Leadership & Board

Leadership of a school is not just about administration or managing staff. It is about ensuring the whole school community understands and is working towards a united, positive vision for our students. We take tremendous pride in maintaining a dedicated team of staff and we seek to employ teachers of the highest calibre. Our experienced Board of Directors is committed to ensuring all students are provided with the very best opportunities and potential for growth.

SENIOR STAFF

OUR BOARD

Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee and is governed by a Board of 10 Directors with a Company membership of 25. The Bishop of Ballarat is the President and the ceremonial and spiritual leader of the School. Ballarat Grammar’s governance is guided by best-practice principles that ensure the School is consistently meeting and exceeding expectations.

Correspondence to the Board may be directed to: [email protected]

Mrs Sarah Lia Chair

Mr Tim Hovey Deputy Chair

The Right Reverend Garry Weatherill President

Mr Ewen Nevett Board Member

Professor David Mackay Board Member

Mrs Georgia Yanner Board Member

Dr Helen Weadon Board Member

Mrs Catherine Hopper Board Member

Father Michael O'Brien Board Member

Mr Scott Andrews Board Member

Mrs Sarah Lia Chair

Mrs Lia is a former Ballarat Grammar parent, practising lawyer and was a Ballarat Grammar Board member from 2002 to 2019, rejoining the Board in 2022 and assuming the position of Chair in 2024. With extensive governance experience, she has held positions on boards in community health, regional industries, education, and law. Mrs Lia is a former President of the Ballarat and District Law Association and has received life governorships from Ballarat Health Services and the Queen Elizabeth Centre.

Mr Tim Hovey Deputy Chair

BBus, Grad Dip AppFin, FFin, CA

Tim’s financial acumen has guided Ballarat Grammar on a strong path over the years. A Director at PPT Financial since 2005, he brings expertise in accounting and finance and significant experience in small to medium business operations. Tim is passionate about being involved in a school that focuses on each student to give them the tools they need to become productive, well-rounded members of society. Tim also serves on the Property and Finance Committee for the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat. He is a current parent.

The Right Reverend Garry Weatherill President

Anglican Bishop of Ballarat

The Bishop of Ballarat is the President and the ceremonial and spiritual leader of the School.

Mr Ewen Nevett Board Member

BEng (Civil), MIE Aust, CPEng, APEC Engineer, IntPE (Aust), Civil Engineer

With a focus on creating a world-class educational offering with first-class facilities, Ewen is passionate about the School embracing the future while ensuring its proud past and identity are recognised and preserved. He brings a strong background in engineering together with a broad range of management skills developed over many years working in state and local government and a keen interest in corporate governance. Ewen is an Old Grammarian and past parent and is also involved in the Ballarat & Queen’s Old Grammarians’ Association.

Professor David Mackay Board Member

BAgEc (Hons), MEc, GradDipComp PhD, FACS, FAICD

A Practice Professor with a strong background in tertiary education, applied economics, e-commerce and agriculture, David brings a passion for education and a keen interest in contributing to learning in a secondary school context. He is a practising Anglican with significant board experience who is particularly interested in the impact that faith-based governance can have on leadership and the importance of good governance in not-for-profit organisations.David holds a commercial pilot’s licence and is a senior flight instructor.

Mrs Georgia Yanner Board Member

BA. LL.B

A Director and Owner of Yanner Mann Dobson Law, Georgia specialises in estate and succession law – an area she is attracted to because it requires relating to people at a human level where this may be their first experience with the law. She brings a broad range of legal and other skills, notably problem-solving, strategic and analytical thinking, strong communication and relationship building. Georgia is passionate about being part of a strong community that cares for its members and has service at its core, embracing the ethos, ‘social awareness that impels to action’. Georgia is a current parent.

Dr Helen Weadon Board Member

Helen brings over four decades of experience in education across secondary, vocational and higher education sectors. A former Associate Dean at Federation University, she has led academic programs, published in international journals and served on numerous boards including the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited and the Adult, Community and Further Education Board. Helen is passionate about equity in education, ethical leadership and the role of learning in strengthening regional communities.

Mrs Catherine Hopper Board Member

BCom/LLB (Hons), MAppFin, CPA, GAICD

A senior commercial leader with extensive commercial negotiation, financial and stakeholder management capability, Catherine brings a broad range of skills and experience, notably commercial and financial expertise focused on strategic planning and financial governance. Experienced in leading through change, risk management and effective corporate governance, she values collaboration, trust and excellence. Catherine is an Old Grammarian who is aligned with the School’s educational philosophy, with a particular interest in the need to adapt to the changing needs of our students while maintaining the important traditions underpinning our culture.

Father Michael O'Brien Board Member

BA, B.Divinity

Father Michael is Parish Priest at St Peter’s Cathedral Ballarat. He is focused on ensuring our students are nurtured, educated and cared for in the best possible way.

Mr Scott Andrews Board Member

BB, ExEd, CA, IBM Master Deal Maker, IBM Sales Certification – Level III

Bringing valuable entrepreneurial and financial expertise, Scott demonstrates visionary leadership and confident communication. As a change advocate, he leads impactful business improvements, excels in strategic support and fosters innovation. Scott has a keen interest in good governance, particularly ensuring that decisions align with the School’s values and Strategic Plan and foster a healthy culture throughout the organisation. Scott is an APAC Strategic Sales Commercial Leader at IBM Consulting. His three children attended Grammar and his wife Tracy teaches in the Junior School.