Introducing the New ECAWA Committee

Following the ECAWA Annual General Meeting held today, we are pleased to congratulate and warmly welcome the newly elected committee for the coming term.

Executive Committee

• President: Courtney Weaver
• Vice President: Jonathan Ihlein
• Secretary: Michelle Chomiak
• Treasurer: Tanya Godwich

Coordinators

• Primary Coordinator: Ian Wilson
• Secondary Coordinator: Rachel Farnay
• Tertiary Coordinator – Computer Science: Tim French
• Tertiary Coordinator – Initial Teacher Education: Krysia Jeffries

General Committee

• Karina Price
• Tracy Grant
• Antony Norris
• Destiny Liedel

This committee brings together a wealth of experience across primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with strong connections to industry and the broader computing education community. We look forward to working together to continue supporting teachers, students, and advocates for Digital Technologies and Computing education across Western Australia.

We also acknowledge and sincerely thank David Cook, who now moves into the role of Immediate Past President. David’s leadership, dedication, and ongoing support of ECAWA have been greatly appreciated, and we are pleased that he will continue to contribute to the association in this new capacity.

As we begin this next chapter, ECAWA remains committed to fostering collaboration, professional learning, advocacy, and innovation in computing education throughout WA. We thank all members who attended the AGM and continue to support the work of the association.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead.

There is so much to like about ECAWA and the people involved in 2025. Many things to consider. In 2025 ECAWA went through a period of rebirth and reconfiguration. ECAWA was first configured in the 1970s, and then incorporated in 1987.

At the conclusion of 2025 we see the creation of a fresh committee of strong, passionate, devoted educators. Many new faces, new ideas, and new directions. At the end of 2025, and with the excitement of what 2026 will bring, ECAWA is an association of change.

ECAWA’s history has been shaped by a mix of foundational pioneers, long-term volunteers, and current educators, all committed to integrating computing and digital technologies into Western Australian education. This legacy includes leadership in curriculum development, annual conferences, national engagement, professional learning, and celebrating excellence in practice.

2025 has been a year of re-imagining. It has seen a commitment to sharing new knowledge through different mediums, with multiple podcasts from Western Australian experts and an Australian network (thanks to ACCE) of Nation wide thought leadership in computing education.

It’s also seen the emergence of more interactive events such as ‘The Big Whinge’ event where we flip the audience so that they are the contributors and ECAWA members actively respond to the issues and challenges of the computer education industry.

We’ve also seen a resurgence in awards – recognising emerging and future leaders in computing education across every award category in 2025.

As 2025 has come to a close, what we will see in 2026 is a new-look website, with active content, fresh new linkages, and opportunities for educators at Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary level to engage with the new curriculum and innovative pedagogies for the next few years.

To all the committee in 2025, a huge thank you for having belief in the values and ideas of ECAWA, and for service to supporting teachers and students in Western Australian schools. Michelle Chomiak, Courtney Weaver, Tanya Godwich, Ian Wilson, Rachel Farnay, Valerie Maxville, Zoe George, Michael King, Zina Cordery, Karina Price, and Tracy Grant. Here’s to an amazing year in 2026.

Regards
Dr David Cook,
ECAWA President

The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is proud to announce announce Maria D’Cunha as the recipient of the ECAWA Leader of the Year Award for 2025,

With over 30 years of experience as an educator, Maria has been recognised for her visionary leadership, dedication to innovation, and significant contributions to the advancement of ICT and Technologies education in Western Australia.

Maria’s work has transformed the way students and teachers engage with digital technologies. As a leader at Hampton Senior High School, she developed the school’s renowned ICT Specialist Program, which became the cornerstone for Hampton’s recognition as a Teacher Development School (Technologies – ICT focus) from 2011 to 2020. Through this program, Maria established strong pathways for student achievement and helped position the school as a leader in Technologies education. Initiatives such as TechFest and the STEM Awards—introduced under her guidance—continue to celebrate student innovation and promote excellence in STEM across the wider school community.

