Program and sector transition activities.

  • Delivered events, roundtables, and training to support sector capacity building.
  • Produced multimedia resources for families and providers.
  • Oversaw subcontractors and project reporting.
  • Built partnerships across community services and peak bodies.
  • Represented ECIA VIC/TAS in reference groups and funding negotiations.

National Project Manager

Early Childhood Australia
Canberra, ACT
06.2012 - 12.2015

Managed national projects including KidsMatter (BeYou) & Early Years Connect.

  • Led a team of facilitators and oversaw project planning, reporting, and risk management.
  • Developed communication strategies and stakeholder engagement plans.
  • Provided strategic input into early childhood education and health systems nationally.

ACT PSC Manager

Professional Support Coordinator (ACT PSC)
Canberra, ACT
05.2008 - 06.2012

Led professional development initiatives for ACT children’s services.

  • Managed subcontracts, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
  • Delivered statewide conferences and rebuilt the PSC website.
  • Maintained relationships with government and sector bodies.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood

Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW
01-2008

Advanced Strategic Governance And Strategic Awareness Workshop -

Conscious Governance
Melbourne, VIC
01-2025

Company Directors Course -

Australian Institute of Company Directors
Sydney, NSW
01-2023

Project Management Fundamentals -

Australian Institute of Management
Sydney, NSW
01-2013

Certificate IV -

Workplace Training & Assessment
Canberra, ACT
01-2003

Associate Diploma - Child Studies

Belmont Technical College
Belmont, NSW
01-1994

Skills

  • Executive Leadership
  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Portfolio & Program Management
  • Change Management & Transformation
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
  • Financial Oversight & Budgeting
  • Governance & Risk Management
  • Team Leadership & Development
  • Event & Sector Activity Delivery
  • Data-Informed Decision Making
  • Policy development
  • Relationship building

Community Contributions

Eureka Community Kindergarten Association l Ballarat, VIC

  • Board Chair 2024 - current
  • Board Member 2023 - 2024
  • People & Culture Committee Member 2024 - current
  • Finance & Audit Committee Member 2023 - 2024

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Program Manager – Worker Support Program

ForestWorks
08.2023 - Current

Chief Executive Officer

Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS
04.2019 - 06.2023

Program Manager – Sector Development

Early Childhood Intervention Australia VIC/TAS
03.2016 - 04.2019

National Project Manager

Early Childhood Australia
06.2012 - 12.2015

ACT PSC Manager

Professional Support Coordinator (ACT PSC)
05.2008 - 06.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood

Macquarie University

Advanced Strategic Governance And Strategic Awareness Workshop -

Conscious Governance

Company Directors Course -

Australian Institute of Company Directors

Project Management Fundamentals -

Australian Institute of Management

Certificate IV -

Workplace Training & Assessment

Associate Diploma - Child Studies

Belmont Technical College
SARAH RICHES BA, MAICD