District Contacts
Contact the team through the Mid West District Education Office on:
| Phone: | 9956 1600 |
| Fax: | 9964 1391 |
Simon Forrest: Manager Aboriginal Education
Email: Simon.Forrest@det.wa.edu.au
I am a Yamaji/Nyungar. I have taught in remote and regional locations in Western Australia and lecture university level units specialising in Aboriginal Studies/History, Aboriginal Education and Cultural Studies. I believe I have a wealth of knowledge, expertise and understanding of Aboriginal issues locally, statewide, nationally and internationally.
Lois Spehn-Jackson: LOTE Aboriginal Languages Project Officer
Email: Lois.SPHEN-JACKSON@det.wa.edu.au
I have taught in many schools and communities throughout Western Australia, the Eastern States as well as overseas. My teaching expertise is in the areas of Early Childhood, Education Support and ESL. I have worked in Aboriginal Education for many years as a teacher and in my present role as a LOTE Officer for Aboriginal languages. I work with Community Elders and their families, teachers, and AIEOs in establishing and implementing Aboriginal LOTE programs within the schools. Please feel free to contact me regarding languages, LOTE programs, LOTE training and/or methodology.
Cheryl Ridgeway: Coordinator Aboriginal Education
Email: Cheryl.RIDGEWAY@det.wa.edu.au
I am a Koori from NSW. My Aboriginal family connections are in the Port Stephens area. I have lived and worked in the Mid West Region since 1996 with two years experience teaching Aboriginal students in a remote school. I am passionate about Aboriginal Education and improving the educational experiences of both children and adults. You can contact me if you have any queries about Aboriginal cultural issues or if you need assistance liaising with Aboriginal parents, students or community members.
Amanda Biggs: Coordinator Aboriginal Education
I am a Yamatji woman who grew up in Three Springs. After completing primary school at Three Springs PS I went to Morawa Agricultural High School for three years. For Yr 11 & 12 I boarded at Geraldton Residential College, spending a year in between 11 & 12 on a student exchange in Quebec, Canada. I returned to complete Yr 12 and was appointed Head Girl of the residential college. Since then I have completed an Associate degree in Science & Technology and went to the Western Australian School of Mines to complete a Bachelor of Science in Mining Geology and Mineral Exploration. I worked in various mines statewide before returning to Geraldton where I worked first as an AIEO and then for 5.5 years with the Department of Corrective Services on the Geraldton Aboriginal Cyclical Offending Project.
Monty Mitchell: Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Email: Monty.MITCHELL2@det.wa.edu.au
I come from the Carnarvon area and have lived most of my life in that area. Prior to working in the Mid West District Education Office I was one of the first Aboriginal Police Liaison Officers. I spent eight years in the Perth Metro Region and was a prison officer for two and a half years. My duties now include liaising with students, parents, schools and the community on education issues. I am part of a team in Mid West Aboriginal Education that present cultural awareness to schools, other agencies and the community.
Coral Brockman: Indigenous Language Speaking Students Visiting Teacher
Email: Coral.BROCKMAN@det.wa.edu.au
I am Badimia/Yamaji. My teaching experiences have been in remote and regional Mid West / Pilbara. You can contact me for advice on Aboriginal Studies ideas, cultural awareness, Aboriginal English and any issues related to Aboriginal Education. I have some experience in ECE, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education. I have also worked with students with disabilities.
Karen Cowie: ESL/ESD Curriculum consultant
Email: Karen.COWIE@det.wa.edu.au
I have worked in many Aboriginal schools and communities around Western Australia. Previous to taking up this position I was Early Literacy And Numeracy teacher at Rangeway Primary for 4 years. I love working with languages and linguistics. You can contact me for English as a Second Dialect advice, and all areas of the primary curriculum, particularly literacy and numeracy.