Dr Adam Brodie-McKenzie, Lecturer, La Trobe University
Dr Adam Brodie-McKenzie is a Lecturer and Researcher in the School of Education at La Trobe University. He is a recognised expert in Humanities education, particularly civics and citizenship. Adam won a Fellowship to study Civics and Citizenship at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2016 and since then has striven to promote civics and citizenship education in Australian schools, as a school teacher and leader, to professional learning and policy development. Adam is a trusted expert on civics and citizenship education, working with ACARA, the VCAA and other education authorities, parliaments, non-profits and teachers’ associations. His research is committed to bridging theory, policy, and classroom practice to promote student engagement and teacher professionalism.

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Beth Woodhead, Education Officer, Victorian Commercial Teaches Association (VCTA)
Beth is the Education Officer at the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association. She is an experienced teacher of VCE Accounting and Business Management and 7-10 Commerce, who has taught in the inner west of Melbourne. Beth has presented for Edrolo in their digital video library for VCE Accounting and contributed to the development of their VCE Business Management textbooks, both editions. Beth is passionate about commerce education and creating resources for teachers to help extend their students and engage them in the curriculum.

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Bianca Drum, Marryatville High School (South Australia)
Bianca is a passionate and committed secondary teacher with a strong focus on student wellbeing, engagement, and real world learning. With experience teaching Mathematics from Years 7–12 and Psychology to senior students, she design lessons that are hands on and concept driven, supporting students to develop deep understanding and transferable skills. Bianca integrates financial literacy across the curriculum to provide students with essential life skills, while building positive relationships and fostering a classroom culture grounded in respect, resilience, and achievement. Her goal is to support every student to thrive both academically and personally.

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Bryce Leske, Co-Founder, Equity Mates
Bryce Leske is the co-founder of Equity Mates Media. Equity Mates has emerged one of the largest providers of financial education in Australia, speaking to more than half a million Australians every month across podcasts, video and social media. Bryce has built a reputation for educating retail investors on principles of sensible, long-term investing. 

Dr Carly Sawatzki, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics and Humanities, Deakin University
Dr Carly Sawatzki is a provocateur who challenges thinking around schooling. She wants every student to get an excellent education so they can live their best life. Working as a teacher educator and educational researcher at Deakin University, Carly designs courses that support preservice and practising teachers to teach differently, by helping them to connect students’ classroom learning with the real world. She is internationally recognised for her thought leadership on young people’s financial capability and her critical insights into issues of ethics and equity in education. Carly is widely published on these and other topics and has led research, curriculum, and professional learning projects for education authorities across Australia. She is a dynamic and in-demand public speaker, writer, and influencer who loves exchanging ideas, sharing laughter and – above all – making a difference. To find out more, go to www.carlysawatzki.com.

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Damian Nicholson, National Manager, Digital Learning and Program Development, Financial Basics Foundation
Damian is the National Manager, Digital Learning and Program Development at Financial Basics Foundation (FBF). He is an experienced teacher of Business and Technology, who taught in remote, regional, and rural parts of Queensland for almost 20 years. A passion for financial literacy education brought Damian from the classroom into the charity space to oversee FBF’s education programs.

During Debbie’s 35 years of teaching she has worked in remote, rural, regional and city schools as a teacher, subject area co-ordinator, head of department, RTO Manager and acting Deputy Principal.  Since retiring she has been mentoring pre-service teachers in her role as a facilitator for University of Queensland, conducts student Business Management programs both for students in Brisbane and regional areas, worked at Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority in the Vocational Education and Training section and sessional work at Griffith University. Debbie is the current President of Business Educators’ Australasia Inc. (BEA).

Heidi Cornelissen, Brentwood Secondary College (Victoria)
Heidi, a VCE educator specialising in Business Management, Economics, and Accounting, brings a unique blend of experience to the classroom. After launching her career as an Accountant, she obtained an MBA and managed her own successful business for a decade. Heidi's educational journey led her to earn a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, ultimately guiding her to a fulfilling teaching career. She thrives in the classroom, imparting a practical perspective to commerce subjects. Heidi's passion for innovation drives her to regularly explore new teaching approaches, ensuring dynamic and engaging learning experiences for her students.

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Jazmin Nardelli, Marryatville High School (South Australia)
Jazmin Nardelli is a secondary Mathematics and Business teacher from South Australia with a strong focus on financial literacy education. She has co-designed and delivered innovative, data informed financial literacy subjects that prioritise real world decision making, wellbeing, and long-term independence. Jazmin is passionate about reducing anxiety around money and maths, using authentic contexts and evidence based approaches to build students’ confidence and capability with personal finance.
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Josephine Comegna, Redbank Plains State High School (Queensland)
Josephine Comegna is a senior secondary educator and qualified barrister and solicitor with professional experience spanning both education and legal practice in Australia and Canada. She currently teaches Civics and Citizenship, Law, and Legal Studies in Queensland, where she is actively involved in whole-school improvement and faculty development. Prior to entering education, Josephine practised as a civil and commercial litigator, working on complex, high-value matters at leading global law firms. Her legal background informs her classroom practice, with a strong emphasis on legal reasoning, civic literacy, and real-world application. Josephine is passionate about building coherent Years 9–12 civics and legal pathways that engage students, strengthen democratic understanding, and support post-school futures in law, business, and public service.

