GNLC Board

The Good News Lutheran College Board (the Board) is responsible for conducting the affairs of the College. 

The Board is appointed by Lutheran Education Victoria, NSW and Tasmania (LEVNT) and is accountable to the Lutheran Church of Australia Victorian District (the District). The District has the ultimate responsibility for all financial commitments of the College. Each dedicated member is committed to providing a framework for the College to be able to flourish and grow through the Word of God.

There can be up to 10 voting members on the Board including a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary. The Principal, Pastor or Head of Ministry, Business Manager and other Heads of College regularly attend meetings and act as non-voting consultants to the Board.

The main responsibilities of the Board are to…

  • Meet on a monthly basis to review the day-to-day administration of the College

  • Maintain and monitor the financial records of the College

  • Ensure the College’s compliance with the policies and procedures of LEVNT and the District

  • Ensure compliance to the College’s constitution, by-laws and all relevant government regulations

  • Appoint the Principal and ratify Executive appointments

The Board is blessed to be served by a group of volunteers, all of whom have great skills, abilities and insight into the College. GNLC is regularly seeking talented individuals with specific skill sets that could potentially provide renewal and different insights into the governance of the College.

Chairman - Neil Leek

Neil Leek has spent the past 36 years in Business Management at independent schools in Darwin, Alice Springs, Perth, and Adelaide. He completed his business degree in 1983 and left his employment with the Western Australian Government in 1986, to take up a new career at an independent Christian school in Darwin. He has gained significant experience in the many aspects of school operations, including financial management, strategic planning, master planning and the development of new schools. Neil has been actively involved in the Associations of Independent Schools in the NT and WA, Block Grant Authority NT Board and Treasurer/Board member of Baptist Care NT Ltd and Foodbank NT. He served on the LESNW Finance Committee for several years and is currently a Board member of Narwarddeken Academy Ltd, which establishes and runs independent Aboriginal schools in Arnhem Land. Neil worships at Victor Harbor Baptist Church and serves on the Leadership Team as the Church Treasurer. Neil has a passion for Christian Education and good governance and is delighted to serve as a Board member.

Vice Chairman - TBA

Secretary - Mario Puopolo

TBC

Board Member - Connor Marshall

Connor Marshall joined the board in 2024 with a focus on strategy and a commitment to spiritual and community responsibility. He is an early career researcher for the Australian Department of Defence with a First Class Honours in Aerospace Engineering and a Bachelor of Science from Monash University. He is a life-long learner and has shared this passion in the past while tutoring, coordinating science research projects, and organising STEM outreach. 

Attending Lutheran schools and churches throughout his life has solidified his faith and service mindset. “I am honoured to accept the responsibility of Board Director and serve the GNLC community to achieve their aspirations and God’s will.”

Board Member - Jesse Spike

Jesse Spike's professional experience is rooted in Accounting and Finance having worked as an auditor for four years, and now as a Business Analyst at Village Roadshow Entertainment. He has always held a passion for developing young minds and for Lutheran mission. He claims it to be a real blessing to be involved with a school driven to achieve these goals. “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to serve at GNLC, to which I was elected in 2023. I have previously served as a treasurer and Council member in churches and have a passion for youth being heavily involved previously as a youth leader and leader CLWs.”

Board Member - Matthew Miller