Being a member of the St Mary’s College Advisory Council is a wonderful way to get involved in our College, whether you are a parent or community member. It is an opportunity to contribute your skills and expertise in a meaningful and structured way, to help shape the future of your school.
Our dedicated members work with the Principal to enact Quality Catholic Education across the Catholic School community, as well as strategically plan for the present and future operation of the College.
The Advisory Council is comprised of the Principal, Business Manager and the Parish Priest as ex-officio members, a P&F Representative, a Parish representative, and elected community representatives.
Here’s a little about our team in 2025:
Patrick Moase
Patrick has been a member of the St Mary’s College Board and now School Advisory Council since 2018 and has undertaken roles as a member, Treasurer, and as Chairperson since 2021. Patrick’s wife Keryn has been a member of the St Mary’s College staff since 1999 and their children Matilda and Fletcher have been students at the College from pre-primary through to Year 12, with Fletcher finishing his schooling at the end of this year. Away from his role on the School Advisory Council, Patrick is the Co-Founder and CEO of Marine Biomedical and works as a consulting presenter for Sports Medicine Australia.
“The School Advisory Council exists to provide additional support to the Principal and College Leadership Team (CLT) by promoting the values of our Catholic College to the wider community. We do this through regular engagement with the Principal and CLT and by understanding the processes of how the school operates by improving our knowledge of the schools Code of Ethics and Catholic ethos. It is important to be part of this Council to provide support and advice, and promote the benefits of inclusiveness, respect and community engagement”.
Jennifer Maccarone
Jennifer has been a member of the Broome community since 2019, and part of the St Mary’s Community since 2024 when her little one started Kindy. She is the Legal Counsel for Catholic Education Western Australia and bring to the College extensive experience in all things Employment Workplace Relations. Jenn joined the School Advisory Council in 2025 and is the Advisory Council Deputy Chair and Secretary.
“As part of the CSAC I am keen to find out more about how St Mary’s works and how we can contribute to the wider community, while supporting our Principal and leadership team”
Michael Gilmour
Michael is the College Manager of Broome Residential College, with over 30 students attending St Mary’s College. Michael has two daughters, one of whom attends St Mary’s College Kindy. Michael and his family has been residents of Broome for 5 years.
“I feel very fortunate to work closely with the school and am pleased to contribute to the school advisory council; to work with the school principal, staff, and school community to achieve the best outcomes for students. I look forward to supporting the school principal on important school matters, while representing the school community to achieve the best outcomes for the students. I hope to continue the strong working partnership between St Mary’s College and Broome Residential College and contribute to the education and outcomes for students across the Kimberley”.
Lee Stewart
Lee is a dedicated mum of three children aged 9, 7, and 3, including one with special needs. Lee is passionate about community and inclusion, and is deeply committed to aligning herself with others who contribute positively to her own ethos: integrity, trust, equality, and a strong desire to create a safe and inclusive environment that champions opportunities for all children supporting diversity and connection. Lee joins the Advisory Council for the first time in 2025.
“I believe St Marys College provides children, and their families, these opportunities and with a strong investment in the growth of Broome I am so grateful for the opportunity to help St Marys achieve a bigger and brighter future for our future generations.
School Advisory Council’s in my opinion, are an opportunity to provide a diverse voice in direct relation to the operations of a school. It provides a direct communication channel to the school Principal, where the decisions start and end. To be able to provide direct and open feedback amongst others with targeted attributes, places St Mary’s in its strongest position to ensure our education is strong for our children.
St Marys have demonstrated a commitment to my family’s sense of community belonging by supporting inclusion, diversity and adapting their own behaviours, mentalities and environments. My children experience a positive schooling experience where they feel accepted, connected, supported and included in all areas of their schooling – despite disability.”
Dersiree Taverner
Des Taverner is a GP, Senior Lecturer (UWA) and a mum of two sons, one in Year 11 and one in Year 6. She has been on the School Advisory Council for the last 3 years and feels that it is a privilege to be able to help support the school in their endeavour to provide a Christ-centred, child focused learning environment.
