Presenters

Mark Elkington

Mark was previously the CFO of NT Christian Schools (6 schools across the Northern Territory). His move to Darwin from Sydney in 2013 was for the purpose of supporting church planting, and family involvement with Christian children’s homes in Bali. He has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), and wide-ranging management...

Mary Henry

Director of Community Relations, Wesley College With more than 20 years experience in both Australia and the United States, Mary’s background includes extensive practice in brand building, events, marketing, communications and team leadership. Mary was incredibly chuffed when the Wesley College Community Relations team was awarded the Educate Plus Team...

Melanie Hnetka

Melanie is a seasoned communications leader with over 15 years of experience in school marketing and strategic communications. Known for her self-directed and solutions-focused approach, Melanie has successfully led high-impact initiatives in brand identity, media relations, crisis management and integrated marketing. Her expertise lies in crafting clear, consistent messaging that...

Merryn Parks

A service marketer by trade Merryn spent a decade (or so!) working in telecommunications across a variety of Director level roles at Optus including brand, retail, segment and product marketing. With a heart leading her to the ‘For Purpose’ industry Merryn switched to education working in advancement. She launched the...

Mike Stanley

CEO of AUT Millennium, President and Chairman New Zealand Olympic Committee, and Board member – High Performance Sport New Zealand, Mike is the perfect leader to inspire delegates on decision making and high performance strategies. Mike has had a long involvement in sport, including with rowing, where he has been...

Murray Osbourne

Murray brings with him a strong background in community engagement, alumni relations and major events within the education sector. He is the current Head of Alumni & Community Engagement at Melbourne Grammar School, where he lead’s whole of school engagement strategies across alumni, families & volunteers. Prior to his...

Myfanwy Stanfield

Myfanwy has dedicated over 18 years to the independent education sector in New South Wales. Her journey emphasises developing relationships, engaging communities, and enhancing organisational profiles through strategic marketing and communications. Myfanwy’s expertise spans strategic planning, fostering philanthropy, relationship marketing, event management, alumni engagement, and admissions. This diverse skill...

Nick Jaffer

A recognised award-winning authority on major gifts, capital campaigns and integrated advancement, Nick has built a strong track working across five continents, including senior roles at his alma mater, the University of Alberta, during its first comprehensive campaign—the third largest campaign in Canadian history to that time, exceeding the goal...

Nicole De Vries

Nicole de Vries is an established executive leader with more than 15 years’ experience across independent schools, with a track record in strategic planning, sustainable enrolment growth, innovative marketing campaigns, and leading high-performing teams. In her current role as Director of Advancement at Ipswich Girls’ and Junior Grammar School,...

Penny Bowman

Penny is an experienced Development Manager, specialising in the initial establishment and implementation of Alumni Relations and Development strategies. Penny joined Toorak College in 2016 as the school’s first ever appointed person in a Development role. Through consultation with the school’s key stakeholders and the development of best practice policies,...

Peta Nowacki

DirectorWorking Together Peta has worked exclusively in the area of workplace relations since 1999, founding Working Together in 2006. Since then, she has been an independent mediator, investigator, trainer and consultant in fields including education, professional services, health, arts, retail and manufacturing for everything from corporates to not-for-profits.

Peter Buckingham

Managing DirectorSpectrum Analysis Peter has been the Managing Director of Spectrum Analysis for over 25 years. Prior to that he worked in the oil industry following his studies at Melbourne University. Spectrum Analysis works in both education and in demographics and mapping within the franchise sector, with major accounts both...