Programs & Publications Department

Head of Programs and Publications
CHRIS NEWCOMBE

chris.newcombe@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0805

Chris has worked in education in Australia and internationally for the last 19 years. He worked in a variety of teaching and training roles at all levels and age-groups before moving into education management for universities, not-for-profits and private education providers. He has extensive experience working with accrediting bodies as well as managing events and organisational change management programs. Chris’ experience working with a diverse range of Australian and international education leaders will be at the heart of his approach to driving ACEL’s publications and programs forward in the future.

Programs & Publications Officer
DAISY HONG

daisy.hong@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0801

Daisy Hong supports the ACEL bookshop function and its wide range of publications. Daisy has worked with various NSW state departments in a variety of demanding positions. She has taught English as a Second Language in both Australia and Asia. She brings her diverse expertise in administration and education to the team.


Events and Branch Support Department

Head of Operations
PEGGY REEVELL

peggy.reevell@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0804

Peggy is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the ACEL's national office, supporting the CEO and Board.  Part of her role is also to nurture ACEL's relationships with various stakeholders, including state/territory branches, and national and international presenters and partners.

An accomplished professional with over 25 years’ experience in business events, Peggy focuses on the delivery of ACEL's services through events and membership engagement while ensuring cross-collaboration across all aspects of the organisation.

Senior Events Officer
ALEX FITZGERALD

alex.fitzgerald@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0810

Alex is responsible for the coordination and logistical support for all of ACEL’s national conferences and workshops. Her previous experience in hospitality and events roles have equipped her with the organisational skills required to manage the demands of event planning.

Some of Alex’s responsibilities include event registrations, customer service, speaker and supplier liaisons. Alex also works closely with ACEL’s state and territory branch executives, providing support and guidance for their state awards and local events.

Events & Membership Officer
SHARISSA TEMPLE-SMITH

sharissa.temple-smith@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0802

Sharissa provides customer service and administration support to the events and membership team.  This includes handling of general queries via emails and phone calls, as well as providing assistance in delivering ACEL’s online webinars, workshops and conferences.

Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business (Event Management), Sharissa brings her experience in event operations and customer service to support ACEL’s members and customers.

Senior Membership Officer
THERESA TRAN

theresa.tran@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0809

As the point of contact for all of ACEL’s member services and queries, Theresa provides efficient daily communication and support to our valued members and customers. With a proven background in sales and customer service from the hospitality and tourism sector, she is responsible for membership renewals, maintaining the membership database and providing accurate membership reports to support the broader ACEL team.


Finance Department

Head of Finance
JANE LOWMAN

jane.lowman@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0807

Jane is responsible for all aspects of financial management of ACEL. She works in conjunction with Branches, members, the Board and the office team to ensure the company is running efficiently and effectively from a financial perspective. Prior to her role with ACEL Jane was an administration officer, office manager and accounts payable clerk for various companies. She gained an incredible amount of knowledge and skills from more than a decade of experience in office administration and applies this daily to her role as the ACEL Finance Officer.

Finance Officer
SUMAN PATEL

suman.patel@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0811

Suman is an accountant at ACEL and is responsible for keeping the accounts up to date and preparation of financial reports. Suman is an Accountant with experience in bookkeeping, payroll, reconciliation, GST, Income Tax, BAS. She is a Bachelor of Commerce with majoring in Accounting & Finance, Company Secretary and Diploma in Taxation.

Prior to Suman's role at ACEL, she has worked for an Infrastructure finance company, Accounting firm and Logistics company in the area of accounting, Finance and taxation. She is eager to learn and develop her skills in accounting and finance with ACEL.


Design and Communication Department

Design & Communications Manager
NALAKA PERERA

nalaka.perera@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0803

Nalaka is in charge of creating the visual identity of ACEL. It is important that the look and feel of the organisation maintains a professional and modern presence. He started out as a freelance designer and photographer while studying a Diploma in Digital Media and a Bachelor in Visual Communications in Sydney. Here at ACEL, his design role involves working on promotional material, digital/web design and print design. Outside of design, Nalaka is also responsible for running IT solutions and technical support around the office.

Design & Communications Officer
NERISHA HARILAL

nerisha.harilal@acel.org.au
(02) 8396 0812

Nerisha is a Graphic Designer at ACEL and is responsible for aiding in the development of all brand collateral. Nerisha has a Diploma of Graphic Design and experience working as an intern in the design industry across various agencies. She is eager to grow and develop her design and professional skills working at ACEL.