After receiving a US$14-million commitment from its federal government, the Australian Children’s Television Foundation has hired Li-Kim Chuah as a development manager.

Chuah previously held the same position at pubcaster ABC Australia, and will work alongside development manager Holly Alexander to help writers and producers bring new kids content to screen. She reports to ACTF’s head of content, Bernadette O’Mahony.

Chuah has also spent time working as a writer at a number of Aussie prodcos, including Ludo Studio (Bluey), Like A Photon Creative (Combat Wombat), FremantleMedia (Neighbours) and Endemol Australia (Offspring).

She joins ACTF as the non-profit org prepares to spend US$14 million in new funding it will receive from the Australian government starting on July 1. It has been earmarked for developing additional series, and providing gap-financing to Australian kids productions.

The government allocated the funds after it eliminated kids content quotas for domestic broadcasters last year. This change, which came into effect on January 1 this year, had many children’s producers concerned that they’d have fewer opportunities to get shows commissioned or picked up at home.