Ballots are now open for AEU Branch Executive Candidate Statements
Important Notice
+ These statements are as supplied by the candidates and publication on AEU platforms does not indicate the Union's endorsement.
+ Only financial SSO members at close of rolls on 14 August 2025 will be eligible to vote for the Branch Executive Officer (SSO) position.
+ All financial members excluding TAFE, Children's Services and SSO members, as at close of rolls on 14 August 2025, will be eligible to vote for the 12 Branch Executive Officer positions representing General Division.
ELECTED UNOPPOSED
Nominations for Branch Executive and Principal Officers 2026-2027 closed on 5 September 2025. The following candidates were elected unopposed:
Principal Officers:
+ Branch Secretary: Matthew Cherry
+ President: Jennie-Marie Gorman
+ Vice President: Sadie Gent
+ Vice President: Kendall Proud
Branch Executive Officers:
+ Children's Services Representative: Susan Hill
+ TAFE Representative: Susan Garwood
+ Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Representative: Daniel Ellis
ANN CLARKE
I have been deeply involved in the AEU for the entirety of my teaching career, serving the last six years as a member of Executive, including as Treasurer. In this role, I have engaged in difficult discussions and made hard decisions, always with the aim of moving our Union forward and achieving the best outcomes for members.
My teaching career has taken me across both regional (Kadina and Port Augusta) and metropolitan schools. I also spent five years as an AEU Organiser, visiting schools, pre-schools, and TAFE campuses across the state. This work gave me the privilege of collaborating with teachers, leaders, and SSOs, and provided a broad perspective on the challenges and successes our members experience, along with a deep understanding of the mechanisms that shape our work.
Union involvement is one of my deepest passions. I strive to live the values of a progressive unionist in all that I do –within schools, across our system, and as an active advocate for social justice. I am seeking your support to remain on Executive so I can continue contributing to the work I love and representing members with dedication and integrity.
THOMAS DEWAR
I’m running for Executive as a new, independent voice.
Many of us are frustrated by the outcome of the last EA negotiations. We deserved a pay rise that reflects the true value of our work, not a pat on the head. We deserved workload relief that was more than a token measure – one that, for many members, is still years away.
I’m putting myself forward to represent members who know we must do better next time. The next bargaining process will be incredibly important. We need to protect ourselves against the impact of AI on jobs and wages, take firm action on violence and disrespect in our workplaces, address workload meaningfully, and ensure ancillary staff and our TRTs are looked after.
I believe I have the skills and experience to do the job effectively. I’m an experienced advocate. Before teaching, I spent over a decade working as a barrister and solicitor, representing disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our community.
Since 2020, I’ve taught Legal Studies and Humanities at Mark Oliphant College. I’m an active sub-branch member, PAC rep, and Branch Council member.
Full details of my positions and platform are at www.dewar4aeu.com.
I’d greatly value your support.
Tom
ALISTAIR GARDINER
I bring both a passion for our northern and western regions to our state branch executive in addition to a broad range of experience that provides me with the necessary insight to adequately represent our AEU members in regional South Australia. Having grown up in Adelaide, I am also fully aware of the issues that affect our urban schools and communities. I hope to further advocate for all our members and communities at a state and federal level.
Since 2013 I have taught in a range of regional and remote schools from the Riverland to the Mid North, Upper Spencer Gulf and Far North. During this time, I have taught Years 7 – 12 in a range of subjects including English and Humanities, Physical Education, Music, Special Education and a range of technology-based subjects. I have broad knowledge, experience and understanding of the issues that affect country members of the AEU.
I am a regional teacher with 11 years of experience, have been a volunteer firefighter with the CFS for 16 years and have been an active community member of all regional communities in which I have lived and worked through sports and community organisations.
THOMAS GIBBS
My name is Thomas Gibbs, and I am seeking your support for election to the AEU SA Branch Executive. Throughout my career I have been an active and committed Union member, including serving as site representative. I bring experience working in both metropolitan and regional schools, across leadership and classroom roles, which has given me a strong understanding of the challenges faced by educators in diverse contexts. I am passionate about fighting for fair funding in public education, because I believe it is essential for the success and wellbeing of our students.
