School Council

2026 School Council Members

Brett Fairbank

President 
Finance Sub Committee

I joined the school council in 2024 to give back to the school community that my daughter and son benefit from and enjoy being part of.  I’m a Partner at a management consulting firm specialising in customer experience, and am passionate about children’s education, having worked in the sector for 10 years.

Anton Freischmidt

Vice President
Policy Sub Committee

I’m a strong advocate for life-long learning and continue to be amazed seeing our kids learn. I’m looking forward to working on the School Council to help make our great school even better. As an engineer I’m extra excited for the growth of our STEM specialist program.

Liam Gaunt 

Secretary 
Facilities & Maintenance Sub Committee

We feel lucky to be part of the school. We have two children at the school and two more on the way. So, it’s fair to say we are well and truly invested in its future! The school is a real part of what makes Newport the strong community it is. I am keen to help protect that character while supporting the school to evolve, adapt and do right by its families and staff.

I’m a commercial and technology lawyer by trade, and over the years I’ve been fortunate to work with boards and committees across different sectors. I’ve learnt what I think helps community-centred organisations thrive: good listening, strong planning, and people pulling in the same direction to get the right things done.

I’m looking forward to contributing where I can, while continuing to learn about the school.

Leah Campbell

Treasurer
Finance Sub Committee

I strongly believe that schools and their structure are so important to our developing children. I have had the privilege of assisting the Finance sub-Committee with its budgeting and strategy decisions for the past 3 years, leveraging my experience and qualifications as a Chartered Accountant, and look forward to doing so again in 2024.

Ben Houkamau
Policy Sub Committee

As a parent of two children at NLPS, I joined the Council to support and advance the school in any way I can—whether drawing on my management consulting experience or rolling up my sleeves for a working bee. I’m particularly passionate about enhancing outdoor spaces where kids can play and thrive.

Joseph Cavallaro
Policy Sub Committee

I am passionate about our community. I joined the council to contribute to a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and supported. Leveraging my skills in strategy, innovation and delivery; I’m committed to making a positive impact on our school.

Steve Fuller
Finance Sub Committee

Our family is well and truly invested in the future of Newport Lakes Primary. With one daughter having already come through the school, one currently attending, and another yet to start, we have been part of this community for years and will be for many more to come.

In my professional life, I am a Chartered Accountant. I hope that my background in finance will be a practical asset and I’m looking forward to assisting in any way that I can be helpful.

Sarah Keenan

Facilities & Maintenance Sub Committee

I’m a long‑time supporter of our school community and the proud parent of two children currently at the school. Being involved in school life and contributing to a positive, welcoming environment for all families is something I genuinely enjoy

 

In my professional life, I’m a family lawyer and partner in a Melbourne law firm. I hope that my experience in communication, problem‑solving, and navigating complex situations will be useful to the council as we work together to support the school’s goals.

Heidi James

DET Member
Policy Sub Committee

Heidi is the Teacher Representative on the School Council for 2026. With 15 years as an active part of the school community – first as a parent, then as a teacher for the past 7 years – Heidi is a dedicated member of the Newport school and broader community. Heidi’s varied life experiences lend depth to her teaching approach, having lived in many places across Australia and overseas, and a diverse professional background before retraining as a teacher in her late 30’s. As the Teacher Rep, Heidi looks forward to listening to the diverse voices around the Council table and contributing her perspective to discussions and decisions that support the school’s students, families, and staff.

Mat Williamson

Assistant Principal – DET Member

Policy & Facilities/Maintenance Sub Committees

 

Carly Bannon

Principal – DET Member

Finance Sub Committee

Being a member of Newport Lakes School Council is a rewarding way to be involved with the school and the community.

The NLPS Council is made up of parents and staff and meets twice per term. Elections are held at the start of each year and each sitting member serves a term of two years.

Our School Council plays a key role at NLPS, supporting our principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for the students. All Government schools in Victoria have a school council, which is a legal entity, responsible for:

    • Establishing the broad direction and vision of the school within the school’s community
    • Participating in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan
    • Approving the annual budget and monitoring expenditure
    • Developing, reviewing and updating school policies
    • Raising funds for school-related purposes
    • Maintaining the school’s grounds and facilities
    • Reporting annually to the school community and to the Department
    • Creating interest in the school in the wider community
    • Informing itself of and taking into account the views of the community
    • Coordinating and assisting with the major community events and activities
    • Regulating and facilitating the after-hours use of school premises and grounds 

School council do not manage the day to day running of the school – that job is reserved for the school principal!

Each member of the school council is expected to be an active member of a Sub-committee. There is also an option for members of the wider school community who may have relevant skills or experience to join the sub-committees.

These Sub-committees are:

    • Finance (School Budgets, Locally Raised Funds)
    • Policy (Education Policy)
    • Facilities & Management (Buildings & Grounds, Out of School Hours Care, Hire Agreements)