Governance

College Council

The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q.) represented by The SCOTS PGC College has established a Council responsible for effective governance of the school. The Council works in partnership with the Leadership team to set and oversee the delivery of the school’s strategic plan. Broadly speaking, they are responsible for establishing, implementing and monitoring policy in relation to –

  • Strategic development
  • Financial leadership and management
  • Relationships and partnerships including the appointment of the Principal
  • Facilities and resources
  • Risk management and compliance

 

Members Appointed by Synod for 2023

Mr Martin Webb, Chairman

Martin is a Certified Financial Planner® and Director of Graham Financial – a boutique financial planning practice based in Toowoomba and Brisbane since 1985. Martin is an experienced sheep and cattle grazier working for many years in western Queensland. He is also an experienced public policy analyst spending several years in Canberra working in the Treasury and Finance departments. Martin is passionate about learning and building for future generations.

Mrs Florence Kearney, Deputy Chair

Florence Kearney (Flo) is Head of College and CEO of The Women’s College, University of Queensland. With more than 40 years’ experience, Flo has a distinguished career in the education of young people having been the principal of three leading independent girls’ schools over the past 20 years alone. She was educated in Brisbane, has degrees in Education and Commerce and a Masters in Educational Leadership. Flo has also held wider roles in the not-for-profit sector and sporting arenas including Chair of Wesley Mission Queensland Board, Chair of Queensland Girls Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA), Chair of the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association (BSRA) and member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) Queensland Board.

Mr David Thomson

David is CEO of Horticulture Queensland’s peak industry body, Growcom. He has extensive line management experience around Australia in manufacturing, distribution, tourism and shipping having led both public and privately owned organisations. David has a vision to build industry capacity, skills and real career opportunities in the Queensland Horticulture industry and sees the region surrounding and serviced by SCOTS PGC as perfectly positioned to realise that potential.

Mrs Kelly Ostwald

Kelly is the Southeast Queensland Director of AgForce, whose core business is lobbying industry and government on behalf of members to secure sustainable, profitable, and productive agriculture in Queensland.  Kelly is also AgForce’s representative on the Farmsafe Australia committee.

In addition to these key roles, Kelly has been heavily involved in the Isolated Children’s Parents Association.  She was the lead representative for the Boarding Schools portfolio for six years as well as Queensland State Secretary for two years.  Kelly lives rurally and is very engaged in the Agricultural space and passionate about educating the next generation of Agricultural leaders.

Simon Armstrong

Simon is the Principal and CEO of Cromwell College at the University of Queensland.  He has extensive experience in the education sector, in both State and Independent schools, covering all corners of Queensland and an excellent understanding of delivering education in rural and city contexts.

Prior to his current role, Simon was the Principal of an Independent Uniting Church School in north Brisbane for 9 years.  During his tenure, enrolments grew from 350 students to nearly 1000.  This exponential growth gave him experience in setting and driving culture and change, as well as having an integral knowledge of sourcing and procuring government funding.  Simon was a key stakeholder in the 14 major capital works projects during his term and is keenly equipped to assist and mentor SCOTS PGC College into the future.

Member Appointed by the Presbytery for 2023

Mr Julian Turner

Julian is a graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon; the Royal Military College of Science, Schrivenham; and Australian Command and Staff College. He has served in Command appointments at the operational and strategic levels of the Australian Army, NATO and the United Nations as well as in a multinational capacity for the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC. He retired from the Army and began teaching secondary level science and chemistry until retirement in 2017. He is the Chair of St Stephen’s Uniting Church Council, Toowoomba Building Committee and St Stephen’s Toowoomba Meals on Wheels Management Committee. Julian brings experience in operating at the strategic level, and education within a girls’ boarding school. He is the Uniting Church, Presbytery of the Downs representative on the Council.

Dr Bob Burgess

Bob is a part-time lecturer in engineering management at the University of Southern Queensland. He has a PhD in electrical engineering, a commerce degree and electrical trade qualifications. He has a farming background and has had extensive experience in senior engineering and management roles within the electrical supply industry. He was Eastern Division Manager for South West Power for over 10 years. He has always had an active involvement in church life, including leading youth groups, Eldership, chair of congregations and church councils. He was the Presbytery of the Downs Treasurer for 10 years. Bob is keen to see the College focus on preparing the students for whatever role in life they choose to pursue, with a culture of promoting growth in their Christian faith.

Ex Officio Members

Rev Andrew Gunton, Moderator of Synod

Rev Heather den Houting, General Secretary