My ongoing involvement with the AEU has also provided me with valuable insight into how our Union operates, and importantly, how it can continue to grow and strengthen. As a Branch Executive member, I will bring open and honest communication and the ability to listen to and consider all perspectives, while also leading with purpose. Having worked as both a teacher and an SSO, I offer multiple perspectives to discussions and decision-making.
A vote for me is a vote for purposeful, inclusive decision making and a strong voice for public education. I would greatly appreciate your support.
ANDREW GOHL
VOTE 1 ANDREW GOHL
Branch Executive General Division
I’m a teacher at Seaford Secondary College, former President, and served members for 37 years as a SBS, PAC Rep, Organiser and Coordinator, Organisers Group and Campaign Coordinator.
I stand for a strong union that:
+ Represents all members Empower sub-branches.
+ Is accountable to members
+ Supports members to secure safe workplaces
+ Campaigns fearlessly for better working conditions and a new EA
+ Provides members high quality industrial advice and legal support.
The current leadership has:
+ No declared plan to move the union forward
+ Been absent from the public debate on public education matters
+ Not campaigned effectively to advance members’ issues
+ Used secret executive meetings to avoid member scrutiny
+ Sacked/retrenched experienced officers leading to poor support for members
+ Refused to answer questions about the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of dollars
+ Overseen a decline of more than a thousand members in two years.
My commitment is to advancing member conditions, growing membership and AEU leadership accountability
Vote 1 Andrew Gohl for Branch Executive, General Division.
LIAM GOODFELLOW
I’m excited by the opportunity to continue representing you and our fellow educators as an independent and active member of Branch Executive.
While my governance duties on Branch Executive started in 2024, I have also served as a Branch Council delegate, PAC rep, WOC member, SA representative to Federal Conference, and subbranch secretary. In 2024 our sub-branch was recognised as Sub-branch of the Year after nearly doubling site membership in just twelve months.
My union work is grounded in being relational, representational, and shared responsibility.
Relational: Our strength comes from the connections we build. I value listening, respecting diverse voices, and building trust across the public system.
Representational: I believe decisions must be grounded in members’ real experiences. I have consistently carried educators’ concerns into union processes, from Branch Council motions to wellbeing and workload committees.
Shared Responsibility: Progress comes when we share responsibility and empower others. I actively support colleagues to join, participate, and nominate for union roles.
I will continue listening, questioning, and representing members’ voices to strengthen our union and secure the future of public education.
To connect, visit liamgoodfellow.com.
Vote 1 Liam Goodfellow for Branch Executive.
FERN HUDSON
I have been a teacher for the past ten years and am currently working in a school leadership role. I have been Sub Branch Secretary at my site and on Branch Council for the last 4 years. My career in education has also included time as a lecturer at TAFE, which has given me valuable insight into the pathways our students take beyond school. With family members working as SSO’s, I understand firsthand the important role all staff play in creating strong and supportive learning environments.
I am passionate about representing the voices of all union members, from classroom teachers to support staff, and I believe that our collective strength is what makes our profession resilient and future-focused. I want to ensure that our schools are places where staff feel valued, supported, and able to focus on the work that matters most-educating and inspiring the next generation.
I am particularly committed to advocating for improvements in our public school facilities. Too often, outdated or under-resourced environments make our work harder than it needs to be. Investing in our schools means investing in our students, our communities, and the future of public education.
I would be proud to serve on Branch Executive.
ALEXANDER KANARIS
I am Alex Kanaris, a Humanities teacher at Playford International College. I care deeply about supporting our young people to develop the skills, knowledge, and dispositions to become active participants in society.
I have worked closely with our Sub-Branch during the EB negotiations and protests in 2023, have served as the PAC staff rep for the past two years, and am currently on the Workplace Organising Committee for our Sub-Branch.
I am motivated to join the Executive to gain experience in understanding the mechanisms behind what makes the AEU function. I’ve seen the commitment of the Sub-Branch to supporting staff and working proactively with all stakeholders, and I want to expand this involvement on a larger scale.
As a young teacher, I hope to bring a perspective that connects with new and emerging educators in a rapidly evolving profession, while learning from those who have laid the foundation before me. I want to contribute to membership growth, because unionism is more important than ever.
I see a future where the AEU connects deeply with all educators and re-establishes respect, dignity, and professionalism in our work. I am committed to these values to ensure high-quality education for students and genuine support for staff.
