School Council

Parent Representatives:

          President: David Meade

David has two children attending Chilwell PS (Grade 2 and Grade 6) and one Chilwell graduate. He joined school council a number of years ago and enjoys being able to positively contribute to the school community. He works for the Victorian Department of Health and outside of work coaches basketball and follows the Hawthorn football club. David is Chief Executive Officer of Leisure Networks, a Geelong based disability and sport organisation based in Geelong.

Vice President: Kirsten Bromley

Kirsten and her family moved to Geelong 4 years ago and greatly enjoy the lifestyle and being part of the community. She has one daughter currently in Grade 2 at Chilwell. Professionally, Kirsten is a Privacy Compliance Specialist currently working for a global IT company. Kirsten joined the school council in 2024 with the aim of representing the parent body and assisting the school make informed, responsible decisions in the best interests of the students. Outside of work she competes in the sport of Strongwoman and also enjoys working her way through all the wonderful food and beverage options in Geelong and surrounds.

Parent Representatives:  Emma Purdue, Belinda Perisic, Evan Williams,  Bridie King, Alicia Bennett and Chris Botha.

Emma, with husband Hugo, is the parent of Elsie, Sam and Matilda who are all students at Chilwell. Outside of work and parenting, Emma enjoys reading books, practising yoga and spending time at the beach.  Professionally, Emma is a lawyer and partner of a national law firm in the area of workplace relations and safety.  She previously served on the board of the Geelong Children’s Centre.

With twins in Grade 6 at Chilwell, Belinda is a keen member of the school community and is particularly interested in creating supportive and inclusive environments where every person can succeed.  Belinda is a Director and Chief Operating Officer at a Geelong based law firm and balances a busy work life and parenting by walking, reading and fostering kittens through a local not-for-profit organisation.  Belinda has previously been on the Strategy sub-committee at Sacred Heart College (Geelong) and a member of the Advisory Board for Deakin TALENT.

Evan has one child at Chilwell, a daughter in Grade 6.  Originally from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and moved to Geelong to be closer to family.  Evan really enjoys living in Geelong – it’s a city, but with a more relaxed way of life. He worked at Ford in Geelong for about 7 years and was involved with the 4WD electronic features of the current Ranger and Everest where he had many a cold day sitting in a prototype vehicle at the proving ground in Lara amongst the warning beeps and alarms of a not-yet-working vehicle.  Evan has begun his second term on the Chilwell school council and is looking forward to making our school even better for the students, staff, and the wider community.

Alicia is a mother to two beautiful children attending Chilwell Primary School. She strongly believes that it takes a ‘village to raise a child’ and is passionate about being a proactive and positive member of the school community. Professionally Alicia has had over a decade of experience in the education industry, with a particular interest in mental health and wellbeing.

Chris is the father of Will (Grade 5), Jemima (Jimi) (Grade 3), Darcie (One), and toddler Freddie B. He works for the Victorian State Government (DJSIR) with international and local businesses on investment projects that grow Victoria’s industrial capabilties and workforce. Outside of work, Chris likes travelling with his wife, Claire, who works locally (NDIA).  Chris and Claire have taken Will and Jimi on trips to Europe, South Africa (where Chris was born), New Zealand, and the United States.

Nazmus, who prefers to be called Sakib, became part of the Chilwell community in 2025. His daughter is in Grade One. Originally from Bangladesh, Sakib and his family relocated to Australia in February 2024 and have quickly embraced the lifestyle and warmth of Geelong. Professionally, Sakib is a PhD candidate at Deakin University, where his research focuses on Artificial Intelligence with applications in energy and sustainability. Before moving to Australia, he worked as a senior academic at a leading private university in Bangladesh, where he supervised student research and taught computer science and engineering courses. His passion for education and innovation continues to guide his work and values. Sakib is also an active contributor to the academic community, currently serving as Chair of the IEEE Student Branch at Deakin University. He holds valid Working with Children and Safety Check certifications and is deeply committed to inclusive, thoughtful, and student-focused initiatives. Outside of research, Sakib enjoys spending quality time with his family and exploring the vibrant surroundings of Geelong. He is honoured to be part of the Chilwell School Council and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the school community.

DET Staff Representatives:

Principal: Meg Bone

Meg has been the Principal of Chilwell Primary School since 2022. Previously, she has been a Principal at another Primary School in Geelong for 7 and a half years after working in the Western Suburbs for 10 years and London for 5 years.  Although Meg has a strong curriculum knowledge leading and driving innovation and change within learning and achievement, her passion lies around inclusive practices within schools and community; ensuring all students have every opportunity to achieve success. Meg is passionate about building capacity of staff, students, and parents around understanding of individuals, celebrating that we are all unique and creating a community that is welcoming and inclusive of all. Meg has also led multiple major works projects, including school modernisation projects, Inclusive schools’ funds, and grants.

Assistant Principal: Sarah Jeffreys

Sarah has been lucky to be a member of the Chilwell PS staff since 2011. Initially, in a classroom, before commencing a Leading Teacher role (Literacy) and now the Assistant Principal.
She loves the whole school community, especially the students who demonstrate our values of kindness, respect, persistence, and resilience to a high standard. Prior to teaching, Sarah was a registered nurse, specialising in anaesthetics/recovery. Away from school, she enjoys watching her children play their chosen sports and loves the performing arts, especially musicals. Sarah loves serving on the School Council and working collaboratively with parents to further develop our school, the facilities and the learning opportunities and outcomes for our students.

Staff Representative: Louisa Blamires

Louisa is a Learning Specialist at Chilwell, working with teachers to build capacity through curriculum leadership.  Her classroom responsibilities include teaching Grade Six.  She thoroughly enjoys working with students, teachers, and families to build a learning environment where challenges are readily accepted and new learning is approached with a growth mindset and sense of self belief.  Louisa is also a Chilwell parent, with daughter Nina in Grade 6. Louisa looks forward to working with School Council members this year to continue building strong parent and community partnerships.

Staff Representative: Britt Hercus

Britt joined the Chilwell team in 2023 and has taught prep for 4 years. Prior to obtaining her Masters of Education, Britt was Contiki Trip Manager across Europe for 5 years before to returning to Australia in 2020. Britt is an active netballer for the Surf Coast Suns and spending time with her dog Lola. She loves the Chilwell Community, is also a member of the staff Consulative Committee and loves to build strong relationships with her students, staff and families.

Sub Committee Member:  Jacquie Clancy

Jacquie is the Business Manager at Chilwell PS and has been with the Department of Education for 7 years. Jacquie is a CPA and has experience preparing, analysing and presenting school finance reports to leadership and School Council. Jacquie enjoys mountain bike riding, crochet, reading, live music, movies and follows the Western Bulldogs in the AFL. Jacquie is passionate about working with staff, parents, students and the school community to provide the best resources for our learning communities.