New Board Chair announced
The Gordon Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Trish (Patricia) Crossin AM as its incoming Chair.
Trish brings a wealth of experience to the role, including a strong background in education. She holds a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Education and developed her expertise in Technical and Further Education and Higher Education as a member of the National Australian Education Union TAFE Executive and Director of the Northern Territory Institute of TAFE.
As a former Senator and the first woman to represent the Northern Territory in Federal Parliament, Trish possesses extensive knowledge and experience working within the Australian government. She is also an accomplished Director with an extensive background in corporate governance and strategic planning with previous directorships on the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Australian Indigenous Agribusiness Company (Primary Partners) and Voyages Indigenous Tourism Pty Ltd, Westjustice Community Legal Centre and President of Netball NT and Netball ACT.
During her time in the Senate, Trish served as Chair of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee, Deputy Whip, and Temporary Chair of the Senate. She also established the NT Working Women’s Centre and was the Founding Chairperson. Trish's contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades, including a National Service Award from Asthma Australia, life membership of the National Tertiary Education Union, and, in 2023, an AM for significant service to the Parliament of Australia and the community of the Northern Territory.
Ms Crossin is currently a Director on the Gender Equity Victoria Board, Asthma NT and a working group to establish a National Working Women’s Centre Association.
Quote attributable to incoming Chair, Trish Crossin AM:
“I am looking forward to working closely with the Board, staff, students, government, and industry leaders to continue to promote and grow this respected and valuable education institute. The Gordon plays a key role in the Geelong and Wyndham region, shaping the skills and expertise needed for the future.
I am honoured to be in this role and, along with the Gordon Board, extend my sincere thanks to David Bowen for his leadership as Chair since September 2021.”
Quote attributable to The Gordon Chief Executive Officer Joe Ormeno:
"We’re thrilled to welcome Trish Crossin as our new Board Chair. Her strong vision, collaborative approach, and proven ability to achieve results will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving demands of the VET sector and work together to build a future-fit TAFE for the region. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to David Bowen for his dedicated service and leadership as Chair since September 2021. David's guidance and support have been instrumental in strengthening The Gordon's position as a leading provider of vocational education and training.”