MATTHEW KEY
I’m asking for your support to continue on the AEU Executive for a second term. Over the past two years I’ve been proud to advocate for members right across our union — in primary, secondary, and area schools, children’s centres, and TAFE.
I’ve stood alongside colleagues in the Lower South East and Far North and seen firsthand the challenges of working in regional and remote settings. The last EB showed us how easily country voices can be overlooked. All country members must be heard, and I’m determined to make sure that happens in the next round of bargaining.
With experience as both a teacher and leader across a wide range of settings, I bring a strong understanding of the pressures educators face and a proven record of speaking up for members.
Our union is strongest when we stand together and keep growing. I’d be honoured to continue this important work with your support.
CHANTELLE LUCAS
AEU Activism
I proudly joined the AEU when I began my teaching career to continue the fight for public education. I have served the AEU members as a Sub-Branch Secretary and PAC Representative, ensuring a strong and active membership and resolution of challenges.
I was elected to the AEU SA Branch Executive in 2021, and am keen to continue the work of the committee of management in delivering outcomes for members. In the current Executive term, we have fought and won full funding for government schools in SA.
Teaching experience
I began my teaching career at Grant High School in Mount Gambier. I spent three years in Whyalla as a permanent teacher at Stuart High School, and in leadership roles at Edward John Eyre High School and Whyalla Secondary College. I have spent the past two and a half years in leadership at Keith Area School, and have recently begun an Assistant Principal role at Bordertown High School.
If re-elected, I will continue to fight for: Ongoing funding in public education to give South Australian students every opportunity to be successful at school and in their future pathways, and for reasonable workloads and conditions for school teachers and support staff.
TIMOTHY LONGSTAFF
My name is Tim Longstaff and I am seeking your vote for a position on Executive.
I have been a teacher for 16 years in both country and metro; at a Category 6 site as well as a Category 2 and now at a behavioural unit. I have been on Executive before and am currently a Sub-branch Secretary for my site, Health and Safety Representative, Fire Warden, PAC Representative and Branch Council delegate. With my background in these areas, I will make a useful addition to Executive with my broad experiences and transferable knowledge.
The reasons that I want to be a member on Executive are to help increase transparency, increase the focus on creating and maintaining safe workplaces and to help rebuild a strong voice for our Union, that is focussed on wins for members and better protections.
KATE MCAULEY
VOTE 1 KATE McAULEY for AEU EXECUTIVE
I am a current member of the AEU SA Executive and Assistant Principal at Northfield Primary School. I first joined the AEU SA Branch in 2008 as a student member and have remained an active union member ever since. Over the years, I’ve taken on a variety of roles within my sub-branch and across numerous union committees, consistently advocating for meaningful change and better conditions in schools, preschools, and TAFE.
Since 2019, I have proudly served on Branch Council and was first elected to Branch Executive in August of that year. I’ve also participated in the Anna Stewart Memorial Project and represented members as a Federal Conference Delegate in both 2022 and 2023.
Following my re-election to Branch Executive in March 2025, my commitment to strengthening our collective voice has only grown. I am passionate about building a stronger, more empowered union, and if elected I will continue to fight for:
+ Realistic workloads, safe and fair working conditions for all.
+ Secure work for teachers and support staff in all schools, preschools and TAFE.
+ Properly funded support and a streamlined process to address the increasing number of students with learning difficulties and behaviour issues.
CASSANDRA NELLER
I am standing as an independent candidate in the AEU elections and seek your support.
With 23 years of teaching experience across country, metropolitan, and APY Lands schools, and as an active unionist for over 20 years, I bring a strong understanding of the challenges facing educators.
As a Sub-Branch Secretary, I have consistently supported colleagues, promoted union values, and strengthened collective action.
If elected, I will campaign for realistic workloads, safer and more supportive workplaces, secure employment, improved country conditions, funding and support for students with additional needs, and respect through fair salaries. I pledge to be a strong, transparent, and consultative voice for all members.
LYN ROWBERRY
AEU Activism:
With over 20 years of active AEU membership as a Public High School teacher, I have proudly served our union as AEU Sub-Branch Secretary, PAC representative, Branch Council delegate, Branch Executive Officer, and HSR Health and Safety representative. These roles reflect my deep commitment to the values and mission of the AEU.
