Growing Stronger Together: Purpose Before Scale

3 Oct

On 24 September, our Board came together for an energising strategic planning workshop, focused on shaping the future of YWCA Hunter Region. The outcome was clear and exciting — the central theme of our new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan: Growing Stronger Together: Purpose Before Scale.

This guiding theme reflects our commitment to deepening impact, building resilience, and strengthening connections within our community, ensuring that women, young people, and families in the Hunter continue to be supported for years to come.

As part of this new chapter, we are delighted to welcome Amelia Atkinson, Angela Tapp, and Jason Robson as new General Board Members of YWCA Hunter Region. Their combined skills, experience, and passion will be a wonderful addition to our team.

We also sincerely thank Sally Bingham and Brooke Arcia for their dedicated service and valuable contributions during their time on the Board.

Spotlight on Amelia Atkinson

Amelia is a Maitland local, small businesswoman, and elected councillor at Maitland City Council. She brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement, having managed retail businesses and contributed to local school and preschool communities.

As a general board member of YWCA Hunter Region, Amelia is committed to championing gender equality and empowering young women to step into leadership with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Spotlight on Angela Tapp

Angela brings over 30 years of experience across Early Childhood and Primary Education, with a career grounded in community, equity, and education. Her background spans classroom teaching, executive leadership, tertiary education, and advisory roles to government, giving her deep insight into curriculum, regulation, and policy reform.

She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served in roles from service director to lecturer and management team member, as well as contributing to early childhood advisory groups. Angela’s collaborative leadership style, strong governance lens, and long-standing advocacy for children, families, and women experiencing disadvantage align closely with the mission of YWCA Hunter.

Spotlight on Jason Robson

Jason brings over 25 years of business and franchising experience, with a strong background in governance, leadership, and community service. A Certified Community Director and Graduate of the Certified Franchise Executive Program, he is currently completing a Masters of Business in Project Management. In 2025, he was recognised nationally as Franchise Manager of the Year by the Franchise Council of Australia.

Alongside his role with YWCA Hunter Region, Jason works with Explore & Develop Early Education and serves as Treasurer and Non-Executive Director at Headstart Acquired Brain Injury Services. He is passionate about equity, resilience, and creating opportunities, and sees YWCA Hunter Region as a vital platform to empower women, young people, and communities to thrive.

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