Governance and Leadership

Louise is a proud second-generation St Rita’s College Alumnae. She is a seasoned executive with 20 years’ experience working in healthcare and professional services in Australia and the United Kingdom. As an AICD graduate and current Director on several Boards, Louise has a proven ability to work effectively with directors, executives, staff and the College community to implement strong governance, and drive dynamic and practical solutions to complex challenges.

Catherine is a proud alumnae of St Rita’s College. As a passionate educator of over 20 years, Catherine held positions as a classroom teacher at Cavendish Road High School, was appointed Deputy Principal at St Ursula’s Yeppoon and moved into the Role of Principal in 2005. Catherine now works as a consultant in education.

John specialises in criminal defence work both in trial and in appellate courts. John was admitted to practice as a Barrister in 1985. He worked for the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions for several years and later for the Queensland Department of Public Prosecutions as a Senior Crown Prosecutor. John then worked as a senior in House Counsel at Queensland Legal Aid, often in complex criminal cases. 

Since 2002, John has practiced at the private bar in Brisbane, practicing almost exclusively in criminal law. 

Gavin is a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor with over 25 years of experience advising owners of small and medium sized businesses. Gavin is currently the Managing Partner of Brisbane based accounting firm DFK Hirn Newey where he oversees a team of 30. He is the Chairman of the Board of DFK Australia New Zealand Ltd, a leading accounting association in Australia representing 12 member firms across Australia and New Zealand. Gavin also sits on the DFK International Advisory Board where he represents the interests of members of the DFK Australia New Zealand national group and provides strategic direction and guidance to the Executive Board. 

His daughter Emily graduated in 2020 from St Rita’s College. 

Lee is a 35-year veteran of the Australian communications industry. She previously held a role as the Queensland General Manager of national public relations and communications network, Thrive.  

Lee is a Fellow of the Public Relations Industry of Australia and has represented the association through Board positions, conference presentations and positions on Awards judging panels.

Peter has been employed by the Archdiocese of Brisbane since 1990 first as the General Manager of the Archdiocesan Development Fund and since 2001 as the Executive Director of Centacare. Centacare is a large social services provider for disability and aged care, child care, family services and chaplaincy.

Peter has served on many boards and committees including boards of Yourtown 2002-2011, Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund 2003-2014 and Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland 2016-2019. He has also served on Finance Committees for several independent Catholic Schools and is currently Chair of the Marist College Ashgrove Advisory Council.

Michael worked as a teacher for 40 years and has held various positions across three schools from classroom teacher to Principal. Michael began his teaching journey at Nudgee College in 1980 where he was fortunate enough to experience the roles of full time teacher, Head of Year, Assistant Deputy Principal, Head of Boarding, Deputy Principal and two appointments as Acting Principal. Michael has worked with numerous Boards and has served on a variety of Boards, Committees and Advisory Councils. 

Julie is a second-generation St Rita’s College alumnae, with her three daughters also having attended the College. Julie is an experienced senior executive and company secretary with extensive knowledge, experience and skills in corporate governance, company secretarial, risk management, compliance, assurance, finance, and executive management. Julie has held previous Company Secretary roles for ASX Listed companies and Non-Executive Director roles in the not-for-profit area.

Kirsty is a proud St Rita's College alumnae, with her sister, sister-in-law, and daughters having all attended the College is a second-generation St Rita’s College alumnae, with her three daughters also having attended the College. Kirsty has combined her talents in communication, technology, and languages to work with Australian and global software development companies. In recent years, Kirsty has expanded her technical focus into cybersecurity, international standards and governance. Kirsty was the first Australian President of the Society for Technical Communication (USA) and served on the Society's Board for 7 years.

BEd, Grad Cert (Religious Education), MEd (Leadership), Cert II Systemic Theology, GAICD

Maree has been teaching in Catholic girls’ schools since 1996. During this time, she has held various middle leadership positions at Mt St Michael’s College, Ashgrove, before moving into senior leadership in 2012 at San Sisto College. Joining the Presentation community in July 2015, Maree was appointed Deputy Principal – Studies at St Rita’s College, a position she held until December 2023. She was appointed the 12th Principal of St Rita’s College in January 2024.