In her roles as ICT Coordinator, HOLA Technologies, TDS Coordinator, PLC Leader, and member of the Senior Leadership Team, Maria has championed collaboration, quality teaching, and professional growth. She employs the GROWTH coaching model to mentor staff and foster reflective practice, resulting in improved teacher confidence and curriculum consistency. Her focus on digital integration and assessment design has led to stronger student engagement and success, with consistently strong WACE results in Applied Information Technology and student participation in competitions such as FIRST Lego League and RoboCupJunior.

Maria’s leadership extends well beyond the school gates. She has cultivated enduring partnerships with SciTech, Curtin University, Macquarie University, Women in Technology WA (WiTWA), and the Western Australian Innovation, Technology and Talent Alliance (WAITTA). Through these collaborations, students have gained access to authentic STEM experiences, industry mentors, and national-level competitions such as the Game Changer Awards. Her coordination of TechTrails and other outreach programs has strengthened community connections and raised the profile of her school as a centre of excellence in ICT education.

Maria D’Cunha exemplifies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence that defines the ECAWA community. Her enduring commitment to empowering both teachers and students through technology continues to shape the future of digital education in Western Australia.

ECAWA warmly congratulates Maria D’Cunha, our ECAWA Leader of the Year 2025.

This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.

The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is proud to announce Brittni Balogh as the recipient of the ECAWA ICT Educatorof the Year Award for 2025,

Brittni is recognised for her visionary leadership, innovative practice, and outstanding contribution to the growth of ICT education in Western Australia. Through her work at Joseph Banks Secondary College, she has transformed the way students and teachers engage with technology, creating authentic learning experiences that build capability, creativity, and confidence.

As the Digital Technologies Teacher-in-Charge and DigiTech Coordinator, Brittni has led the development of future-focused programs in robotics, coding, data science, and cybersecurity, all firmly grounded in the Western Australian Curriculum. Her projects—such as Billboard Data Analysis and ethical hacking simulations—connect theory to real-world application, equipping students with valuable technical and problem-solving skills. Through robotics challenges and cross-curricular projects, she has inspired learners to collaborate, innovate, and think critically about the role of technology in their lives and communities.

Brittni’s influence extends far beyond her own classroom. Recognising a professional learning gap, she designed and delivered hands-on Microsoft Excel workshops for education support staff and leaders—interactive sessions that have now expanded across the state. These workshops have improved efficiency and digital confidence across schools, reflecting Brittni’s belief that all educators and staff should feel empowered by technology.

One of Brittni’s most significant achievements is the creation and growth of DigiMeets—a statewide professional learning initiative that brings together teachers and industry professionals to share innovative practices and co-design digital learning strategies. Attendance at these sessions has grown from 14 to over 45 regular participants, demonstrating the value of the community she has built. DigiMeets have become a cornerstone of ICT collaboration in WA, connecting educators, universities, and industry partners in an open, supportive environment that promotes creativity and professional growth.

Brittni’s leadership and outreach are also recognised at the state and national level. She has presented at ECAWA, WATSSA, and EduTech Melbourne, sharing strategies in digital literacy, robotics, and cybersecurity education. Her initiatives have been celebrated by colleagues and department leaders alike, who praise her for building capacity across networks and strengthening alignment between classroom learning and real-world industry needs.

ECAWA warmly congratulates Brittni, the ECAWA ICT Educator of the Year 2025, whose work exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and impact. Her leadership continues to inspire teachers and students across Western Australia and beyond to embrace technology as a powerful tool for learning and transformation.

This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.

The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is delighted to announce Ian Wilson as the recipient of the ECAWA Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year Award for 2025,

Ian is recognised for his exceptional innovation, leadership, and sustained contribution to Digital Technologies education at Coolbinia Primary School, where he has inspired students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 for more than a decade.