Joy Pathmanathan-Bartsch, St Peter's Girls' School (South Australia)
Joy is a teacher of Business Innovation, Economics, and HASS at St Peter’s Girls School, SA. She specialises in curriculum design that aligns with ACARA and SACE standards, combining rigorous academic content with practical, real-world applications. Her programs equip students with the skills and tools to identify authentic problems and develop sustainable solutions. Her professional interests focus on the correlation between student learning and wellbeing, ensuring that curriculum and classroom practices foster both academic growth and personal development. Joy Bartsch’s passion also lies in Economic Theory and government policy, particularly exploring how effective policy implementation can support sustainable growth within Australia.

As President of the Economics Teachers’ Society of South Australia, Joy is committed to developing her expertise in teaching, learning, and leadership. She aims to facilitate professional learning for educators, mentor colleagues, and contribute to curriculum innovation, supporting teachers in translating best practice into consistent and impactful classroom action. Passionate about entrepreneurship education, critical thinking, and global awareness, she is committed to supporting both teachers and students to engage meaningfully, act purposefully, and thrive academically, socially, and personally.
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Julie Cain, Educational Consultant
Julie has been a teacher for over 40 years. During this time she taught many Business & Economics subjects from Year 7 to VCE and had leadership roles in schools, the most recent as a Campus Principal overseeing Teaching & Learning in a large secondary school.  Julie has also taught adults at TAFE and university as well as preservice teachers. She has authored many textbooks for Years 7 to 9 Humanities, Year 10 Business & Economics, Year 11 & 12 Legal Studies and Year 11 & 12 Business Management. In addition, Julie has been a regular contributor to Compak, presented at Comview since 2001 and presents teacher professional learning in VCE Business Management. Julie was on the VCTA Board of Directors for 10 years and served as president for two. She has chaired the VCTA Advisory Groups for Business Management and Years 7-10 Business & Economics. Julie is currently working with VCTA and schools delivering professional learning and mentors new teachers.

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Lara Porczak, Loyola College (Victoria)
Lara is currently the Head of Humanities at Loyola College. She has previously worked at Siena College as the Head of Humanities (Acting) and Leader of Pedagogy, as well as Geelong Grammar School as a Humanities, English and Media teacher. She graduated from a Master of Teaching (Secondary) at the University of Melbourne, where she was a recipient of the Dean’s Honours Award. Previously, Lara has helped to develop the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, worked as a VCAA assessor, and in public relations for state and local governments. Lara has experience in developing resources that promote Key Skills in VCE Legal Studies and has presented these in professional learning sessions.
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Mary Pettinger, St Peter's College (South Australia)
Mary Pettinger is a respected Commerce educator and curriculum leader with more than two decades of experience developing students’ economic and financial literacy across SACE, IB DP, MYP, and the Australian Curriculum. With a background in Commerce and deep expertise in Economics, Accounting, and Business, she is committed to equipping young people with the analytical and decision-making skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex economic environment.

Mary is an influential contributor to Economics and Business education nationally, serving as President of BETASA, Secretary of ETSSA and Business Educators Australasia, and as a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Education Advisory Panel. She has also strengthened secondary-tertiary connections through her work on UniSA’s Accounting and Finance Advisory Group.
Since 2025, Mary has been the Commerce Coordinator at St Peter’s College, leading the Years 7–12 Commerce curriculum and supporting staff in delivering high-quality, real-world learning. She recently led a History study tour to London and Northern Italy, guiding students through authentic budgeting and cost-of-living experiences.
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Melody White, Senior Advisor - People Capability and Leadership, Brisbane Catholic Education
Melody White is a Senior Advisor - People Capability and Leadership at Brisbane Catholic Education, where she plays an integral role in mentoring and developing teaching talent from early career to experienced teachers within the organisation. Melody is a nationally certified Highly Accomplished Teacher that has specialised in music, business and legal studies. Melody's teaching experience spans across prep to year 12. In addition to her role at BCE, Melody is a committee member for the Business Educators’ Association of Queensland and an Executive Member of QCT's HALT Network, further contributing to the educational community and supporting the growth and success of educators and students. 

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Naomi Walsh, President, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Naomi Walsh is the 2026 President of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the peak professional body representing Chartered Accountants across Australia and New Zealand. 
She is Academic Lead Industry Engagement and leader of the UTAS Launceston Institute at the University of Tasmania. She is also a non-executive director of TasTAFE, TasNetworks, the Launceston Chamber of Commerce and Work Integrated Learning Australia Ltd.