“I volunteer on the School Advisory Council as a way to give back to the school in appreciation for the nurturing, encouragement and care they provide.”
Eugenia-Leslie George
Eugenia Leslie-George was born in Broome, and her heritage reflects a typical Broome background, with a mix of Bard, Nyul Nyul, and Japanese ancestry. Following in the footsteps of generations of her family, she received her primary education at St Mary’s School, and is proud that her children and grandchildren continue this tradition. For her secondary schooling, she attended Loreto Convent School in Claremont (now known as John XXIII).
Eugenia has always aspired to work in education; her first job was as an Aboriginal Teacher’s Assistant. She then obtained a teaching degree and now works as an Education Officer with the West Kimberley Child Protection and Family Support (CPFS) service.
“I am a member of the Advisory Council to support the strategic interests and overall governance of the system/college. This group serves as a support system for the Principal and College Leadership, focusing on strategic and financial interests. In previous years, I found that it provided valuable guidance and support from a family perspective that was specific to St Mary’s College.
I am passionate about education, particularly Aboriginal Education. I believe that education boards should have Aboriginal representation to provide a cultural perspective. Education is a key factor in improving choices and outcomes for our communities across all aspects of life, including health, wellbeing and life opportunities. In our region, education faces many challenges, and I feel I can contribute to address these issues.”
Tom Gannon
Tom Gannon was born in Washington State, and brings expertise through his Bachelor in History from St Meinrad College, Masters in Pastoral Ministry from University of Portland, Master’s in Leadership from Notre Dame and a Grad Cert in counselling skills. Tom began working for Notre dame in Fremantle in August of 2004, met his wife Liz in 2011 and moved to Broome in 2018 as the Coordinator of Chaplaincy and Student Experience for Notre Dame’s Broome Campus.
“I have three children; John 13, (year 7) Issy 10 (year 5) Molly 6 (year 1). My kids get a kick out of doing circus and we go ‘all in’ for Book week. I love being part of SMC community and reckon days spent with kids’ education and seeing their dynamic learning environment and the passion that SMC staff bring to their work is impressive. I like making strong memories for my kids and if that involves a bit of embarrassment at stories under the stars all the better!”
Fr Liam Ryan
Fr Liam Ryan was ordained a Catholic priest in 2019 and currently serves at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Broome.
“After graduating from Servite I studied at UWA and completed a Bachelor of Commerce. Feeling like life had more to offer, I volunteered to help out in the remote Aboriginal community of Balgo Hills. Here I had a deep experience of God’s love and the joy of helping others. This vocation has taken me to many places and countries. I attended Redemptorist Mater Seminary and studied theology and philosophy at Notre Dame University. I lived in Papua New Guinea for 2 years as part of my formation training. It was one experience, among many, which has opened my eyes to the divine presence in the world, to myself and those around me.”
Fr Liam Ryan serves as an ex-officio member of the Advisory Council, and plays a key role in the strength and development of the relationship between the Parish and the College.
“By listening to the voice of valued parents, community members, and professionals, St Mary’s can discern how best to serve and educate our young ones. The Advisory Council assists in achieving the mission and goals of a quality Catholic education for our community, now and into the future. It is an honour to be a part of the conversation that contributes to the delivery of a Christ-centred education, that enhances the lives of our future generation.”
Chelsea Stewart
“I’m a proud mum of three children who attend St Mary’s College. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and supportive school community. Being involved allows me to give back and contribute to the environment in which my children are growing and learning.
Chelsea currently chairs the P&F Association, serve as the P&F representative on the School Advisory Council and is a board member for CSPWA. Chelsea is passionate about creating opportunities that strengthen our sense of connection between families, staff, and the wider community and supporting initiatives that enrich the experience for all students.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this involvement has inspired my children, who share the same enthusiasm for helping and coming up with ideas to make a positive difference. Seeing that spirit reflected in them is one of my greatest joys.”
Interested in joining this fabulous team? Find out more at the Annual Community Meeting on Monday 24th November, 2025!
