A message shared with the Newington Community on 22 April 2026, by the Outgoing Chair of College Council , Mr Tony McDonald (ON 1976).

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Dear Newington Community,  

I trust that you have had an enjoyable and restful Autumn Term break. I’m sure that our students are excited to reconnect with each other.

In a brief note earlier this year, I shared that my tenure as Chair expires this year. It has been a privilege to serve our community during a period of significant growth, reflection and a renewed strategy. We have affirmed our core values of respect, diversity and inclusion and, in a contemporary setting, embedded our mission of empowering students to develop ‘Great Hearts, Inspired Minds and Strong Wings’.

I also outlined the College Council’s planned approach to succession for my role as Chair and as a member of Council. We have been supported by an independent search firm specialising in the for-purpose sector, advising on selection criteria, required skills and candidate identification. We have aspired to the appointment of a Chair with a deep understanding of the College’s educational ethos and the important role of Council as a group of governors.  

I am delighted to let you know that Council has elected current Council member Rachel Stock to succeed me as Chair.

Rachel has been a valuable addition to Council since early 2024 with her extensive knowledge of governance, risk management and strategy, shaped by more than 30 years in senior roles across large scale operations, risk management and finance, including her current position as Chief Risk Officer at the Bank of Queensland.

Rachel has a rich understanding of the culture and cadence of the College, as well as the things that define and make the Newington community unique and special. She and her family have been part of the community for almost a decade, with two sons graduating in 2021 and 2025. Her connection to the College, combined with her professional experience and expertise, gives her an excellent understanding of Newington’s commitment to a broad, holistic education and the values and aspirations of our community now and into the future.  
As this decision attests, Rachel is highly valued by Council members and the College executive leadership team alike for leading robust discussions, evidence-based decision making and steadfast sustainable execution. I know she will serve the College and our community with wisdom, purpose and care.  

Throughout Council’s succession planning we have considered the composition of Council as a whole, to ensure it can continue to effectively oversee and deliver on our future vision and current mission.  As such, two new members have also recently been appointed to Council.

Alex Harvey, a highly accomplished and respected business leader with almost three decades of experience in finance at Macquarie Group Limited, joins Council as a lay member. Alex also brings direct experience in school governance and educational infrastructure projects.  

Angus Luffman (ON 1989), an experienced senior executive and leader with a multi-generational family connection to Newington, joins Council as an ONU-nominated member.    
A full list of current College Council members, and their experience, is provided on our website.  

It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Chair of a school that has meant so much to me and my family. I leave with full confidence that under Rachel’s leadership, and with the ongoing support of our community, Newington will continue to serve our students exceptionally well and will remain strong and well positioned to prosper in the years ahead.  

Sincerely,  

Tony McDonald (ON 1976)  
Outgoing Chair of College Council