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 a Learning Skills Advisor and as Communications/Business Support before accepting the interim Centre Managers role.

Oumi Karenga-Hewitt

Business Support & Learning Skills Advisor

Oumi Karenga-Hewitt holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Leicester in English Language & Literature with a minor in Film Studies. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Educational Studies - specialising in English and Drama teaching areas. Oumi is extremely passionate about the arts and supporting the local community – she sits on the board of Western Riverina Arts, the committee for the Griffith and Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA), and she manages an online group providing a space for the local creative community to connect, share opportunities, events and activities. After a decade in Marketing, Oumi now works part-time at Regional Development Australia – Riverina in addition to her Learning Skills Advisor role at CUC Western Riverina.

Amy Brown

Learning Skills Advisor

Amy Brown completed a Bachelor of Science & Nutrition at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, finishing in the top 2% of her university, before going on to work as a food Product Developer. She has studied in Sweden, as well as by distance for many years, and is passionate about connecting with and supporting students in their learning journey. Along with her role as Learning Skills Advisor here at CUC, Amy works part-time with her local church and is mum to three beautiful young children.

Kat Vella

Learning Skills Advisor - Leeton

Kat has Bachelor in Health & Physical Education/Fitness, is a journalist, educator and magazine founder. She started as a high school teacher before retraining in English language tuition and travelling the world volunteering and teaching English. After a decade teaching, Kat retrained in journalism and media. Kat now facilitates workshops and edits non-fiction for Mona Magazine and also volunteers for Rural Australians for Refugees.

Maddison Ramponi

Administration Assistant

Maddi is not only our admin extraordinaire; she is a high achieving student at CUC Western Riverina studying a double degree from UNE in Law and Criminology. Maddi was the first Captain at the now combined Murrumbidgee High School, also works part-time for Calabria Wines and doubles as our current UOW Future Me Student Mentor! We appreciate her smiling face every time she enters the Centre.

John Dalbroi

Chair

Griffith City Council's longest-serving Mayor, Mr John Dal Broi represented the Griffith community in Local Government for more than 43 years, 27 as Mayor. John is a passionate advocate for regional advancement and continues to sit on a number of boards. Among his many career highlights, he lists the Griffith Regional Theatre, the establishment of St Vincent's Private Community Hospital Griffith, having Griffith declared a City by a special act of parliament in 1987, the Centenary Celebrations and seeing improvements to Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre, including the new 50m outdoor pool, as stand outs.

Brett Stonestreet

Non Executive Director

Brett Stonestreet was appointed as Griffith City Council's General Manager in August 2011. 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.

David Martin

Non Executive Director

Executive Officer of Western Riverina Community College., Through additional board roles with Community Colleges Australia, David has also helped to develop and strengthen the contribution of community colleges across Australia. David holds a Master of Education Leadership and Policy, Bachelor of Adult Learning and Development, as well as qualifications in business and accounting. 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.

Dr Mohammed Mofreh

Non Executive Director

Jackie Kruger

Non Executive Director

Jackie commenced as General Manager of Leeton Shire Council in August 2015. Jackie came to the Riverina from Tamworth where she held the position of Director Planning and Community Services. Her formal qualifications are in natural resource management (BSc Forestry/Conservation) and a Masters in Environmental Education.

Duncan Taylor

Non Executive Director

Duncan Taylor is the voluntary CEO of the Country Universities Centre, following from being the inaugural Chair of the original Cooma Universities Centre which later became the Country Universities Centre Snowy Monaro.  Duncan is a former Member of the TAFE NSW Commission Board and former President of the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of New South Wales, and previously sat on the Rural and Remote Education Advisory Group that advises the NSW Government and Department of Education on strategies to improve educational outcomes in rural and remote areas.