Vale Marita Hayes-Brown

It is with heavy hearts that we remember Marita, PESA's inaugural CEO, and reflect on the extraordinary mark she leaves behind.

When PESA began, it needed someone who could turn a belief into a movement, and Marita was that person. She was driven by a simple but powerful conviction: that human flourishing matters, and that schools are uniquely placed to grow wellbeing across the whole community. That belief became the foundation on which everything else was built. As our inaugural CEO, Marita didn't just lead PESA, she set its very DNA. The warmth, the inclusiveness, the sense that everyone has a place at the table: these weren't accidents. They were Marita. 

 Those of us who had the privilege of meeting Marita felt her warmth immediately. She was welcoming, generous with her time, and genuinely interested in the people in front of her. Marita made everyone she met feel valued. Marita’s light shone as brightly as her smile and her sense of fun made spending time with her at conferences, or après-conferences, an absolute privilege. That same warmth carried into her work. She built relationships across every sector of Australian education; Independent, Catholic, Government, and internationally. Always with authenticity, always looking for common ground rather than difference.

Behind that warmth was extraordinary professionalism and grit. Building an organisation is never a straight line, and Marita navigated the highs and the genuine struggles with courage and a steady hand. She had a rare gift for bringing together the jigsaw pieces: People, ideas, partnerships, resources, and finding the synergy in them. Under her leadership, PESA ran conferences that brought the wellbeing community together, and she was integral to producing the Wellbeing Handbook, a resource that has helped shape practice in schools across the country. 

Through it all, she held her family close. Marita's ability to build something so significant while remaining so deeply devoted to those she loved speaks to who she truly was. Hers was a life of dedication without sacrifice of the people who mattered most.

We remember Marita's pioneering spirit, her generous heart, and the community she helped bring into being. Marita helped wellbeing grow in Australian schools; she gave so much of herself to build the organisation that carries that mission forward still. We hold her family, and all who loved her, in our thoughts.

Vale Marita! Your legacy lives on in every school, every student, and every life touched by the work you began.

Holding you in our hearts,
Leonie Abbott PESA Chair, on behalf of the current board, CEO and PESA Team, along with past PESA Chairpersons’ Warren Symonds, Anne Johnstone and Simon Murray.

Message from Marita's family

Marita’s husband, Phil would like to thank everyone for the kindness and support shown during this time. He has asked that, in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to show their support consider making a donation to Wallara in Marita’s memory. Funds will be used to create a fitting tribute to Marita at Sages Cottage Farm on the Mornington Peninsula. https://wallara.com.au/donate/

Memorial Book

So many of you hold special memories of Marita, and we know her family would treasure hearing them. PESA is putting together a memorial book to share with her family, a collection of your messages, fond memories, and photos from her time at PESA. If you would like to contribute, please email Lisa Davias by Friday 18 September, who will compile everything into a digital book. A few sentences or a paragraph is perfect, whatever feels right to share. Email: ldavias@pesa.edu.au