ACEL New Voice Scholarships - Winners 2020

It is with great pride that ACEL congratulates the recipients of the 2020 New Voice Scholarships. New Voice Scholarships recognise forward thinking, contextually relevant and responsive educational leaders whose work has had an impact above and beyond their immediate context. The New Voice Scholarships are part of ACEL’s 10 year and $300,000 commitment to recognise the emerging voices in educations leadership.

This year saw a high volume of outstanding candidates across the four categories open for submission, showcasing the depth of our emerging educational leaders that Australia has to offer.

Each scholarship welcomes the recipient into the ACEL network and supports the dissemination of new learning and thought. Among the suite of benefits and support of ACEL network recipients will also receive complimentary attendance at the 2021 ACEL National Conference where the official presentation of the New Voice awards will take place as part of the ACEL National Awards Ceremony on October 3rd before an audience of industry peers, leaders and local and international keynote speakers and presenters.

“On behalf of The Australian Council for Educational Leaders, our board, members and staff, we would like to officially welcome and congratulate our outstanding New Voice Scholarship Winners for 2020. The New Voice Scholarship program is a shining light within our portfolio and demonstrates our commitment to identify new voices across the sector and provide them with opportunities to both learn and contribute to the profession. As an organisation, we are honoured to welcome the Class of 2020 and look forward to engaging with them over the coming months".
ACEL Interim CEO, Stephen Gniel

Please join us in congratulating the New Voice Scholarship Class of 2020.


Adam Inder

Position Deputy Principal
Organisation Clarkson Community High School
Location WA

Alex Wharton

Position Head of Middle School
Organisation Carinya Christian School
Location NSW

Amy Byrnes

Position Deputy Principal - Academic
Organisation St Patrick’s College Townsville
Location QLD

Brooke Sweeney

Position ST3 Assistant Principal
Organisation Lajamanu School
Location NT

Elspeth Stephenson

Position Lecturer in Education – Professional Learning
Organisation University of Tasmania (UTAS)
Location TAS

Meredith O'Connor

Position Deputy Principal
Organisation Queensland Children’s Hospital School’s (QCHS)
Location QLD

Nancy Bonfiglio-Pavisich

Position Leadership Consultant
Organisation Catholic Education
Location WA

Ray Swann

Position Deputy Headmaster: Head of the Crowther Centre
Organisation Brighton Grammar School
Location VIC


Amanda Madden

Position Dean of Students
Organisation Perth College
Location WA

Louise Wilkinson

Position Principal
Organisation Heatley State Primary School
Location QLD

Meghan Stacey

Position Lecturer
Organisation School of Education, UNSW Sydney
Location NSW

Pauline Thompson

Position Lecturer, Educational Leadership
Organisation The University of Melbourne
Location VIC


Elinor Archer

Position Indigenous Contact Officer and Classroom teacher
Organisation Dickson College
Location ACT

Tammy Baart

Position First Nations Engagement Leader
Organisation Brisbane Broncos - Loganlea State High School
Location QLD


Sarah Louise Gandolfo

Position Associate (Professional Learning)
Organisation Semann & Slattery
Location VIC