Our story

ACT Parents is the new name for a long-standing organisation with a proud history. Established in April 1975 as the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations, we’ve spent five decades supporting public school P&Cs, representing families, and shaping the future of education in the ACT.

Our vision: Parents actively shaping and enhancing public education in the ACT. Our Purpose: Empowering parents to shape their child’s public education experience. Our Strategy: Support thriving P&Cs and create broader opportunities for families to shape education policy and practice. Our advocacy is grounded in the real experiences of families. We listen to P&Cs and school communities to identify key issues and work with governmentmediaand education stakeholders to create change. Whether we’re pushing for better resourcessupporting inclusive policiesor raising the voices of underrepresented familiesACT Parents is committed to a stronger public education system for every child.

What we stand for

Our vision, purpose & strategy

What we stand for

Our vision, purpose & strategy

Our Executive Members

ACT Parents is led by a volunteer Executive made up of committed parents and carers from across the ACT public education system.

Each Executive member brings a strong belief in the value of public education and a shared commitment to ensuring parents and carers have a meaningful voice in shaping it. Many have been involved with ACT Parents for several years, including three Life Members whose long-standing contributions reflect deep experience, institutional knowledge and a genuine dedication to public schools.

Our Executive members are, first and foremost, parents and carers. They understand the realities of navigating schools, supporting students, volunteering in P&Cs, and advocating for better outcomes. That lived experience grounds the Executive’s work and keeps decision-making focused on what matters most to families and school communities.

Together, the Executive:

Sets the strategic direction of ACT Parents
Oversees governance and financial responsibilities
Supports advocacy priorities informed by member voices
Works closely with staff, P&Cs, parents and carers, and education stakeholders

The Executive is elected by members and works collectively, guided by ACT Parents’ values of collaboration, inclusion, accountability and fairness.

Their role is not about individual opinions, but about listening carefully to members, weighing evidence, and helping ACT Parents advocate clearly and credibly for public education across the ACT.

Mahreen Ali

President

Brendan Mace

Vice President

Alison Elliott

Vice President

Liane Joubert

Immediate Past President

Kirsty McGovern-Hooley

Treasurer

Vivienne Pearce OAM

Secretary

Sharon Ding

Committee Member

Sarah Everingham

Committee Member

Sarah Rullis

Sam Margerison

Committee Member

Our team

ACT Parents is supported by a small, experienced team who understand public education from the inside out. Every member of our team has volunteered in school communities, including in P&Cs, so we know first-hand the challenges parents and carers face.

We combine practical, on-the-ground experience with strong policy, governance and advocacy expertise. That means clear advice, realistic guidance and support that actually works for school communities.

We’re here to help parents and carers feel confident, capable and heard.

ACT Parents staff: Julie McLean, Frances Stewart, Marina Spurgin, Melissa Lee and Veronica Elliott