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.

Lorrayne Fishenden
Chairperson

Lorrayne is a proud Kamilaroi Yinnar (woman) from regional NSW and is an experienced facilitator and mentor who believes professional development and training are critical to Aboriginal and regional communities' economic and social advancement. Lorrayne has led regional projects stimulating arts, tourism, and cultural activities within communities and dialogue for Muswellbrook council, exploring the potential for a treaty with the local aboriginal community. Lorrayne has been the Managing Director of 2 Rivers since 2014, a boutique community development company based in Tamworth providing workshop facilitation, project planning and management, business planning, community consultation, development and implementation, and governance support.

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.

Chris Celovic
Treasurer

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 TAE 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.

Karen Cooper
Director

Karen is currently a Principal Consultant for Cooper Consulting. She has previously held positions as the  CEO for RISE Ventures, General Manager for Mission Providence and the General Manager for Campbell Page. Karen has spent most of her career in senior management positions providing leadership, strategic and operational advice, implementing change management initiatives, project design, and undertaking high-level stakeholder and community engagement. Karen is an inspirational leader and a critical executive contributor to an organisation’s success. Her style is hands-on, achieving results in fast-paced, complex environments and developing regionally dispersed teams, including remote and indigenous communities.

Tim Coates
Director

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
Director

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.