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About the ACFE Board

Information about the Adult, Community and Further Education Board members. The Adult, Community and Further Education Board’s role is to plan and promote adult learning, allocate resources, develop policies and advise the Minister for Skills and TAFE on matters related to adult education in Victoria.

Through the Board, the Victorian Government provides funding to registered Learn Local providers to deliver education and training programs to a broad range of Victorians who are above compulsory school age and who are seeking to gain the educational capacity and core skills they need for study, work and life.

The Board provides funding to around 200 Learn Local providers, as well as AMES Australia and the Centre for Adult Education, to deliver pre-accredited training and other programs that support learners to:

Learn Local providers are all not-for-profit community organisations dedicated to meeting the individual needs of learners with flexibility, in a warm and welcoming environment. This flexibility and support allow learners to successfully participate both economically and socially.

The Board is a statutory authority that operates under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006.

Meet the Board

Under legislation, the Board has between 8 and 12 members, including a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. Members of the Board are appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Minister for Skills and TAFE. Members reflect the breadth and diversity of adult education in the community and its links with government, industry and the community sector.

ACFE Board members

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![John Maddock OAM - Adult, Community and Further Education Board](/sites/default/files/2020-12/John Maddock OAM.jpg)

John has extensive governance and senior executive leadership experience in the tertiary and adult education sectors, including as Chief Executive Officer of Box Hill Institute, the Gordon Institute of TAFE and the CAE.

His governance experience as a non-executive director in the education sector includes the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Board, Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) Board of Trustees, Deakin University Council, Monash University Faculty of Education Board, Innovation and Business Skills Australia, Australian Training Products and eCoach boards.

John is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Victoria Polytechnic Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Committee at Victoria University.

He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for volunteer services at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

In 2013, John was made a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to vocational education and training, and to the sport of basketball.

![Margaret Lewis - Adult, Community and Further Education Board](/sites/default/files/2020-12/Margaret Lewis.jpg)

Margaret has wide-ranging experience on community boards and committees. She is currently the Chair of Remembrance Parks Central Victoria and a board member of Castlemaine Health (now Dhelkaya Health), Planning for Sustainable Animal Industries Implementation Reference Group, and Joyces Creek Cemetery Trust, in addition to other non-government bodies and committees.

Margaret has extensive experience in education, having been a teacher for 25 years and a principal for 18 years in the Loddon Mallee Region. She was on the board of the Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network for more than 20 years, and Deputy Chair for many years before retiring in May 2022.

Natasha Ngweso black and white headshot.

Natasha has a strong background in financial and management accounting and leadership. From 2012 to 2016 she worked in management, accountancy and recruitment roles for Woodside Energy Limited, during which time she engaged with members of the Timor-Leste Development Program and developed working relationships with local universities to support graduate recruitment.

She also held the position of chairwoman of an internal organisation to drive diversity and inclusion called Women of Woodside. From 2017 to 2021 she held the role of Executive Manager, Store Operations at Aldi, Western Australia. She has also served as a volunteer at Foodbank Australia.

Kate Gaffney headshot in black and white.

Kate Gaffney boasts a 20-year career in Higher Education and Adult Education, including work in TAFE partnerships and pathways programs across Victoria. In 2021, she completed a Global Executive MBA at Monash University, emphasizing governance, innovation, global strategy, financial management, and leadership. Since completing her MBA, Ms Gaffney has transitioned into roles within the realms of investment banking and corporate advisory with a focus on supporting social and environmental sustainability. Her dynamic career trajectory reflects her ability to excel in demanding and competitive environments, showcasing her adaptability and acumen.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kate is the proud owner of a sustainable farming business based in West Gippsland where she was born. Her commitment to sustainable practices aligns with her broader vision of advancing the interests of regional and rural communities. Ms Gaffney is a fervent advocate for enhanced access to educational opportunities. She recognizes the profound impact of education in elevating the well-being and prospects of individuals in these regions, making her an invaluable leader and champion in her field.

Photo of Ann Maree Playfair

Ann Maree Playfair boasts a wealth of experience and an impressive track record spanning three decades in marketing, project management, and the development of community-based programs across regional Victoria.

