Governance and Leadership

The board

Governance of the College

Governance

Board of Directors

The governance of MJC is entrusted to a dedicated Board of Directors, comprising professionals with diverse expertise in education, risk management, finance, law, and community engagement. The Board is responsible for strategic oversight, policy development, and ensuring the College’s mission is effectively pursued. All Directors are required to complete the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course, reinforcing our commitment to exemplary governance practices. Strategic oversight is provided by the Board, while day-to-day operations are led by the Principal, supported by the Executive Director and Executive Team. Together, they ensure strategic planning, risk management, and operational delivery are aligned with the College’s mission. This collaborative governance model promotes accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our students and community.

The board

Board members

Our board members bring valuable expertise and leadership to MJC. Their vision ensures the school remains focused on its mission and values.

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...
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Jim Knowles

Chair of the Board

Linsey Wilson is an experienced family law solicitor and accredited mediator with a strong background in both legal practice and psychological science. She is the Principal Solicitor...
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Linsey Wilson

Deputy Chair

Craig is an experienced senior executive and governance professional with a strong background in accounting, finance, governance, and organisational leadership...
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Craig Corby

Director

Annemaree Jones is a senior risk, compliance, and occupational health and safety professional with over 30 years’ experience across healthcare, government and education. She currently...
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Annemaree Jones

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...
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Rev. Rob Hanks

Director

Taryn Gooley is an experienced archaeologist and heritage consultant with more than a decade of professional practice in both Aboriginal and historical...
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Taryn Gooley

Director

Yvonne Ghavalas currently serves as a Minister of the Word in placement with the Jesmond Park Wallsend and Shortland Congregations of the Uniting Church...
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Rev Yvonne Ghavalas

Director

As Company Secretary, Stephen brings over 25 years of extensive experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and corporate advisory, specialising...
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Stephen Phillips

Executive Director

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...
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Darren Twist

Principal

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Kevin O'Connor

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

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Kevin O'Connor

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

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Kevin O'Connor

Teaching and Learning Coordinator

Our Church Partnership

A Mission-Aligned Relationship

Margaret Jurd College operates as a mission-aligned school of the Uniting Church in Australia (NSW/ACT Synod). Our partnership with the Church is foundational – grounded in shared values of compassion, justice, inclusion, and respect for the inherent dignity of every person. The College is an independently governed entity, yet we proudly embrace our heritage and ongoing relationship with the Church. This relationship provides a values-based foundation for our trauma-informed, inclusive educational approach. We work closely with congregations and Presbyteries, fostering community connections and shared service initiatives. This partnership is central to our identity, strategy, and long-term growth.

A Church That Welcomes Everyone

The Uniting Church is a progressive Christian denomination that embraces diversity and welcomes all people, regardless of background, identity, or belief. We share this inclusive vision, and ensure our campus is a place of safety, belonging, and hope.

The future

Planning for the future

Role and responsibilities of the board

At MJC, we are committed to meeting the highest standards of education and student care. We ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements while delivering a curriculum that fosters personal growth in and out of the classroom. Our school is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment, where each student is given the opportunity to thrive. We maintain transparency in our practices and continuously seek to improve, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of the students in our care while upholding the integrity of the educational system.

How these strategic plans align with the overarching mission of MJC…

Margaret Jurd College, as part of the Uniting Church, is guided by a strong commitment to inclusivity, compassion and service to others. Our values are deeply rooted in the teachings of faith, where every student is viewed as an individual of inherent worth, deserving of support, respect and opportunity. We strive to embody these principles in every aspect of our school’s governance and leadership, ensuring that our approach to education not only nurtures academic success but also promotes moral and spiritual growth. By aligning with the Uniting Church’s core beliefs, we foster a community where students are empowered to lead with integrity and compassion, building a brighter future for themselves and those around them.