Debbie Joppich

Centre Manager

Debbie brings extensive experience working across the Maranoa region, including previous roles in economic and tourism development with local government and not-for profit organisations. With a genuine passion for Roma and the people who call it home, Debbie is particularly interested in workforce development and creating opportunities that support the long-term growth and sustainability of regional communities. As Centre Manager, Debbie looks forward to connecting with students, community members and partner organisations, while continuing to strengthen CUC Maranoa as a welcoming and supportive place for people to pursue their educational dreams and goals.

Katherine Ballon

Learning Skills Advisor

Kat was born and grew up in Roma, moving away for six years to complete her Secondary Schooling and Bachelor of Exercise Science and Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Having returned to assist in running her family cattle property and now raising a young family, Kat is passionate about supporting students to achieve their learning goals whilst remaining in Roma. With the experience studying on campus, as well as remotely online and on placement in rural areas, Kat can appreciate the benefits and challenges these study modes can present for rural students. Her experiences of different study journeys enables her to support students who face these obstacles to reach their learning goals. “I look forward to meeting and working with the students to help develop their academic skills, maintain their wellbeing, and continue to build the wonderful and inclusive learning community here at CUC Maranoa.”

Glenys Hughes

Learning Skills Advisor

Glenys graduated with a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Education before teaching in secondary schools in Brisbane, on the Sunshine Coast and in Western Queensland. Making Roma her home 25 years ago, she taught at St John’s School prior to being full time self employed as business manager in her family business for the past 11 years. Glenys has two children of her own engaged in tertiary studies, and is familiar with the requirements and pressures of juggling study, prac, work and family life. “I am excited to be working in the positive learning environment that CUC Maranoa offers. I look forward to assisting students with their learning and am thrilled to be able to help them achieve their study and career goals while living at home.”

Danny Tucker

Centre Support Officer

Danny was also born in Roma and has lived in Roma all his life. Danny got an Electronics Technician apprenticeship straight out of school and then spent 25 years in the IT industry working for a local company. As a former apprentice and having helped many other local apprentices and trainees through their TAFE training, Danny appreciates having a place like CUC Maranoa for those who live in remote communities to have access to the resources the CUC provides for their studies. “I hope to be able to assist those students who come here and make the CUC have a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for all that step through our front doors.”

Liz Burey

Widening Participation Officer

After calling Roma home for the last 20 years, Liz is passionate about engaging with our local community and championing skills development and learning opportunities for people living in rural and remote areas. As someone who has lived rurally for most of her life and now raises a young family here, she understand first-hand the challenges of distance, access, and balancing study with everyday life. "At CUC Maranoa, I’m proud to be part of a team that’s helping students overcome those barriers — creating a place where they feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed. I look forward to meeting you and supporting your study journey here at CUC Maranoa.”

Camille Johnson

Chair

Camille has proudly lived in the Maranoa region her whole life.  As well as having completed a Diploma of Management, Post Graduate Certificate in Business and a Certificate IV in Career Development, Camille has over ten years of board experience within not for profit sector and nineteen years within the vocational education and training sector. Camille’s vision for CUC Maranoa is that it will offer the opportunity for people in the Maranoa to pursue higher education through providing the support for students to develop the skills and knowledge needed locally for the future sustainability of the region.

Cameron O'Neil

Non-Executive Director

Cameron has lived and worked across Western and South Western Queensland for the past 15 years.  He has a Bachelor Degree in Animal Studies from the University of Queensland. As a local Councillor, Cameron has seen first-hand the importance of diversification and equity of access to education in rural, regional and remote Queensland, enabling people to have a real choice about where and how they study. “CUC Maranoa is a game-changer for keeping our youth in our communities while also giving anyone, of any age, the opportunity to further their studies from the place they call home in a professional, purpose fit and technology-advanced Country Universities Centre”. “This is an exciting initiative for our region, and I am honoured to be playing a role in making it a reality.”

Jim Sands

Non-Executive Director

Jim has 25yrs in Agricultural Education; firstly as a Lecturer in Soil and Water Management at UGQ Gatton Campus for 19 years, and then as Campus Manager and Director of Internal Training for AACC Emerald Campus for 6 years. Educationally, Jim has a Bachelor (Hons) in Applied Science - Rural Technology along with a PhD in Rural and Natural Systems Management. For the last 8 years, Jim has been based in Roma with Santos managing Agricultural based operations for the GLNG project. "My vision for the CUC Maranoa project is to provide assistance and support to students studying tertiary courses remotely in the Maranoa. This increases the options for residents to upgrade qualifications and improves their chances of the completion success of their course."

