An experienced leader in multi-disciplinary roles at a senior executive level, Wendy brings extensive management and business operations experience, excellent networks and a substantial track record in stakeholder relations across the government, business and for purpose sectors. With a career built around the power of education as a catalyst for change and a passionate commitment to regional and rural Australia, Wendy believes the Country Education Foundation’s focus on enabling local communities to support rural and regional youth to access further education, career and personal development opportunities is a simple and compelling proposition.
Wendy holds formal qualifications in Social Sciences (BEd), Business and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She serves on a number of Boards and Expert Panels that have an Education and/or regional development focus.
“We know that Country Education Foundation’s focus on enabling local communities to support youth from rural, regional and remote areas to access further education, training and work is impactful and creates change.”
Deb has extensive experience in finance management with many years in both private industry & government in rural NSW. She is an active participant with Zonta International, a global service and advocacy organisation focusing on the advancement of women of which education is a key factor. Deb continues her professional work with CEF in semi-retirement as it is a great opportunity for her to contribute to an organisation that shares her value of educational equality.
“I believe a professionally run organisation can best serve our communities and provide the essential support the young people in rural Australia need to reach their potential.”
Lisa is a country girl with corporate and consulting experience in marketing and communications. She is passionate about rural and regional students achieving their dreams through her work with our foundations and their volunteers. As a genuine communicator, Lisa relies on her strong relationships to facilitate positive impact. This extends to our generous partners to discover how we can achieve our mutually beneficial goals.
“A society that invests in the education of their youth makes for richer, stronger, more vibrant communities. The greater our network the more positive our impact.”
Donna has over 25 years of experience in the health sector, working in administration, statistical data, project management and information technology. She has a love for regional Australia and learning more through meeting people and communities while travelling. She enjoys working with everyone at CEF and the foundations as each person is working towards a common goal – to guide students to a better future. She believes that these warm and genuine connections made though CEF are vital to its success.
“I believe our students are the future and they will bring something wonderful to it. One of my favourite quotes is:
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” —A.A. Milne”
Carolyn has a long background in senior corporate affairs and stakeholder management roles, across the private, government and not-for-profit sectors. She has headed up the philanthropic and corporate social responsibility functions at a number of high-profile organisations around Australia and has served on Boards in the education sector.
Carolyn holds a BA(Hons) and an MA, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
She is based in Sydney.
“I’m inspired by CEF’s communities working to support their own young people to chase their ambitions. Levelling the educational playing field for young people from regional areas benefits all of Australia.”
Trease, raised in country NSW with six siblings, understands the value of educational support. While completing a Bachelor of Media and studying Law, she balanced three jobs to pursue her goals. Her determination has led to 20 years in senior roles across communications, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building.
With experience spanning metropolitan and regional Australia — including work with a federal minister, global sporting brands, and Charles Sturt University — Trease offers deep insight into the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities.
“Education unlocks potential — it sharpens thinking, builds confidence, and gives people the tools to shape their own future with clarity and purpose. Everyone deserves the chance to shape a meaningful life, and those with the drive to do so should be supported every step of the way.”
Outdoor Educator, Manager, Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, Nature Drawer & Educator.
I am an Outdoor Educator and Leader at heart and had a wonderful 15 years creating, planning, leading and supporting nature experiences for all ages, specialising in supporting young people at risk of mental health issues into the outdoors.
In more recent years I have managed a reserve for Bush Heritage Australia & supported a vast array of people staying and visiting the remote Charles Darwin Reserve in the Midwest of WA (- a magnificent place to have lived and raised 2 children for 5 years) and managed headspace Geraldton in the Midwest of WA. I absolutely thrived and loved my time working in and with the natural world.
I am passionate about supporting young people in regional and remote Australia to thrive and reach their full potential leading lives full of choice, purpose and times of joy.
BA Cinema Studies / BA Outdoor Education / MA Social Work / Post Grad Young People’s Mental Health Assessment
“Knowledge gained through life experience and education brings the opportunity for young people to make a difference within their sphere of influence, no matter the size, for life.”
Lucy Taber is the Office Administrator at Country Education Foundation of Australia. She brings more than 15 years of experience across community services, disability support, staff and client relations, and administration.
Known for her approachable nature and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Lucy enjoys working alongside communities, supporting teams and helping others navigate challenges.
She is passionate about creating positive experiences and is proud to contribute to an organisation that helps regional students pursue their education and career goals.
“What I love most about CEF is that we're not only investing in students, we're backing them. We're showing them that their community believes in them, supports their aspirations, and wants to see them succeed.”
Michelle is passionate about people, community, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. With over a decade of experience in for-purpose organisations, she’s helped design and deliver programs that connect, educate, and create real impact.
Her work has supported students, teachers, and community members—expanding national education programs and strengthening partnerships that drive long-term change. She’s played a key role in growing for-purpose organisations, delivering large-scale events, and developing strategies for impact reporting and growth.
Michelle believes every young person should have access to the same opportunities, no matter where they live. That’s why she’s passionate about ensuring rural and regional students get the support they need to reach their potential. Whether it’s through funding, mentoring, or local partnerships, when students are given the right opportunities—and organisations like CEF walk alongside them—they can achieve incredible things.
“Education changes lives, and families, and communities.”
Born and raised in Central West NSW, Hilary has always had a passion for regional development, especially in improving youth education outcomes. Armed with a Master of Commerce (Corporate Communications) from Charles Sturt University and extensive experience in public relations and the higher education sector, she is determined to see regional youth succeed, no matter what their dreams might be. Hilary believes in the impact of authentic communication and ensuring that all partnerships are relevant to achieving organisational objectives.
on maternity leave until July 2027
“Investing in our regional youth means great advancement in our local communities. Education is much more than a piece of paper – it unlocks incredible opportunities for young people and gives them the power to make decisions about how they choose to live their life.”
