Councillors

Pania Turner

President

My name is Pania Turner and I am honoured to hold the role of the 28th President of the Western Australian Council for State School Organisations Inc (WACSSO), elected in September 2019.

I started with WACSSO in 2013 as the State Councillor for Esperance, however my connection to public education came long before that as parent of children being schooled in public education.

Being a parent of 7 children I have experience across a diversity of education options: primary, high school, district high school, SIDE, boarding at residential college and university. Each schooling experience has had its own rewards and specific challenges.

Although my home base is the Goldfields- Esperance Region as President I am proud to represent P&Cs across Western Australia. Our P&Cs support schools both large and small, metro based and out across the regions with each P&C striving to do their best for their school communities. It is my experience that although parents and families are diverse, we share the same desire for our children to be educated in schools and a public education system that will give children and young people every opportunity to achieve their potential.

Parents and carers are vital partners in education. Positive engagement with our schools enhances outcomes for our children. The P&C can provide an excellent platform where parents and community members may have a united voice on key topics, effect change, provide resources, and offer constructive feedback and solutions.

As WACSSO President I take the responsibility seriously to represent the voice of our affiliates. I seek to facilitate effective connections and networks and ensure that WACSSO provides good support to P&Cs helping them to engage well with their school communities.

If you would like to discuss any matters to do with WACSSO, parent organisations or education in Western Australia you can contact me by email or mobile.

Julie Brooks

Senior Vice President - Great Southern

I’m extremely grateful and privileged to be your WACSSO State Councillor for the Great Southern.

I have been an active member in my children’s school P&Cs since my eldest commenced Kindy in 2006. I have experience in the roles of P&C President, VP, convener of Canteen and fundraising committees on both primary and high school P&Cs. I’m currently a member of Albany Senior High School P&C and North Albany Senior High School/ Albany Secondary Education Support Centre P&C.

I’m a strong believer in connected communities and the importance of equality in our education settings. When parents work collaboratively, we can achieve great things for our children’s education. This has become more evident to me since becoming a WACSSO State Councillor, where I have been fortunate to have represented parent voices in many submissions and advocacy work.

My role as State Councillor is to support, listen and represent your voices on the issues and views in your P&C communities. Please reach out and let me know how I can assist your P&C. I’m available to attend your meetings and am contactable by phone or email. I look forward in hearing from you soon.

Emilia Uzir

Fremantle

My name is Emilia Uzir.

I am a mother of 4 children, with two older sons at UWA and Curtin University, a daughter in the Ballet Program at John Curtin College of the Arts (JCCA) and my youngest one at North Fremantle Primary School (NFPS).

We moved to Perth in 2022 and ever since then I have been involved with JCCA & NFPS P&C Associations as an Executive Committee member. I am very interested in learning, while contributing my knowledge and expertise to P&C.

With my background as the founder of non-profit organisation that empowers youth for sustainable and regenerative practices, I am committed to working together with P&Cs in Fremantle and my aim is to assist any matters related to students and the school community, and be part of finding the best solutions.

With care and enforcement, I believe things will be done better and correctly.

Do feel free to contact me or drop me a line at my email address for assistance.

Theresa Miloseski

Goldfields-Esperance

My name is Theresa Miloseseki and I am a devoted mother of two children. My journey as a volunteer began at the age of 20 and it has been a continuous thread throughout my life, with varied roles and meaningful contributions. My early volunteering efforts took me to Samoa, where I cared for children with severe disabilities. My passion for advocacy is also evident in my volunteer work with organizations supporting families of premature babies and children.

My career initially flourished within an office environment, however, the early birth of my micro premature daughter necessitated a break from full-time employment. During this period, I balanced my responsibilities at home with part-time accounts work. More recently my children have faced new challenges that require me to once again put my career on hold whilst I navigate and support their significant interventions.

