Toy Libraries Australia welcomes new Board members and Chair

On the evening of Sunday 11 October, toy library representatives from across Australia came together online for Toy Libraries Australia's 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and National Toy Library Awards.

As a truly national peak body, it's always special to bring our toy library community together. Members generously gave their Sunday evening to join us from across the country, reflecting the strong sense of connection and commitment that makes our toy library community so special.

The evening began with the presentation of TLA's Annual Report, providing an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year and the collective efforts of toy libraries across Australia. This was followed by the election of Board members, before we came together to celebrate outstanding toy libraries and toy library heroes at our virtual National Toy Library Awards ceremony.

The AGM also marked an important transition in TLA's leadership, as we thanked all 2025/2026 Board members, acknowledged outgoing Board members, welcomed new faces and appointed a new Board Chair.

We farewelled four Board members:

• Renae Barker, outgoing Chair

• Behishta Anwar (SA)

• Kirsten Marran (Vic)

• Jessica Kneipp (Qld)

We sincerely thank Renae, Behishta, Kirsten and Jessica for the time, care and leadership they have contributed to TLA. Their commitment has helped strengthen TLA and the toy library community across Australia.

Outgoing Chair, Renae Barker (centre) with board member Tyson Busch and staff member Erin Krusic-Golub

We are pleased to welcome four new members:

• Sallyanne Hunter (Vic)

• Trish Mullins (Qld)

• Nicole Bourman (Vic)

• Sebastian Rosien (NSW)

Sebastian joins following his participation in TLA's Board Observership Program, which provides opportunities to gain experience in board governance.

They join our continuing Board members:

• Sara Barker (NT)

• Kylie McBain (Vic)

• Kerry Dominish (NSW)

• Tyson Busch (WA)

  
  

Sara Barker appointed Board Chair

Incoming Board Chair Sara Barker (right) with CEO Debbie Williams (left) and staff members Michelle Loft and Louise Bell at the Toy Libraries Australia conference booth October 2026.

We are delighted to announce that Sara Barker has been appointed Chair of the Toy Libraries Australia Board, succeeding Renae Barker. Sara is the first TLA Board Chair from the Northern Territory. With the Chair role passing from Western Australia to the Northern Territory, this transition is a lovely reflection of what it means to be a truly national organisation.

Our strength comes from bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives, ensuring that toy libraries and the communities they serve are represented in our national direction.

We thank all our Board members, past and present, for generously contributing their time, skills and experience.

We look forward to working together to strengthen toy libraries and help more children and families experience the joy, learning and connection of play.