Governance & Leadership

Ian is a registered professional engineer with over thirty-five years of experience in heavy industry and mining, covering technical and project management for the provision of process and mining installations, housing and building work such as roads, electrical, water and waste system reticulation. Ian has also had experience in health and safety management, mentoring, subordinate development, risk management and corporate governance. Ian and his wife Lorna are members of St Thomas Anglican Church.

Stephen is currently the Director of Medical Oncology and a Physician at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. He is also a Director of Clinical Cancer Research for the North Coast Area Health Service, a member of the Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board and Chairman of Health Service Development and Innovation Committee. In 1996, he became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians. Stephen has had extensive experience training resident doctors and medical students and was appointed Conjoint Lecturer, UNSW in 2002. He has also been involved in extensive clinical trials and research in the cancer field. Stephen is a recipient of the Premier of NSW Community Service Award.

Rev. Dan Berris describes himself as a committed family-focused individual who is passionate about serving and enabling others to learn how to effectively serve others. He holds an Advanced Certificate in Christian Studies and a Bachelor of Theology and has been involved with the church in a number of roles since 2006. Rev. Dan has volunteered as a Police Chaplain since 2013 and in Immigration Detention Pastoral Care since 2021. He is passionate about serving disadvantaged communities, youth and young adults, men’s ministry, and sharing the Christian gospel. Rev. Dan became the new rector of St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in 2022 and is enthusiastic about becoming a part of the Port Macquarie community.

Chen Gaul is a Chartered Accountant specialising in business advisory services with extensive knowledge and experience in tax, accounting and superannuation. Chen is a director of Macquarie Business Accountants. Prior to moving to Australia in 1996, Chen worked for several multinational companies in China including Ford Motor Company in the areas of international trading and logistics management. In 2013 Chen was appointed lecturer with Charles Sturt University teaching Taxation Law. Chen is Treasurer of Hastings Education Fund which provides financial support and assistance for local students to pursue higher education. Chen is also a board member of the Edmund Barton Centre which provides mentoring and advice for regional business.

Sandra is an experienced corporate professional with expertise in product and service development, market intelligence, and data analysis. She has a proven track record in driving business improvement programs, managing corporate projects, and supporting staff through organisational change. In her current role as Integrated Planning and Reporting Manager, Sandra manages Kempsey Shire Council’s corporate planning and performance reporting, business improvement program, and delivers strategic projects. In addition, Sandra has dedicated much of her time to various volunteer efforts, including the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise, the SCAS Parents and Friends Association and the Hastings Sports Awards.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science, Graeme began work as an Exploration Geologist. He then worked in London for a year before returning to Australia and taking up a teaching position teaching Science, Geography and Technical Drawing. During his teaching career, Graeme has had roles as Faculty Coordinator, Work Experience Coordinator and Sports Coach. In 1995, Graeme was appointed the Director of Studies at William Clarke Anglican School, Kellyville. He then moved on to St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney, where he was Deputy Head of School until his retirement. Graeme has now retired to the Port Macquarie area and is a member of Port Anglican Church, where he oversees their Operation Christmas Child project and is also on the Parish Council.

Allison has over 24 years’ experience as a lawyer and in business. In her legal practice, Allison advises business owners on all aspects of setting up, running, selling and acquiring businesses, and provides her clients with advice on corporate structure and property leasing. In addition to her business law expertise, Allison also provides a range of technology law advice to clients including drafting and negotiating software development and licensing agreements, web and domain hosting agreements and intellectual property agreements. Allison maintains a unique expertise in electronic evidence and is an expert in electronic contracts, electronic signatures and electronic discovery. In 2015, Allison completed her PhD in the authentication of electronic evidence. Allison has consulted to courts and tribunals on the implementation of technology, including the Federal Court of Australia, several state Supreme Courts and some international courts. Allison has previously been a Telstra Business Women’s finalist and an Outstanding Alumni at QUT.

Jim is the sole Director of HB Legal, an incorporated legal practice in Port Macquarie, where he focuses on business and property law. Prior to this appointment, Jim has practised as a solicitor in both Port Macquarie and Sydney where he developed experience in civil and commercial litigation, business and property advice, and transactional and dispute resolution. We trust that Jim’s wealth of experience will be a considerable asset to our School community and council.