OEAQ Key People

We’d like to acknowledge the dedicated individuals who have served on the OEAQ management committee or contributed in other ways before 2005, playing an integral role in the organisation’s sustainability and growth. Their efforts have shaped outdoor education in Queensland, and we are grateful for their commitment.

If we’ve missed you, please get in touch—we would love to honour your contribution here!

Leadership & Advocacy

• Genny Blades – OEAQ President (late 1980s–1994)

• Curt Draheim – OEAQ President (late 1990s–early 2000s)

• James McIntosh – OEAQ President (10+ years, concluding in 2016); drove OEAQ into the 21st century while serving as Director of Outdoor Education at Brisbane Girls Grammar School

• Virginia Mitchell – OEAQ President (2017–2018)

Outdoor Education Champions

• Derek Sheldon – Foundation staff at Maroon Outdoor Education Centre (MOEC); occasional OEAQ Vice President

• Kathy Pinch – Former MOEC staff; now a Professor at California State University, Sacramento

• Jim Johnson – Principal, Brisbane Grammar School; led Pepperina Hill OEC (1980–2010, tbc)

• Kathy Kingsford – Director in the QLD Department of National Parks, Sport & Racing

• Peter McKenna – Current Principal of MOEC; Chair of OEA until 2022

Contributors & Educators

• Pam & Bruce Lanham – Early-mid 1980s; now teaching at Corinda SHS & Moreton Bay College

• Liz Jarvis – OEAQ Treasurer (early 1980s); founding staff of Hillbrook Anglican School

• Danny & Debbie Parkin – Dan works for Clarence Valley Regional Council; Deb is a primary school teacher

• Tim Trehearn – Involved in outdoor education since 1981; now active in the Cairns region

• Peter Trehearn – Worked at Brisbane Grammar School’s Pepperina Hill OEC until ~2012

• Bruce Davis – Worked at Camp Fairbairn OEC (1994)

• Steve Coleman – Worked at Townsville Grammar School (1994)

• Ray Young – Worked at Kinchant OEC near Mackay (1994)

• Tony Hillias – Deputy Principal, MOEC (late 1990s)

• Wendy Read – Outdoor educator in Brisbane (late 1990s–early 2000s); keen orienteer

Industry & Research Contributors

• Rob Hales – Program Director: Sustainable Enterprise, Griffith University; author of 2007 Outdoor Recreation Trends in SEQ

• Mark Dingle – Outdoor education professional in Victoria

Dedicated Supporters

• James & Carol McIntosh – James led OEAQ for over a decade; Carol contributed significantly to OEAQ’s "Horizons" publication while balancing her own teaching and outdoor adventures

Contributors We’re Seeking to Acknowledge

Karen Talbot, Greg Hossack, Steve Guihot, Steve Strong, Yoley Entsch, Tom Wixted, Mark Freakley, and Kim Polistina.

If you or someone you know should be recognised, please reach out—we’d love to celebrate your contributions!