Team

Georgie Dent - CEO

Georgie Dent is the CEO of The Parenthood, Australia’s leading parent advocacy organisation representing over 80,000 parents, carers and supporters. She is a best-selling author, former lawyer and prominent advocate for children, families, gender equity and mental health. The Parenthood champions paid parental leave, access to quality early childhood education and care and family-friendly workplaces. She is a mum of three and lives in Sydney with her husband & co-partner in chaos.

Maryjean Whyte - Chief of Staff

Maryjean is the Chief of Staff at The Parenthood, where she plays a central role in supporting the organisation’s strategy, operations and overall impact. With a background in executive support, finance, strategy and operations, Maryjean works closely with CEO Georgie Dent to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and efficiently, enabling the team to focus on driving meaningful change for families across Australia.

Her passion for supporting families is deeply personal and reflected in both her professional work and volunteer efforts. As a mother of three young children, Maryjean is committed to helping create a world where all children — and their parents — can thrive, contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.

Contact Maryjean: [email protected]

Seb Costello - Dadvocate & Campaign Director - Paid Parental Leave

Seb is a Dadvocate and the Campaign Director for Paid Parental Leave
at The Parenthood.

Based in Melbourne, he is a proud primary caregiver and homemaker, he spent two years at home
raising his two children while his wife returned to work, an experience that shapes his commitment to supporting families.

With over 20 years in hospitality, he’s also been a leading voice in the Australian distilling scene for more than a decade. He owned the award-winning bar Bad Frankie, known for championing Australian spirits, and has worked across the industry in development roles — building a strong foundation in storytelling, community and advocacy.

Seb is dedicated to building an Australia that values care and makes space for everyone to be a dad in their own way, through stronger paid parental leave and support for families.