The Board
Jim Knowles JP BOHS FAIHS CPRM GAICD
Chairman of the Board
Jim is a Work Health and Safety and Risk Management professional with a career spanning over 50 years in the mining industry as an operator, supervisor, manager and consultant at site operational, regional and international levels.
In 1997 he started his own company specialising in providing critical services to a broad range of industries including mining, power generation and distribution, marine services, building construction, aviation and other heavy industries.
Jim served over 20 years in NSW Mines Rescue and was appointed to a government mining advisory board in New Zealand, on which he served for three years. His qualifications and memberships include Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, and Certified Professional in Risk Management.
Linsey Wilson LLM LLB BPsychSc NMAS
Deputy Chair
Craig Corby MBA CA GAICD
Director
Craig is an experienced senior executive and governance professional with a strong background in accounting, finance, governance, and organisational leadership. He has held a variety of executive roles at Qantas and served as CFO of the Wayside Chapel.
Craig currently leads Church Engagement at Uniting NSW/ACT and operates his own not-for-profit consulting company. He is the Business Manager of Parramatta Nepean Presbytery of the Uniting Church in Australia and has contributed extensively in governance roles across Congregation, Presbytery, and Synod councils.
Craig holds an MBA from Macquarie University, is a Chartered Accountant (CAANZ), and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His expertise in financial management, project governance, and community engagement aligns with the College’s commitment to strong, values-based leadership and service to community.
Annemaree Jones BAppSc GradDipPH DipOHS CertIVTA
Director
Rev. Rob Hanks BEcon DipEd MAICD
Director
Rob is a Minister of the Word and Youth Worker, within the Uniting Church in Australia, in Placement at Hamilton Uniting Church.
With over 30 years of experience in the ministry of Youth Worker and 15 years as a Minister, Rob brings a connection with the wider Uniting Church, from a local, regional and statewide perspective.
As a Teacher, Trainer and Peer in networks across the State and Nationally, Rob brings a broad understanding of teaching and the missional context in which the Church seeks to engage in today’s context. It is exciting to see the strategic growth of the College and the possibilities for strengthening it and the mission of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Taryn Gooley BASc(Hons)
Director
Rev Yvonne Ghavalas BA SocSc (Hons) Psych BTh
Director
Minister of the Word, Uniting Church in Australia
Yvonne Ghavalas currently serves as a Minister of the Word in placement with the Jesmond Park Wallsend and Shortland Congregations of the Uniting Church in Australia. Her professional background spans social work, education, and ministry, underpinned by academic qualifications in Psychology and Theology.
Yvonne brings a multidisciplinary perspective to the Board, grounded in her experience in community engagement, pastoral care, and social justice advocacy. Her work consistently focuses on supporting individuals facing adversity and navigating complex life circumstances, particularly young people.
She has served on a number of church and community committees, contributing to governance, policy development, and mission planning.
Yvonne is a strong advocate for inclusive, trauma-informed education. She values the College’s commitment to reconnecting young people with learning and is honoured to support its mission to foster dignity, belonging, and opportunity.
Stephen Phillips JP FCG FGIA FAICD
Executive Director
As Company Secretary, Stephen brings over 25 years of extensive experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and corporate advisory, specialising in board governance and regulatory frameworks. He also serves as Executive Director and has previously held CEO and senior executive positions across business, government, and not-for-profit sectors, including publicly listed entities and statutory corporations.
Stephen’s experience is further enhanced by his roles as a Non-Executive Director, Independent Chair, and member of various governance and advisory boards. His broad career spans professional services – legal, accounting, finance, property, insurance, engineering, architecture, and corporate services – as well as significant contributions to the not-for-profit sector, including aged care, education, health, and community services. His public sector experience includes leadership in public policy, regulation, and economic development, while in the technology sector, he has led high-tech R&D and technology commercialisation initiatives.
Stephen holds an MBA, a Master of Commercial Law, and degrees in management, corporate governance, engineering and business improvement, as well as certifications in cyber security governance. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia (GIA), and a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI). He is also a member of the Commercial Law Association of Australia (CLA) and of the Law Council of Australia.
Darren Twist
Principal
Darren has worked in the education sector for more than 20 years, with experience spanning the tertiary, public, and independent sectors across both New South Wales and Victoria. Throughout his career, he has held a range of leadership positions within the public and independent secondary school systems, developing particular expertise in teacher mentoring and serving as a representative for the Teacher Assessment Authority.
Since stepping into the role of Principal at Margaret Jurd College, Darren has been instrumental in driving the College’s growth and development. He is a passionate and strategic educational leader, committed to redefining traditional models of student success and embedding practices that respond to the complex needs of young people. Under his leadership, Margaret Jurd College has introduced new operational frameworks, embedded evidence-based practice, developed continuous improvement processes, and strengthened pathways for student support beyond schooling. His vision has also seen the College expand its reach with the establishment of a new campus in Tuncurry, on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales.
Darren is driven by a deep commitment to educational equity and is a fierce advocate for (re)engaging young people, particularly those managing mental health challenges, in meaningful, lifelong learning.
In addition to his work in education, Darren has a strong interest in governance, having served as Chair of a not-for-profit organisation for the past five years. His leadership reflects a commitment to community, social responsibility, and creating opportunities for young people to build positive futures.
