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.
Kym Korbe
Kym Korbe is a seasoned executive with a robust background in leadership, management, and community engagement. She serves as the Executive Officer for the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) and Covenanting at the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. Her career includes managing the RAP Program at UnitingCare Queensland and co-leading the Covenanting Priority Action Group. Kym’s extensive experience in various senior roles highlights her ability to drive mission-focused initiatives and manage complex projects with dedication and expertise.
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.
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.
Michael Harding
Michael Harding is an experienced education specialist with a background in leading and managing educational institutions. He currently serves as a board member for both Arcadia College and Uniting Education Schools and Colleges, providing strategic oversight to these organisations, as well as the Queensland Catholic Education Commission Capital Assessment Committee. Michael has held significant roles, including General Manager at the Queensland Independent Schools Block Grant Authority and Executive Manager of Education Services at Carinity. With a career spanning over three decades in Independent School contexts in three States of Australia, he has demonstrated expertise in school leadership and establishing new schools and campuses. Michael holds advanced qualifications, including a Master’s in Education.
Grant Weaver
Grant Weaver is an accomplished executive specialising in human resources and organisational leadership. As the Executive Director of Synod Services for the Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod, he provides strategic leadership across various departments, including People & Culture, Payroll, Learning & Development, IT, and Schools and Colleges. With over 25 years of experience, Grant has held senior roles such as Executive Director of People Culture & Learning and HR Manager at UnitingCare Community. His extensive background includes managing complex projects, driving strategic initiatives, and enhancing service delivery within diverse and geographically dispersed organisations. Grant holds a Master’s in Business Management from QUT.