Ms Playfair’s journey includes 10 years of vocational teaching experience, where she actively contributed to the growth and development of individuals. Her extensive professional journey is further enriched by her valuable experience in teaching at both university and TAFE (Technical and Further Education) levels. Her teaching roles have encompassed positions at Mansfield Adult Community Education (MACE), Jesuit Community College/Job Providers, and Australian Employment Training Solutions (AETS)/Job Providers.

She has dedicated a decade of her time to volunteering with community-based organizations, serving in various capacities such as Chair, board member, or committee member. Ms Playfair has also delivered training at Learn Locals throughout the Hume regional area and her responsibilities have extended to managing Adult, Community, and Further Education pre-accredited courses to ensure their alignment with foundation skills and pathways. Her career also includes a role in marketing at the Transport Accident Commission, as well as consultancy positions, where she has undoubtedly contributed significantly to her field.

A person wearing glasses

Kathryn Munro has over 30 years experience in finance, accounting, business partnering and engagement with key financial compliance and commercial stakeholders. Ms Munro has had previous executive roles as CFO of Cheetham Salt Limited, Finance Director of McCormick Foods Australia Pty Ltd, CFO of ANI Pharmaceuticals Company and CFO of CSL Limited subsidiary, ZLB Behring. She holds qualifications in international business, business administration and accounting. She is skilled in building robust governance structure and oversight of business transformation including mergers and acquisitions, major capital builds and significant IT projects.

She holds a master’s in international business from Melbourne University and a master’s in business administration from Deakin University. She is a graduate member of Australian Institute of company directors (GAICD).

A person in a suit wearing glasses

David Wild has extensive experience in organisational leadership and board directorships, and holds specific expertise across the refugee/migrant, youth mental health and the community vocational training sectors. Mr Wild is the current CEO of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health in rural Victoria. He has over 15 years experience working within the refugee/migrant, Aboriginal health and youth mental health sectors. Mr Wild’s role on the Board for Survivors of Torture and Trauma Assistance and Rehabilitation Service (STTARS) supported people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. His previous positions have been Chief Executive at Specialised Assistance School for Youth (SASY) in Adelaide, National Clinical Manager and State Manager for headspace Schools and Team Leader at the Department of Education and Child Development in South Australia.

He has a Master of Social Work from Flinders University with high distinctions and has completed Governor’s Leadership Foundation (GLF) Program from Leaders Institute of South Australia in 2017.

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Dr Anne Astin AM has over 30 years of experience in public service and public sector governance, policy development, executive leadership, operations and issues management in Victoria. She was previously CEO of Dairy Food Safety Victoria and in senior executive positions in diversified sectors. Dr Astin was also previously a director and Chair of William Angliss Institute for a decade where they achieved a 90% employment rate for their students. She is a strong and experienced candidate for the Board who has solid governance and board experience. Dr Astin holds qualifications in Biochemistry, Chemistry and in Public Sector Management. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

She was awarded the member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2020 and Public Service Medal (PSM) in 2011. In 2010, she was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll.

A woman in a suit looking to camera

Dr Colleen Pearce AM is a proud Yuin woman and is an experienced strategic leader in government, health and charitable sectors. She is an innovative leader committed to driving reform and cultural change. She has worked with boards associated with Indigenous peoples and community and health services for vulnerable people. Dr Pearce is currently the Victorian Public Advocate, a statutory appointed role that she has been in for 17 years. She has a broad range of responsibilities that includes guardian of last resort for adults with disabilities, and medical decision-maker of last resort.

She holds qualifications in humanities, education, health service management, business health administration and was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University for outstanding contribution to human rights and people with disability.

She was awarded Order of Australia Medal (AM) in 2020.

Contact the Board

Post:

Adult, Community and Further Education Board C/o Office of the Executive Director, Adult, Community and Further Education, Pathways and Workforce GPO Box 4509, Melbourne VIC 3001

Email: apw.executive.office@djsir.vic.gov.au

Regional Councils of Adult, Community and Further Education

There are 8 Regional Councils of Adult, Community and Further Education across Victoria.

The Regional Councils are a voice in your local community and help to identify and address education needs for adults. They attend council meetings and participate in other events or activities.

More information

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Contact email: sector.engagement@djsir.vic.gov.au

Contact number: (03) 9651 9999

Updated 2 April 2026

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