Maree is deeply committed to the Presentation charism and continuing the legacy of the Presentation Sisters at St Rita’s College. She is inspired to work at the College because it offers the opportunity to nurture young women in faith, compassion, and leadership, empowering them to make a meaningful difference in the world, through living out our motto of Virtute non Verbis - Action Not Words.

BA, BEd, MEd (Leadership)

Erica began her career in education at St Mary’s College in Maryborough before expanding her horizons by spending three years teaching in London. Upon returning to Australia, Erica took up a position at Xavier Catholic College in Hervey Bay and then spent twelve years at San Sisto College where she served in a variety of roles including Assistant Principal – Religious Education. 

Now in her fifth year at St Rita’s College, Erica has made a significant impact through her position as Assistant Principal – Mission and Primary and now steps into the role of Deputy Principal – Students (Acting). A passionate advocate for girls’ education, Erica is committed to fostering a balanced approach to academic and personal development, and to nurturing a lifelong love of learning in every student. She is deeply committed to fostering a vibrant, faith-centred community and she is inspired daily by the joy, dedication and commitment of the College’s staff, students and families.  

BA, BEd (Secondary), MEd (Leadership)

With over 20 years of experience in education, Lara brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role as Deputy Principal – Studies at St Rita’s College. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of senior roles including Head of Subject, Director of Learning, Assistant Dean – School Improvement, and Dean of Learning.

Her teaching journey has spanned both single-sex and coeducational settings across London, as well as 12 years at St Joseph’s Nudgee College and five years at Ambrose Treacy College in Brisbane.

Now in her third year as Deputy Principal – Studies, Lara is also a proud alumnae of the College. Her deep commitment to girls’ education drives her passion for creating an environment where young women are empowered to thrive. She is a strong advocate for providing opportunities tailored to students' individual strengths and aspirations, and she is dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

BA, GradDipEd, MREd, MEdLead

With over 13 years of experience in Catholic education, Georgina brings a deep commitment to the academic and spiritual growth of young women. Her career has spanned a variety of roles within Centacare, Brisbane Catholic Education and now, St Rita’s College. 

An experienced educator across all levels from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6, Georgina is particularly passionate about girls’ education. This passion led her to join the foundation Primary team at St Rita’s College in 2022, extending her professional focus to include the important transition years from Primary to Secondary schooling. In her role as Head of Primary, she supported girls through this formative stage, helping them to build confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of community.

A proud St Rita’s College alumna, Georgina brings a deep understanding of the College’s values and is inspired by the enduring legacy of Nano Nagle, St Rita of Cascia, and the Presentation Sisters. Her lived experience of a St Rita’s education fuels her belief in its power to nurture young women of faith, hope, and action.

She is honoured to support the next generation of St Rita’s girls, helping them grow into confident, compassionate women of purpose.

BEd, Dip T

With a distinguished career in education spanning over 35 years, Martin began his career in 1988. The first 16 years were dedicated to state education, where he held a range of leadership roles including Sports Master, Head of English, Year Level Coordinator, and Head of House. For the past 21 years, he has served in Catholic girls' education, bringing deep experience and commitment to the development of students.

Now in his 14th year at St Rita’s College, Martin has made significant impact through multiple leadership positions, including Year 10 Coordinator, Head of Xaverian House and Head of the English Faculty. His current role in the College’s senior leadership team reflects both his expertise and dedication to the College’s mission and values.

Martin is committed to ensuring that students remain at the centre of everything. He aims to ensure St Rita’s College is a place filled with joy, respect and a shared commitment to learning. 

 

BEcon, BCom, CPA, CIP

Ed began his career in the securities room at the Bank of Queensland. Over the course of six years, he progressed to overseeing the Bank’s lending and security documentation and leading a team of 87 staff members. 

For the past ten years, he has served as the Director of Business and Finance at the College. His current role in the College’s senior leadership team sees him leading a dedicated operational team that works tirelessly to ensure the College remains a thriving, student-focused environment. 

As a student, Ed was taught by the Presentation Sisters – some of whom continue to attend College events to this day. Ed is both humbled and fulfilled to continue their legacy, ensuring that their values and spirit remain at the heart of the student experience in every capacity.