Experience:
Alongside this, I bring 15 years of leadership experience in education, supported by a Master’s in Education Leadership and Management and current PhD studies in Global Citizenship Education. This academic and professional foundation equips me with both a comprehensive understanding of our local challenges and a global perspective on education.
As a member of Executive I am committed to:
+ Strengthening public education across early childhood, primary, secondary, and TAFE
+ Supporting teachers, SSOs, and all education workers with fair conditions and respect
+ Advocating for resources and support that put students at the centre
+ Creating safe, united, and inclusive workplaces
+ Building collective strength for members
+ Being a relational leader and advocating for equity, inclusion, and quality education.
If re-elected, I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with members to champion our voice, improve working conditions, and strengthen public education.
“Your Voice, Our Union, A Fairer Future.”
GAYE ROSE
Vote 1 – Gaye Rose – AEU BRANCH EXECUTIVE
Independent: I will strongly represent and advocate for members
I am seeking your support for election to the AEU Branch Executive. I bring a strong history of union involvement and an unwavering commitment to advocating for members.
In 2024, I served as an Executive member, gaining valuable insight into the issues and challenges facing our profession.
In 2025, I worked as a Growth Officer with the AEU, engaging directly with members and building stronger union representation across sites. I have also served as Sub-branch Secretary at several secondary schools, where I worked closely with colleagues to ensure their voices were heard and their rights protected.
My passion for unionism runs deep. I believe in the collective strength of our union and the importance of ensuring that every member feels supported, empowered, and represented. I believe in greater transparency, so that members have confidence and knowledge regarding decisions made on their behalf.
On Executive I will continue to advocate strongly for:
+ Realistic and improved conditions
+ Professional respect
+ Safe supportive workplaces
+ Transparency in governance and financial accountability
+ Permanency in work sites
+ Increase SSO positions in schools
+ Increased IESP funding
Together, we can strengthen our union. I’d be honoured to have your vote.
DAVID STEWART-PETERS
Primary Focused. Profession Proud. Union Strong.
Raised in Port Pirie by proud AEU public educators, I witnessed firsthand the dedication required to protect teachers’ rights and champion public education. I proudly stand where they stood - committed to advancing the rights, respect, and professional conditions every educator deserves, while continuing to support and strengthen our public education system.
As a full-time primary teacher with experience in regional and metropolitan schools, I have seen firsthand the pressures placed on educators. Supporting early-career teachers and retaining experienced staff is essential to a strong, futureready public education system. I bring a strong primary education perspective to union decision-making, ensuring our voices are heard and acted upon.
I may not be a well-known name, but I am ready to champion our profession, influence positive change, and help shape a stronger, fairer, and more respected future for public education. I ask that you take a stand with me.
JAMES TILLY
I am nominating for the AEUSA Branch Executive because strong, collective advocacy is essential to protect and improve the wellbeing, workload, and professional standing of educators across South Australia. In doing so I also hope to ensure that our students receive the optimal and well-resourced education that they deserve.
I am now in my tenth year of teaching as a Secondary Science and Mathematics specialist. Before entering teaching, I spent 20 years in the private sector working across science, retail, ecotourism, scientific and medical sales, marketing, business management, and sustainability roles, including collaboration with both local and state governments. I also hold a B.Sc. (Hons), an MBA in Sustainable Business, and MTeach degrees.
I am an enthusiastic unionist and deeply concerned about the welfare of my colleagues. My belief is that we need to work collaboratively and consultatively with schools and departmental leadership, to achieve the best outcomes for our staff and students.
I would be honoured to represent members on the AEU Branch Executive with authenticity, independence, and transparency.
ROSEMARY WAUCHOPE
My name is Rosemary Wauchope, and I seek your support for election to the AEU Branch Executive.
I bring extensive experience in education and a strong commitment to respect, transparency, and safer working conditions.
As a Sub-branch Secretary in the Independent Teachers Union and Women’s Contact in my current school, I have ensured staff voices are heard and rights protected. I have been a consistent advocate for fair workloads, safer workplaces, and a culture that values every member.
If elected, I will continue working with you to strengthen our union and secure the respect and conditions all educators deserve.