My involvement with P&C groups has been a big part of my community engagement. Initially active within the Catholic school sector in Perth, I later extended my contributions to the public sector when we moved to Hopetoun in 2020 and my children entered the public school sector. My role in Hopetoun Primary Schools P&C group has been multifaceted as Treasurer, Canteen Supervisor and general volunteer.

I firmly believe that every child has the right to a good and consistent education in a safe and nurturing environment. This belief drives my efforts and fuels my commitment to making a positive impact. I look forward to connecting with P&C groups across the Goldfields-Esperance region. I am eager to collaborate and achieve the many great initiatives that WACSSO has to offer in terms of advocacy and support.  I encourage open communication and invite all members of the P&C community within my region to reach out with any P&C-related discussions. I promise I am approachable and have a readiness to assist where possible and look forward to hearing from you.

Nicole Mola

Joondalup East

My name is Nicole Mola and I am a member of Ashdale Primary’s P&C. I have one child in the early years of primary school.

I am passionate about learning and education. For much of my working life, I have been in the public education system and the corporate world of learning and development (L&D).

I am originally from Canada and moved to Australia as a teen with my parents and brother. Perth has been our home base, though I did spend some time teaching in Carnarvon, Geraldton, and the UK.

Volunteering seems to be part of my DNA. I’ve done a range of things – from an adoption association rehoming greyhounds, visiting sick kids in the hospital through the Radio Lollipop program, and acting as a proofreader and contest judge for a writing association. My efforts took a back seat in the early years of becoming a parent, but as my daughter has reached school age, I’ve become more active in the volunteering space again. I am the secretary for our P&C, a member of the school’s board, the manager for my daughter’s teeball team, and now with WACSSO

As the State Councillor, it is my role to represent the opinions of affiliates within the Joondalup East electorate. You can expect to hear from me to ask about your ideas and opinions on issues that are being dealt with by the WACSSO’s State Councillors. In turn, as I am the local contact person for WACSSO, you are more than welcome to contact me with any questions or feedback you have.

Paula Steenson

Midwest

My name is Paula Steenson and am a member of Waggrakine Primary School and Geraldton Senior High School Parents and Citizens’ Associations.

With 3 children, the eldest in Year 11, second child in year 5 and my youngest heading into Kindy in 2020, I am kept busy with running around after them as well as my P&C commitments, membership of 2 school boards as well as numerous sporting committees throughout Geraldton.

As the WACSSO State Councillor, it is my role to represent the opinions of affiliates within the electorate. As such, I will be in regular contact to ask your opinion on issues that are being dealt with by the State Council of WACSSO. I am also the local contact person for WACSSO, therefore if you have any questions about WACSSO or its activities then please feel free to contact me.

Vivienne Cantem

Peel South

Vivienne is a member of the Riverside Primary Schools ESC School Board as a community member since 2023. She is also a Financial Member on three P&C Committees in her Electorate.

Vivienne’s volunteer journey began in 1998 when her eldest daughter began primary school; she joined the Parents & Friends Association, where she acted as Secretary and Fundraising Convener. She also gained her Canteen Managers qualification through WASCA in 2003 and was employed by the school.

She has always been pro­active in supporting her children’s schools, volunteering wherever possible and building positive relationships with staff and other parents. Her volunteer work also extends outside the school sector, as she enjoys giving her time to the community.

Vivienne’s introduction to WACSSO began in 2014 when she attended her first P&C meeting at Riverside Primary Schools P&C Committee AGM and nominated for the President’s role. She was the first Education Support Centre parent to be involved in the P&C as well as holding an office bearer position.

Vivienne’s aim as State Councillor is to share all the experience and knowledge that she has gained over the years with all the affiliates in her electorate. And as Vivienne likes to say, she may be only 4 feet 11, but has a big personality which makes up for the lack in height!

If invited, she would be happy to attend one of your P&C meetings to introduce herself and to explain the role of WACSSO or answer any questions you may have regarding P&C matters.

Anne Fairbanks

Vice President - Perth South

I am pleased to be your Councillor for Perth South. I believe every child in WA has the right to a high-quality education, and that the collective voice of parents is essential in achieving that goal.

