Hands

Our Team

Play Matters > Leadership

The Play Matters Australia team is comprised of qualified professionals and volunteers. We are the largest employer of music therapists in Australia and our highly experienced board and executive team governs our national organisation.

The Play Matters Australia Team


Play Matters Australia is governed by a passionate volunteer Board of Directors who are elected by our members and act as stewards of our organisation’s vision, mission, and values. The CEO reports to the board and is supported by the executive team.

Our Leadership

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Jane McVeigh

Chair - Board of Directors

Christine

Christine Chew

Company Secretary 

Janice

Janice Elsley

Board Director

Senior Leadership Team

PENNY

Penny Creamer

Chief Executive Officer

WEBSITE DAN

Dan Marais

Executive Manager - Brand and Strategy

Julia Image

Julia Oreopoulos

Executive Manager - National Programs

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Liz Upham

Executive Manager - Community and Place-based Programs

Anita McGonigle

Anita McGonigle

Manager - People and Culture

CFRY

Corrine Fry

Executive and Projects Officer

“Play is the exultation of the possible”

Martin Buber, Philosopher

Governor

Our Patron

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM, Governor of Queensland

The Governor was born in Sydney in 1963. After graduating from Medicine at Sydney University in 1986, she commenced her medical career at Westmead Hospital. In 1999, she relocated to Brisbane to take up the role of Executive Director of Medical Services at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and served on various workforce committees, including as Chair of AMWAC (Australian Medical Workforce Advisory Committee).

In August 2005, the Governor was appointed to the role of Chief Health Officer for Queensland, with responsibility for leading the State’s preventative health and public health agendas, including response to public health emergencies. In January 2020, when the COVID-19 virus outbreak was declared a pandemic, the Governor became the State Health Incident Controller.

Her Excellency was sworn-in as the 27th Governor of Queensland on 1 November 2021. The Governor is a strong advocate for play and the work that Play Matters Australia does for families.

Mum with child

Why Play Matters

Play truly matters in developing resilient children and families to ensure health and wellbeing for their whole life. Play is how children learn and grow and is a key element of early childhood development. It provides a foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.