About Us

Term: 11 April 2016 - 30 June 2021

Ian Smith PSM has held various senior roles in Western Australian Health, including Chief Executive of WA Country Health Services (WACHS) and the South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) and has overseen multiple capital redevelopments of hospitals and health infrastructure. Ian has extensive experience in delivering health services throughout regional WA including personal advocacy for the improvement of Aboriginal Health. Ian’s passion for the provision of health services in WA and his extensive experience were pivotal in his appointment as the Chairperson for North Regional TAFE Governing Council.

Term: 15 August 2011 - 30 June 2021

Mick Unger is passionate about training and workforce development in the construction industry, particularly in the development and implementation of practical training programs. Having worked in the construction industry for more than 20 years, with focus on North Regional WA on a wide range of infrastructure projects, Mick’s passion and experience were key factors in his appointment as Deputy chair and member of North Regional TAFE Governing Council.

Term: 1 July 2014 30 June 2021 

Melissa Hartmann has a robust background in project management with more than 10 years’ experience developing indigenous business, providing governance, strategic direction and operational support within Western Australia. With a focus on regional WA, Melissa’s experience and passion for supporting the development and partnerships across diverse indigenous and government groups can be seen throughout her career and as a current member of North Regional TAFE Governing Council (formerly Kimberley Training Institute).

Term: 11 June 2016 - 30 June 2023

As an active member of the community and an avid supporter for Aboriginal Youth, Kristy Brittain’s passion comes through in all avenues of her life. Appointed as a member of the North Regional TAFE Governing Council, Kristy continues her various volunteer board positions in Kununurra at the Girls Academy as a community representative and Alta-1 as a board member. To further her career and advance her passion, Kristy is currently working through a Diploma of Leadership and management.

Term: 20 September 2016 - 30 June 2022

Gary Arcus is a current member of North Regional TAFE (NR TAFE) Governing Council and Chair for the NR TAFE Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Governing Council. Gary has had a strong career in management of training organisations across Western Australia throughout varied industries.

Term: 10 June 2018 - 30 June 2021

Emma has had a fulfilling career that has taken her across Western Australia and out into Regional WA, as well the Northern Territory and Queensland working with state government and within various industries. Emma is a current member of North Regional TAFE Governing Council aligning her passion for advocating for the community and indigenous affairs. 

Term: 24 January 2019 - 30 June 2021 

Fran Haintz is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the program and community development industry with a specific focus on indigenous affairs. Fran’s passion for supporting the community and building relationships as well as her unwavering integrity only supported her appointment to the North Regional TAFE Governing Council.

Term: 1 July 2019 - 30 June 2022 

Passionate about giving back to the community and volunteering her time, Barbara O’Driscoll embraces every challenge, including her appointment as a member of North Regional TAFE Governing Council. Barbara has been a resident in Newman for more than 24 years growing her experience, local knowledge and empathy for the East Pilbara region of WA and this is what drives her need to help and nurture her community.

Term: 1 July 2020 - 30 June 2023

Wendy Dunne has had a successful twenty year career within the Government of Western Australia’s Vocational and Education Training (VET) sector developing and implementing key strategic initiatives and state wide policy. She has more than 10 years’ experience in the Not for Profit education, employment and training sector including working as a TVET specialist for the UN. Wendy joins North Regional TAFE Governing Council as a member bringing a wide breadth of experience, with high level policy management and expertise in government, non- government and VET sectors.

Maree has developed a wealth of experience working in the health and community services sector for more than 30 years. Over the course of her career, Maree has undertaken a range of roles including direct health care, education to health care professionals, establishment and oversight of projects and management of cohesive teams. Appointed as a member of North Regional TAFE Governing Council, Maree has since relocated to the Kimberley to continue her passions in providing guidance and management on major projects within the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector working with a local Aboriginal Corporation. 

Spanning a 42 year career in education and training, Kevin Doig brings a wealth of experience to North Regional TAFE as the Managing Director. Kevin is passionate about education and training and across his expansive career his enthusiasm towards the Western Australian Vocational and Education Training (VET) sector and commitment to professional excellence is a direct result of his leadership and experience in this field. Kevin prides himself on the quality of his planning that enables innovative solutions, helping to drive excellence in client related services as well as his strong relationship building skills and continued commitment to industry training and student experience.