I’ve been involved in P&Cs for many years, and have held the positions of general member, Executive Committee member and Treasurer. Being a P&C member is a great way to contribute to your school and community and to develop rich friendships and local support networks.

My role is to represent the views of Perth South P&Cs and to support good governance practices for strong, effective and sustainable P&Cs. I’d love to hear from you about the great work your P&C is doing for your school. You’re welcome to invite me to a P&C meeting to hear more about WACSSO’s work supporting P&Cs and advancing public education in WA. Feel free to get in touch if you ever need a sounding board on any and all things P&C.

Thanks for the positive difference your P&C continues to make to public education and your local school community.

Indah Yildiz

Swan West

I am a Dianella Heights Primary School P&C member and proud to be your State Councillor for Swan West. I have three amazing little ones who are in Kindy, Year 1 and Year 3. I keep myself busy being a mum, volunteering as President of the Dianella Heights Primary School P&C and running a small business from home.

I feel fortunate to be part of a great school and use the knowledge and experience this gives me in my role as State Councillor. I am guided by our educators to understand and appreciate the needs of the school, teachers, children, and staff. I am passionate about schools and the wider community working together as a team to produce better outcomes for our children within the public school system.

As the WACSSO State Councillor, I represent the opinions of affiliates within my Swan West electorate. As such, I will contact you regularly to ask your opinion on issues that are being discussed by our WACSSO State Council.

If invited, I would be happy to visit your P&C Association to introduce myself and learn about your achievements, goals, and challenges.

Kim Allison

Wheatbelt North

My name is Kim Allison and I am a member of the Bolgart Primary School P&C.

I am a busy mum of 4, 3 of whom attend Bolgart Primary School and my eldest, 22, is at TAFE.

I started my P&C journey at Bolgart in 2021, when we moved here from Canberra. The Bolgart community has welcomed us with open arms and the children (10, 7 and 5) have settled beautifully into small school life.

I wear several hats, as many volunteers do. I am President of the Bolgart Primary School P&C, a small business owner and an active member of my community, involved in various local projects outside of my P&C.

I am passionate about giving back to the community that has given us so much. My volunteer positions require different strengths from me, but all require a strong focus in relationship building and stakeholder engagement.
My aim in all my volunteer work is achieving good governance and transparency to ensure the smooth running of the Association.

I look forward to meeting more local Affiliates and to be a voice for Wheatbelt North.

Kate Hayes-Thompson

Vice President - Wheatbelt South

I am a member of Bruce Rock P&C. I have one child at Bruce Rock DHS, one child boarding at Merredin College and another away in Perth.

Growing up in regional WA, after school, I went to the ‘big smoke’ to qualify as a primary school teacher. Teaching brought me to Bruce Rock, where I met and have now settled with my husband and our children on the family farm.

I see public education as an essential tool and pathway for our children to thrive and succeed on their chosen life path. I am passionate about strong regional communities and the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. Strong, successful schools within our regional areas develop confident children, engaged teenagers and assured adults.

I have been involved with the Bruce Rock P&C since 2013. During this time, I have been on the committee and undertaken many roles, including Secretary, Treasurer, and School Council representative. During these years, I have also served on the Bruce Rock School Board, helping to guide the school through the Independent Public School process while serving as chairperson.

As a WACSSO State Councillor, I look forward to working with the affiliates in the Wheatbelt South Region. I hope to communicate with you effectively and efficiently, ask for your thoughts on issues, and convey your opinions to our State Council. I also hope to work with you to engage your community, share your successes and advocate for our children.

If invited, I would be happy to visit your P&C Association to introduce myself and learn about your achievements, goals, and challenges. If you would like to know more about my role and how I can assist you, please drop me a line.

Canning East

Vacant

This electorate is currently vacant. If you are interested in representing this electorate, please contact the WACSSO Office 6210 0100 and speak to one of our staff.

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