OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Tamworth Community College Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the College's vision and strategies are achieved.

The Board consists of a group of professional, dedicated volunteers who provide guidance and contribute to good governance. The Board sets the College’s priorities and is accountable for exercising the authority given to it in its constitution.

Chris Celovic
Chairperson

Chris brings experience and skills in domestic and international business, the government sector, and not-for-profit organisations. He has extensive experience working to improve organisational processes, increase productivity, promote, drive and sustain economic development and innovation, and has experience within the VET sector. Achievements within the VET/academic sector include leading policy development, industry and stakeholder engagement, managing successful audit activity for Academic programs, writing the Training and Assessment Certificate IV assessments and developing a CRM for TAFE NSW. Chris has strong links with regional NSW and believes the future for continuing VET opportunities in our region is exciting.

David Riordan
Secretary

David brings extensive years of experience working within the VET environment, both nationally and internationally, including positions as the CEO of the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET International), Director TAFE NSW (Sydney) and more recently as the Director of City Services for the City of Sydney, managing over 1000 staff across seven business units. Since January 2021, David has held the position of Principal Consultant of Thalassa Consulting Australia, providing consultation services for the International Education and Allied Services industries.  David has strong links to the New England region and a passion for adult education, having commenced his career teaching at a Community College.

Tim Coates
Treasurer

Tim is a passionate advocate for Tamworth and regional NSW, with a career focused on people engagement and service. He currently chairs the Advisory Board for The Executive Connection and serves as Regional Chair for Business NSW, alongside roles with Racing NSW and various community initiatives.

Tim's extensive background includes four years as a Local Government Councilor for Tamworth Regional Council and ownership of an RTO. He is a member of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has over 30 years of experience in governance, financial viability, WHS, and stakeholder engagement. Tim is dedicated to fostering business viability and sustainability in a rapidly evolving market.

Daniel Gillett
Deputy Chairperson

Daniel, a long-time Tamworth resident, is committed to enhancing the lives of people in his community. With a professional background in business-to-business engagement, Daniel brings expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and corporate governance. As President of the St Marys North Tamworth Preschool Committee and former President of the Tamworth Dramatic Society, he has led significant initiatives in constitutional change and workplace safety with a number of community organisations.

With a strong belief in the importance of education and economic development in regional NSW, Daniel has been actively involved with St Marys, St Nicholas School, and the NSW Nationals. He sees Tamworth Community College as a key player in the region's growth and is excited to contribute to its success through informed and energetic board participation.

Janina Harper
Director

Janina is a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and community development. With a background as a Director at KPMG and Technology lead for the education sector, Janina brings valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing educational institutions today. Her commitment to promoting accessible and quality education is demonstrated through successful projects with multiple state government departments and Universities aimed at promoting digital equity for all students.

Janina's leadership, strategic planning, collaboration, and deep digital and technology expertise position her well to contribute effectively to the TCC Board. She is enthusiastic about collaborating with Tamworth Community College due to its unwavering commitment to providing affordable and inclusive education and its pivotal role in the community. Janina brings her passion for education and ability to drive change to the College.

David Crough
Director

Fiona Burns
Director

Fiona Burns is an accomplished lawyer, company director, and legal educator with over 20 years of experience across Australia and the United States. As Director of Fiona Burns Legal & Mediation, she brings deep expertise in corporations law, injury and workplace law, dispute resolution, family law, and the care and protection of children to the New England and North-West NSW region. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW, the High Court of Australia, and the New York State Bar.

A passionate advocate for education and community development, Fiona is a Lecturer at the University of New England School of Law, where she teaches and coordinates subjects including Corporations Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Torts Law. Her academic work is complemented by her practical experience, giving her unique insight into the intersection of law, governance, and education.

Fiona’s board experience includes serving as Director and Company Secretary of the Tamworth Business Chamber, where she championed economic, social, and cultural growth in regional Australia. She is recognised for her strong interest in corporate governance, best practice, and ethical leadership, and she has contributed to professional organisations and publications in both Australia and the US.

Raised on the land near Boggabri, and now living on a cattle farm near Tamworth, Fiona is dedicated to giving back to her community and supporting lifelong learning opportunities, including by supporting Tamworth Community College’s mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education and training, and fostering innovation and good governance as a member of the Board.

Dr Don Perlgut
Director

Dr Don Perlgut was previously the CEO of Community Colleges Australia (now CEA), a not-for-profit association representing adult and community education providers. Prior to CCA, he was CEO of the Rural Health Education Foundation and the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), as well as an Outreach Manager with ASIC. He worked with ABC TV as Project Manager of Adult Learning, managing the development of two adult literacy television series; he received a Commonwealth Medal for his efforts during International Literacy Year. He is a former lecturer in urban planning at the University of New England in Armidale, in communications at UNSW, and a specialist in social planning. He holds a PhD in communications from Macquarie University; a Master of City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley; and a B.A. (Government) from Cornell University. Don is a Member of the Academic Board and Chair of the Learning and Teaching Committee of the Australian Institute of Business & Management (KOI), a non-university higher education provider. He is a member of the Institute of Company Directors Australia, the Fundraising Institute of Australia and the Association for Tertiary Education Management.