Our People
Our Team
Shiron Kirkman
Centre Manager
Shiron holds a degree in Library and Information Science with a major in marketing through Charles Sturt University. She has spent over 20-years as a marketing and project management professional; with a host of transferable skills, drawing on diverse experience in the public and private sectors and specialising in strategy, digital marketing and management. After completing her Certificate IV Training and Assessment, Shiron gained experience in adult education through teaching foundation skills after hours.
In 2021, she joined CUC Western Riverina as an Academic Advisor and as Communications/Business Support before accepting the Centre Managers role in 2022.
Maddi Ramponi
Centre Support & First Year Advisor
Maddi is not only our First Year Advisor and admin extraordinaire; she is also a high-achieving student at CUC Western Riverina, studying a double degree in Law and Criminology at the University of New England. She was twice selected to represent the Murray electorate in the NSW Youth Parliament Program and proudly served as the first School Captain of Murrumbidgee Regional High School. From 2022, she spent three years as a Student Mentor for the University of Wollongong’s Future Me Program. Now, as Program Coordinator of our Ready Set Uni program, Maddi supports Year 12 students in their transition to higher education and is deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities for regional and rural students.
Maddi began with CUC Western Riverina in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant, moving into the Centre Support role in 2024. She now also leads the implementation of the First Year Advisor program across the Western Riverina, empowering first-year students to succeed and thrive throughout their higher education journey.
Filomena Pingiaro
Widening Participation Officer
Filomena joined CUC Western Riverina in 2024 as the Widening Participation Officer, bringing a strong background in agriculture, employment, disabilities, and the carer sector. Having lived and worked in regional communities, she is passionate about removing barriers to education and ensuring that location or personal circumstances do not limit opportunity.
In her role, Filomena works closely with local schools and community groups to support parents, carers, and young people in navigating higher education. By raising awareness, building aspirations, and providing guidance, she empowers regional students to pursue their academic and career goals.
Amy Brown
Academic Advisor (Griffith)
Amy completed a Bachelor of Science & Nutrition at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, graduating in the top 2% of her cohort before beginning her career as a Food Product Developer. She has also studied in Sweden and spent many years studying by distance, which has fostered her passion for connecting with and supporting students in their own learning journeys.
Since joining CUC Western Riverina in 2021 as an Academic Advisor, Amy has combined her professional expertise with lived experience to guide and encourage students. Alongside her role, she works part-time with her local church and is a proud mum to four beautiful young children.
Christie Talbot
Academic Advisor (Leeton)
Christie holds a Bachelor of Law/Arts (Honours) from the Australian National University and has worked in various roles in the Australian Parliamentary Library, National Library, and education sector. She completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University through studying by distance and continues to work as an English Teacher at a local school.
Commencing at CUC Western Riverina in 2023, Christie has brought her passion for the arts, agriculture, and community development to the role. She is dedicated to supporting students while continuing to contribute to education and her local community.
Domenique Iirilli
Administrative Assistant
Domenique is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education through Curtin University and works as a School Learning Support Officer at Griffith East Public School. As the first in her family to attend university, she understands the challenges and triumphs of studying in a regional area. Now part of the CUC team, Domenique is passionate about supporting others on their own education journey.
In 2025, she became apart of the CUC Western Riverina team as an Administration Assistant and brings a kind and approachable presence to the Centre. Always ready with a smile, Domenique is here to assist students with administrative matters and help make their study experience as smooth as possible.
Our Board
David Martin
Chair
David is the Executive Officer of Western Riverina Community College and Western Riverina Community School. Through additional board roles with Community Colleges Australia, David has also helped to develop and strengthen the contribution of community colleges across Australia.
David is a graduate of Queensland Agricultural College and holds a Master of Education Leadership and Policy, in addition to a Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development, both from Monash University. He also holds various qualifications in business and accounting, and is also known for his involvement in the community,
David received the Governor-General’s Award for services provided to Scouting Australia in 2011 and was named ACT Rugby Volunteer of the Year. A keen sailor in his leisure time, David completed a two-week sailing voyage from Australian to New Zealand aboard HMB Bark Endeavour (replica) in 2019.
Brett Stonestreet
Non-Executive Director
Brett was appointed as Griffith City Council's General Manager from August 2011 to August 2025.
Brett has over 40 years of experience in local government and has spent a significant period of that time as a CEO, Group Manager and General Manager in Moyne Shire (Victoria), Gunnedah Shire, Cobar Shire and Barraba Shire councils. He has consistently focused on strengthening communities through collaborative leadership and strategic initiatives, with a particular dedication to the growth and sustainability of our region.
Jackie Kruger
Non-Executive Director
Jackie commenced as General Manager of Leeton Shire Council in August 2015. She came to the Riverina from Tamworth where she held the position of Director Planning and Community Services.
Jackie holds qualifications in natural resource management, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Forestry/Conservation from Stellenbosch University, and a Masters in Environmental Education from Rhodes University.
Elijah Ingram
Non-Executive Director
Elijah joined the CUC Western Riverina board in 2022, is the Creative Officer for Western Riverina Arts, and is co-founder of local Aboriginal Production company, Miil Miil Productions. Elijah is a proud Wiradjuri man, Digital Artist and a NSW Aboriginal Land Council Youth Advisory Committee member who has represented First Nations youth at the United Nations’ twelfth session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also recently attended the Initiatives of Change, Caux Forum in Switzerland, as part of Global Indigenous Dialogue.
As Creative Officer for Western Riverina Arts, Elijah develops digital arts initiatives and ways to fund, partner, and create projects that can lead to long-term employment outcomes and economic sustainability of the digital arts in the Western Riverina.
Dr. Mohammed Mofreh
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Mohammed Mofreh is a highly respected medical professional whose career spans more than four decades across Egypt, Namibia, South Africa, and Australia. After completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, along with Islamic Studies, and later a Master of Surgery at Al-Azhar University, he went on to serve in senior hospital roles internationally. In 2003, he joined Griffith Base Hospital, where he became Clinical Director of the Emergency Department and led the hospital to significant accreditation achievements before retiring in 2015.
Beyond his clinical leadership, Dr. Mofreh earned a Diploma of Child Health from the University of Sydney and lectured at both Sydney and Wollongong universities. Since retirement, he has dedicated himself to community service, particularly building stronger connections between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Griffith. His wealth of experience and cultural insight continue to enrich his role as a Non-Executive Director.