Commission Members

The Queensland Synod appoints a chairperson and six other members to Uniting Education Schools and Colleges. In addition, the General Secretary (or their delegate) is an ex-officio member of the Commission. Current members are:

Nigel Fairbairn – Chair

Nigel is passionate about quality education, having worked in Independent Schools between 1981 and 2019. He is a past principal of Blackheath & Thornburgh College, Sunshine Coast Grammar School, St Andrew’s College and SCOTS PGC College. Nigel has achieved many milestones in his learning journey and holds a Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, Master of Education Policy (International), and a Graduate Certificate of Instructional Leadership. He was also a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Queensland, Education sub-committee between 1997 and 2019. Nigel continues to be involved in education as Chair of Grace College (UQ), Board member of the Moreton Bay Colleges, executive recruitment consultant and independent external NSSAB validator. Nigel worships at Tingalpa Uniting Church and, along with his wife, is blessed with three children and six grandsons.

Margaret Goody

Margaret has extensive experience with organisations in the private and not-for-profit sectors as a director, company secretary, chief executive officer, director of development, managing director and consultant. Margaret brings exceptional experience to the committee through her appointments as a member of executive committees across the HR, not-for-profit, defence, and tourism sectors. She is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute Society and has a Graduate Diploma in Business. Margaret was also awarded the Centenary Medal for services to business from the Rockhampton Chamber of Commerce. She currently worships at Aspley Uniting Church.

Rev Linda Hanson

Rev Linda Hanson GAICD is a Minister of Word in the Uniting Church in Australia, with extensive experience in mission integration and community development. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Mission – Mission Integration at UnitingCare Queensland, she has spent over five years aligning mission and values within the organisation. Linda’s leadership skills have been recognised, and she has held positions such as Chairperson of the Moreton Rivers Presbytery. She has also served as a Minister at Faith Works Uniting Community and as a Chaplain at Buderim Private Hospital. Linda has pursued professional development, including completing the Company Directors Course and the Governance for Social Impact program. She has volunteered in various roles, such as P&C President and Board Member. Linda is highly regarded for her leadership abilities and dedication to promoting social impact.

Richard Leo

Richard has been in the education sector since 1995, with experience in schools across Australia. He has been a department head and spent the last decade as a lecturer in education. These roles have given him deep insight into the administration of education in Queensland. Richard is a member of the Queensland History Teachers Association (QHTA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Education, Master of Arts (History) and Master of Education; he is currently enrolled in PhD studies in the School of Classics, History and Religion at the University of Queensland. Richard is the father of three children and completed all his post-graduate studies after they were born. He currently worships at Newlife Brisbane, which meets each week at the Albert Street Uniting Church.

Tracey Johnson

Tracey enjoys working on projects that contribute to economic and social reform. She is passionate about bridging the health and social care divide. She leads a mission-driven organisation based at Inala, which has a national reputation for innovation and impact. It supports care for over 7,000 patients delivered via nearly 50 team members. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Graduate Diploma in Theology and a Master of Public Management and has many years of experience in roles within government and the health sector. She was awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2015 to design new ways of supporting chronic disease care in community settings. In 2018 she co-founded a medical software enterprise that now employs over 30 staff. Tracey currently worships at Newlife Church Brisbane.

Matthew Rollason

Matthew Rollason is a proficient property, commercial, and corporate lawyer with over 25 years of expertise. He has extensive practice in property, banking and finance, insolvency, and commercial law. Matthew has advised on various matters, including operational and land management, complex development arrangements, and real estate transactions. He has a particular interest in liquor, gaming, and hospitality assets. Matthew has also been involved in significant acquisitions and disposals of government land holdings and has guided operational and land management matters. He is recognised as a leading Property and Real Estate lawyer and is a recommended lawyer in Health and Aged Care in Queensland.