New kidsnet ABC3 is gearing up for its forthcoming holiday launch, and Australian pubcaster ABC has announced a number of exec hires and new organizational structure for the net’s Children’s Department.

Promoted to manager of scheduling and acquisitions (preschool) is Emma Dobinson, who comes from within the children’s TV department as assistant programmer. Emma Mungavin is now manager of scheduling and acquisitions (school-aged), hailing from Nickelodeon Australia. Both Emmas will report to Barbara Uecker, head of programming and acquisitions.

Meanwhile, Kerry O’Dowd is now key brands manager and will supervise off-air activities for ABC Children’s -house brands (Play School and Bananas in Pyjamas), and look after non-ABC owned characters and brands.

Beginning at the end of the month, Simon Hopkinson takes his new position as development and commissioning editor. The former president of the Australian Writers Guild will be supervising the development and production of shows to be commissioned from indie producers.

The new executive producer of children’s production is Jan Stradling, now responsible for the internal production of Play School, Roller Coaster and soon-to-be announced new hosted blocks. A published author of kidlit and adult books, she’s also worked for Disney Channel, Australia in a similar role.

And finally, Aaron Mulheron has been upped to development and commissioning coordinator, where he’ll handle coordination of all areas of production for children’s TV. Currently assistant to Tim Brooke-Hunt, executive head of children’s TV, he steps into his new role at the end of the month.

Hopkinson, Stradling and Mulheron will all report to head of commissioning and Development, Carla de Jong.