Donaugh Shirley

Non-Executive Director

Donaugh was born and raised on a property in South-East Queensland, attending All Hallows School and Griffith University, where she graduated as a teacher in 1977.  Much to her surprise, she was transferred to North-West Queensland, which provided the pathway for her passion, into rural and regional education.  Teaching in Mount Isa, Cloncurry, and then Taroom, where she became a school principal, provided Donaugh with a wealth of experience around rural education.  In her roles as the Foundation principal of Mary McKillop Highfields and principal of St John's Roma, Donaugh has supported students, staff and the wider community in their acquisition and pathways to quality rural education. Donaugh is married to Derek Shirley, together they have proudly guided their four children through their education, and are now devoting their time to their areas of love & interest. "My belief is that all students, no matter what background, gender or age have the right to quality education.  I see CUC Maranoa as a launchpad for many in our region to realise their full potential through education"

Ross Penrose

Non Executive Director

Ross is a local to the Maranoa district having grown up in Wallumbilla. After proudly attending Wallumbilla State School and Roma State High, Ross then attained a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physics) and a Diploma in Teaching. Ross's teaching career began at Emerald State High School then at St Marys in Ipswich, followed by St John’s School in Roma, where he still enjoys having a powerful impact on the students he teaches today. "I have always had a strong connection with rural education and have seen a large number of my students attend university. Some students cope well with the adjustment to city life but some struggle with the transition. It is for this reason that I am very passionate about the CUC Maranoa and what it will offer for the students in the district." "I believe it is so important for a community to retain some of the young adults that normally leave the district to continue their studies. They have so much to contribute to society and our region will be much better for it." "The CUC Maranoa will also provide valuable support for those people who have already committed to residing in the district and wish to continue studying. I am confident the CUC Maranoa will be a great asset for our community."

Judy Harland

Non-Executive Director

In 1973 Judy completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland, followed by her Diploma of Education.  Between 1975 -1979 Judy enjoyed being a Secondary Teacher at Injune State School.  After this, Judy taught at Roma State School, and then between 1988 -1997, Judy was a Senior Secondary/Principal Teacher at the College of the South West.  Following her extensive years as a Secondary teacher, Judy became the Director of Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE – Roma College. "CUC Maranoa will provide an infrastructure base to support students in independent lifelong learning. In partnership with Universities, CUC Maranoa will offer rural-based students accessible, flexible learning opportunities which have a greater reliance on information technology."

Bill Sheehan

Non-Executive Director

Bill hails from Roma and has a diverse background in agriculture, agri-politics, and accounting.  In 1972 Bill completed his Commerce Degree study at UQ.  Bill then qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1976 and spent five years with Coopers & Lybrand in Brisbane, Sydney, and Townsville. Bill spent 18 months in practice with Statham Cheesman in Roma before embarking on twenty-five years developing his own broadacre livestock enterprises at Injune in Central Qld, and Dirranbandi in Southern Qld.  Proudly, Bill has held senior executive positions in Queensland agri-politics including  Maranoa Graziers President in 1990/91 and a United Graziers Association Councillor from 1987 to 1991, prior to the formation of Agforce. He rejoined Statham Cheesman in 1995 and is now a managing partner. Other important accomplishments include being a member of the ICAA Qld Regional Council from 1998 to 2012 with being the 2010 Qld State Chairman, chairing the National ICAA Regional Australia Advisory Committee from 2004 to 2013,   and was a member of the Federal Government's Agricultural Finance Forum from 1998 to 2013. In 2013 he was a member of the ICAA/NZ Council Working Group during the successful merger discussions with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Dr Anthony Brown

Non-Executive Director

Anthony is the Chief Executive of South West Hospital and Health Service and brings more than 30 years of experience as a rural generalist doctor, senior health executive and advocate for rural and remote communities. With a strong commitment to improving access, opportunities and outcomes for regional people, Anthony’s extensive leadership and governance experience will be a valuable addition to the CUC Maranoa Board.

Peter Stanford

Non-Executive Director

As a Roma local, Peter brings valuable regional knowledge, a strong understanding of the community and a commitment to supporting opportunities for people across the Maranoa. His local perspective will be a valued contribution to the ongoing direction and growth of CUC Maranoa.