Association Management Committee

Raymond Ingrey

President

Ray Ingrey is a Dharawal and Dunghutti person from the La Perouse Aboriginal community on the northern arm of Kamay (Botany Bay).

Ray first became a member of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc in 2000 and has held executive positions with his local and regional AECG. Ray was the Executive Officer of the NSW AECG Inc from 2008 – 2013.

Ray has also been leading language reclamation program in his community for over 23 years and believes it’s important “our young ones grow up with a solid cultural foundation and become strong with who they are and where they belong” which will put them on the right path in achieving any goal they set in the future. Ray is also a Board member of the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust.

Anne Dennis

Vice President

Anne Dennis is a Gamilaraay woman living in Walgett and a strong advocate for Aboriginal people in the North West NSW.

Anne understands the importance of a quality education needed in today’s society which inspired her to become a teacher. Anne has been involved in the NSW AECG Inc. for many years as an active member of her Local and Regional AECG and was formally recognised when give the status of Life Membership within the organisation.

Anne is also involved in other Aboriginal organisations which allows her to advocate on behalf of her people ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the community are heard.

Sherri Longbottom

Secretary

Patricia Daniel

Treasurer

Trish is a proud Bidjigal/Wandi Wandian woman with strong family connections to La Perouse and Nowra.  She is a permanent Aboriginal Education Officer at Busby Public School and is currently relieving as Executive Assistant to the President, NSW AECG Inc. 

Trish lives on Darug Country (and Wiradjuri Country when not at work).  She’s a proud mother of 1 daughter whom she has always encouraged to be strong in her Aboriginal culture and identity.

Trish has been actively involved in AECG at varying levels for over 15 years and is currently the President of Liverpool Local AECG, Treasurer of Mil-Pra Regional AECG and Treasurer of NSW AECG Inc.  She strongly believes education empowers and Aboriginal education does matter, and it definitely is everybody’s business.

Leigh Ridgeway

Member

Leigh is a member of the Worimi tribal group from Port Stephens who speak the Gattang language. Since becoming involved in the NSW AECG, Leigh has realised the importance of education not only Aboriginal people but non-Aboriginal people as well.

“Since being involved with Aboriginal Education, I have made it my business to educate the wider community in my area. Aboriginal Education is everybody’s business: let’s make a difference to give children a better start to life”.

Leigh became a Life Member of the NSW AECG in 2015.

Elizabeth Majoros

Member

Elizabeth Majoros is currently working and living on Gamilaroi Country.

She has long term experience in the AECG from local, regional, and now state AECG AMC membership. In her belief that Aboriginal education is community centred, acknowledgement of the many facets and Peoples’ that must be given, and it is their journey that guide her. Education is a great connector of past, present and futures. As a Head Teacher, Elizabeth works with management, in a collaborative approach across the Northwest region as a connector. While she uses technologies well, community needs for face to face are never forgotten.

As a member of the AMC, she is looking forward to engaging with all levels of education for a deeper understanding of the spheres of influence outside of community.

Lesley Armstrong

Member

PLesley is a Yuin woman from the South Coast of NSW and has been involved in Aboriginal Education for over 30 years within her role as an AEO, Life Member of the NSW AECG, Lesley has held Local and Regional President’s position for over 20 years. Currently residing on the Central Coast Lesley has strong family connections to the La Perouse and South Coast Communities. Lesley has worked as an Aboriginal Education Officer at Gorokan High School and has seen the Central Coast Aboriginal community grow from strength to strength. Lesley believes that getting Aboriginal people engaged in education will only better the next generations’ educational opportunities that would then build success.

Troy Freeburn

Member

I Troy Freeburn, a Bundjalung and Yaegl man raised in Casino. I have worked in the Education space for over 20 years in many capacities from schools to youth work.

I am involved within community in a range a leadership roles; varying from assistant Pastor of a local church, President Djanangmum local AECG, Vice president Upper North Coast Regional AECG, member of the board of Directors Casino RSM Club, Buyinbin Aboriginal Corporation and active community events planning member in partnership the local council.

I enjoy being an advocate for community, encouraging the embedding of local perspectives and voice with the aim to strengthen partnerships.

Narelle Daniels

Member

I am currently on the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc Association Management Committee, and Vice President Inner City Local AECG. I am currently employed as Aboriginal Education Coordinator and Stage 6 English Teacher – Sydney Secondary College, Blackwattle Bay Campus. This role not only covers the Campus’ Aboriginal students but all facets of Aboriginal Education in the Campus. I have been around the NSW AECG Inc since its inception in a variety of roles, not only volunteering but in a paid capacity in the Secretariat.

I believe we should never stop holding the Department of Education, TAFE NESA, the Independent Sector, Catholic Education, Higher Education and both Federal and NSW Governments to account for the many ways they have failed us. The bare minimum they offer has never been nor will be acceptable. I am a passionate advocate for the incorporation of Aboriginal content into all parts of the Curriculum and believe that not only does “Aboriginal Education Matter” but “Aboriginal Education is Everyone’s Business.” I always like to remember the history of our organisation and think of the many volunteers involved in our beginnings. The original Warriors for Aboriginal Education, for they are the bedrock of our organisation.