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presenters

Kurt Iveson

Kurt Iveson is Professor of Urban Geography in the School of Geosciences. As an urban geographer, I work to understand the processes that shape urban life, and to figure out how we can democratise those processes to make more equitable and sustainable cities.

Liam Callaghan

The University of Sydney. Masters of Teaching - Social Science (Geography, Business Studies, Economics, Commerce, Aboriginal Studies) The University of Sydney. Bachelor of Arts (Geography, Government and Aboriginal Studies) I have previously presented at the NSWGTA annual conference in 2018 and the AGTA in 2019 with Rod Lane and Susan Caldis on a project - Reflections about Fieldwork and Promoting Conceptual Change Amongst Teachers. In 2022, NSWGTA webinar presentation on Ecosystems at Risk- Alpine environments.

Kathy Jones

Kathy Jones is a Geography teacher and the Director of Fieldwork Connections, an educational fieldwork consultancy. Kathy runs professional development seminars to support teachers of geography in Syllabus linked fieldwork and skills. She also designs simple field investigations for teachers to run on school grounds and off-site senior fieldwork investigations aligned to the new Stage 6 Syllabus.

Heather Macdonald

Heather MacDonald is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience dedicated to enhancing learning outcomes for schools, educators, and students. Heather has collaborates with a wide range of organisations (from Sport, Ed Tech, NFP and Science) to develop and implement programs aimed at supporting education and fostering positive change. During her tenure with the Crawford Fund, Heather has played a pivotal role in the creation and integration of International Agriculture for development programs. These initiatives empower students to become catalysts for change in the realms of food and nutrition security, both locally and globally. Heather's workshops are renowned for their interactive nature, providing educators with immersive learning experiences. Her innovative approach has led to remarkable success in integrating programs into secondary schools, enriching students' educational journeys. Through her work with the Crawford Fund, Heather showcases the diverse career opportunities available in the agricultural sector, extending far beyond traditional farming roles. Her dedication to education and commitment to empowering future generations highlight her as a leader in her field.


Louise Swanson 

Louise Swanson Louise is an experienced Geography teacher, Deputy Principal and author and a coordinating author for the 7-10 Geoactive textbooks and 11-12 Powerful Geography books 

Laura Bradford


Laura Bradford is the relieving Head Teacher HSIE at Singleton High School in the Hunter Valley. She has been a teacher for 12 years since graduating from the University of Newcastle.

Laura Fisher


Laura Fisher works at The Mulloon Institute, a not-for-profit that supports communities to create resilient landscapes through improved management of water and the water cycle. Laura's background is in art, and her work at the Institute focuses on science communication and curriculum building with school groups, university students, land managers and community.

David Proctor


David is a geography teacher and teacher librarian who currently works in western Sydney. He has had experience as a teacher across NSW in regional, remote and metropolitan schools. David has presented at national and state conferences on Geographic tools, skills, literacy and innovative learning for students who prefer to have a hands on classroom

Drew Collins


25+yrs of teaching Geography, GTA Councillor, Author (GTA and Oxford Insight Geography Stage 4-5 series), previous AIS Conference Convenor, previous HSC Exam writer and marker, previous employment including Sydney GPS and Independent schools, Dept of Education schools on the Central Coast, and overseas experience in London.

Kristen Clarke

Kristen is a passionate education strategist with over 17 years of experience creating and implementing learning to drive positive change. Working with Essential Need, Kristen’s goal is to advance education about United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.1 to our schools and youth – ‘to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable clean drinking water for all by 2030’.


Susan Caldis

Dr Susan Caldis is Chair of the Australian Geography Teachers Association and Immediate Past President of GTANSW&ACT. Susan is also a member of the National Committee for Geographical Sciences. Currently, Susan is employed as a Lecturer in the Macquarie School of Education at Macquarie University. Her research interests focus on reflexive practice and transition into the teaching profession, contextualised around understanding the implications of out-of-field teaching amongst pre-service and early-career teachers; and understanding transformative influences on pedagogical practice in the geography classroom. The contribution and sustained impact of Susan's work to geography education and its professional associations have recently been recognised through award of a Fellowship to GTANSW&ACT, the Macdonald Holmes Medal, and the James Sturgiss Exceptional Service to the Profession.

Christina Kalinic

Christina has been teaching Geography at Stella Maris College Manly for 12 years. She has extensive experience mentoring pre-service teachers and out-of-field-teachers in teaching and learning practices in Geography. For several years, she has been a regular contributor to the Geography Teachers’ Association (GTA) NSW & ACT Geography Bulletin. Christina was awarded the Geoff Conolly Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the Geography Bulletin. Alongside her work in Geography, Christina is a Society and Culture Committee Member who has experience in presenting at Professional Learning days and annual student events. Christina has also presented at the Australian Independent Schools Conference Centre.

James Heafey

 Experienced Geography and Science teacher, certified snorkelling instructor, 8 years service with Royal Australian Navy in warlike and peacetime operations include 6 as Navigators Yeoman.
 Khya Brooks 

Khya is an experienced Geography teacher who works as a Head Teacher at a partially selective high school in Sydney’s South West. This has equipped her with the ability to differentiate geographical concepts, case studies and skills to cater to a wide demographic of students. Through her breadth of experience she has worked as a consultant, developed geographical resources and presented at conferences for various teaching organisations, including NESA, the GTA and the Department of Education. She is also an author in the senior Powerful Geography textbooks and Stage 4 and 5 Good Geography textbooks.

GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION NSW & ACT

PO Box 699, Lidcombe NSW 1825
P: (02) 9716 0378