With more than 30 years’ experience in senior accounting, commercial and consulting roles across Tasmania, Western Australia and the United Kingdom, Naomi brings deep expertise in governance, strategy and organisational leadership. Her portfolio career spans energy sector, education, professional services and for-purpose sectors.

She is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants ANZ and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, holds a Master of Business and is an alumna of the Tasmanian Leaders Program. She maintains an active commitment to professional development in contemporary leadership, sustainability, governance and emerging technologies.

Naomi has previously served as a director of the Motor Accidents Insurance Board (Tas), Tasmanian Development and Resources Board and Mental Health Council of Tasmania, and Commissioner for Tasmania Legal Aid. She is experienced in chairing Audit & Risk, Governance and Remuneration Committees.

A former Telstra Business Women’s Award recipient (Tasmanian Corporate Sector), Naomi is passionate about supporting emerging leaders to build purposeful and sustainable careers.
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Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon, Author & Media Personality
Nicole is a long-time money commentator and financial literacy campaigner and educator across newspapers, online and on television, and in high schools around Australia. 
 
Nicole has been writing a money column for The Sydney Morning Herald/Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age newspapers, and on all related websites, for 22 years. She was formerly editor then editor-at-large of The Australian Financial Review’s Smart Investor magazine. 
 
Nicole is a regular on Channels 7, 9, 10, Sky and ABC Radio, and travels the country giving speeches and MC-ing events, including on multiple occasions at Canberra's Parliament House on behalf of ASIC’S Money Smart and the previous Australian Government Financial Literacy Board. Nicole has also been delivering her Smart Money Start financial literacy incursion to graduating high school students since 2014. 
 
She is the host of the family money podcast Minted Kids, in which she goes behind the scenes into how families in-the-know teach their kids about money. It is designed to be listened to by parents with their kids, to spark valuable finance conversations in homes around the country.  
 
Nicole has 'spoken for' Australia, on behalf of The Australian Financial Review, at investment conferences in both the U.S. and UK.
 
She has won the top award for investment and personal finance journalism in the United Kingdom and Australia (respectively). Nicole is the author of the best-selling How to Get Mortgage-Free Like Me, in which real Aussies reveal how they’ve accomplished the real Australian dream faster, smarter and cheaper. She is also the creator and author of one-off, newsstand bookazine Money Secrets, a financial success template designed to take Aussies from worry to wealthy. 

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Team from St Peters Lutheran College (Queensland)
We are an interdisciplinary team of Business Studies and Psychology teachers who are combining our expertise to bring the real world into our classrooms.  The team who have worked on the development of these units are:

• Olivia Larney - Curriculum Leader for Business Studies 
• Lucy Boland - Curriculum Leader Assistant for Psychology
• Jack Sims and Lynne Rech - Legal Studies teachers
• Susannah Treschman and Lachlan Noble - Psychology Teachers
• Susanne Louw and David Mackenroth - Business teachers
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Rachelle Willington, Manager, National Priority Projects, ACARA
Rachelle Willington, Manager, Natoinal Priority Projects, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is responsible for the Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences and the Cross-curriculum priority Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia. Rachelle led the development and review of the F–10 Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences learning area. She has participated in several national projects including the Constitutional Education Fund resources project and is the Curriculum Specialist leading the National Assessment Program for Civics and Citizenship (NAP-CC). Rachelle is an experienced educator that has worked in both primary and secondary schools. During her career she has been a classroom teacher, HASS curriculum coordinator,  curriculum adviser for the Queensland Department of Education and HASS curriculum specialist at QCAA.

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Sansha Johnson, Wesley College (Victoria)
Sansha Johnson LLB, BA, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Cert Maths Ed, BJ
Sansha has 20 years teaching experience across a variety of subjects in both the local Victorian Certificate of Education and the International Baccalaureate program. She is the Theory of Knowledge co-ordinator for the IB program at Wesley College as well as a teacher of senior Legal Studies and Business Management. She also has several years’ experience as a VCE assessor of Legal Studies. Sansha has been involved with the development of many business electives at Yr. 9 & 10 level, including Finance and Investment, Criminology and Entrepreneurship which are the most popular electives offered at her school. She particularly enjoys developing student assessments and courses with a focus on explicit instruction and clear articulation of desired content and skills. 

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Dr Stephanie Smith, Head of Learning and Museum Experience, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Dr Stephanie Smith is the Head of Learning and Museum Experience at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). With over 20 years’ experience working in primary schools and cultural institutions nationally, she is a dedicated advocate for education and learning, with a particular focus on play-based learning, student voice, learner agency and media literacy.
 
In her current role, Steph is responsible for leading the front-of-house teams who engage with schools and visitors to the museum. She also leads delivery of online experiences, outreach programs and teacher professional development. Steph is committed to fostering an innovative approach to education for all, regardless of age. She is currently involved in a collaborative Australian Research Council Grant focused on supporting adults to identify misinformation, has recently led a pilot engagement program Democracy in a Box for regional and remote schools, and has delivered a series of digital events with leading authors / illustrations to over 120,000 students nationally in the past 18 months.
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