We are excited to introduce the Education Advisory Group (EAG) — a new initiative bringing together experienced teachers and curriculum experts to help shape civics education delivered by the Parliament of New South Wales. 

The EAG has been established to provide valuable insights and feedback on the Parliament’s educational programs, including events, activities, and classroom resources. With expertise spanning primary, secondary, and tertiary education, our members will ensure that these programs meet the highest standards and effectively support students, teachers, and the wider public in understanding our democratic system.

What Does the EAG Do?

Chaired by the Senior Manager – Education and Engagement, the group will meet every quarter to:

• help refine educational resources and materials produced by the Parliament of New South Wales
• observe and provide feedback on the Parliament’s civics education programs
• advise on how the Parliament can better meet the civics education needs of diverse communities across NSW.

Members will serve terms of up to two years, and applications for future membership are open to any NSW resident with relevant expertise and a passion for civics education.

Meet Our Members

Our inaugural EAG is made up of outstanding educators and experts who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the group:

• Elise Wood is a primary teacher with extensive experience in teaching Kindergarten to Year 6 in rural, remote and regional communities, as well as curriculum development and community engagement. Elise has previously served as Assistant and Deputy Principal at Kelso Public School. 
• Nicole Laauw brings over 30 years of K-6 teaching and leadership experience across the New South Wales Department of Education, Charles Sturt University, and the University of Wollongong. She is committed to empowering school leaders and teachers to deliver high-quality teaching, leveraging technology to enhance professional learning and improve student outcomes in all NSW schools.
• Kate Gerrish is a commerce and legal studies teacher with a decade of teaching experience. Kate has taught in mainstream, selective, behavioural, metropolitan and rural schools. Kate is passionate about public speaking as a civics and citizenship education tool.  
• Kristy Higgins has been teaching history, geography, society and culture, aboriginal studies, legal studies and business studies in independent, catholic and public schools since 2004. Kristy is passionate about democracy and community, has previously worked as a senior advisor to a federal politician, and is an active member of the 5 Lands Walk.  
• Thecla Siamas has been a Head Teacher in secondary schools in NSW for many years. Her main teaching areas are history, geography, legal studies and commerce and she has taught in Australian and UK schools since 1999. Thecla is currently working at the NSW Education Standards Authority in curriculum. 
• Lisa Peel has taught business studies, economics, commerce, history, and geography in NSW Catholic schools for 27 years. Lisa was a member of the NSW Curriculum Reform Teacher Expert Network, and currently works for Catholic Schools Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, where she provides expert advice in curriculum and pedagogy. 
• Dr Keith Heggart is a senior lecturer at the University of Technology, Sydney, where he teaches and researches learning and instructional design, educational technology and civics and citizenship education. Keith is a former secondary teacher and union organiser.
• Maxene Borg has worked in primary and secondary schools for almost four decades, as a classroom teacher and in school leadership positions. She has also worked in Advisory and Consultancy roles focusing on supporting diverse learners, promoting inclusive practices and supporting teaching and learning.  Maxene has a passion for quality educational opportunities for all learners across New South Wales.
• Dr Phil Lambert has extensive experience in education as a school principal, inspector and senior executive in NSW and Australian Public Services. Dr Lambert led the development of Australia’s first national curriculum, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney and Nanjing Normal University.