A passionate advocate for authentic, integrated learning, Ian has transformed the teaching of Digital Technologies by linking coding, data, and design with sustainability, Aboriginal perspectives, and real-world science. His programs engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that extend well beyond the classroom. Through projects such as Einstein-First (in partnership with UWA), students explore relativity and quantum physics using coding and simulation, while the Two-Way Science program embeds Noongar knowledge through digital biodiversity surveys. His Kaadadjiny Boodja initiative—an award-winning interactive bush trail featuring QR codes, Braille, and augmented reality—has been praised nationally as a model of STEM and cultural integration.

Ian’s classroom practice exemplifies best-practice pedagogy in Digital Technologies. Students engage in robotics and coding from an early age, progressing from LEGO WeDo to Micro:bits and SPIKE Prime robotics. Participation in Bebras Challenges, Cyber.comp, and Blockly.comp builds strong computational thinking skills, while cross-curricular projects—such as analysing waste data for Clean Up Australia Day—connect technology with environmental action. His commitment to inclusivity is also evident through initiatives like Father–Daughter Robotics days and Girls in STEM programs, which have inspired many female students to pursue advanced studies and careers in technology.

Beyond his classroom, Ian is a leader in the broader education community. As STEM Committee Leader and Technologies Network Leader of the Mt Lawley Schools Network, he collaborates with teachers across eight schools to share best practice in Digital Technologies. His leadership has been recognised through selection as a Governor’s School STEM Awards Finalist, and through partnerships with ACARA, CSIRO, UWA, Scitech, and FIRST LEGO League. He also coordinates Safer Internet Day initiatives and contributes to the national eSafety Champions Network, ensuring that digital citizenship remains central to student learning. He has also just joined the ECAWA Committee, which we’re absolutely delighted about!

Ian is deeply committed to professional learning and knowledge sharing. He designs and delivers professional development sessions for local networks and state events, has been commended by AISWA for exemplary leadership, and has presented his work at national and international conferences, including the Google Educator Conference, World Environmental Education Congress, and International School Grounds Alliance.

ECAWA congratulates Ian Wilson, whose innovative practice, leadership, and commitment to equity and sustainability make him an outstanding ambassador for Digital Technologies education in Western Australia and beyond.

This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.

The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is excited to announce Destiny Liedel as the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year Award for 2025,

Destiny is recognised for her creativity, inclusivity, and leadership in integrating Digital Technologies within early childhood and primary education. In her role as Kindergarten Teacher and Digital Technologies Support Teacher at Maylands Peninsula Primary School, Destiny has demonstrated remarkable innovation, designing engaging learning experiences that make technology accessible and meaningful for every student.

Destiny’s work is defined by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. She has pioneered the use of adaptive technologies to empower students with diverse learning needs—such as using eye gaze activity boards to enable students with physical disabilities to code and control robots. Grounded in evidence-based approaches like Teaching for Impact and High Impact Teaching Strategies, her lessons foster curiosity, independence, and confidence in even the youngest learners.

As a Digital Technologies Support Teacher, Destiny has led whole-school improvements in the delivery of the Digital Technologies curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 6. She has developed curriculum-aligned documentation, built an adaptive resource bank, and provided coaching and professional learning for staff. Her collaborative leadership—alongside speech pathologists, psychologists, and education assistants—has strengthened inclusive practices across the school and enhanced teacher confidence in delivering quality digital learning.

Destiny’s leadership extends beyond her own school. As co-leader of the Morley Schools Network (MSN) Digital Technologies group and a member of the Future Leaders Initiative (2024), she has shared her expertise with educators across Western Australia. She has organised professional learning sessions, built a shared repository of inclusive resources, and supported teachers in implementing the Digital Technologies curriculum with creativity and consistency. Her STEM/DigiTech Committee at Maylands Peninsula PS continues to drive innovation, collaboration, and system-wide capacity building.

ECAWA warmly congratulates Destiny Liedel, our Emerging Digital Technologies Teacher of the Year 2025. Her innovative, inclusive, and collaborative approach to teaching exemplifies the next generation of leadership in Digital Technologies education.

This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.

It is my honour to write to you as the newly elected President of the Educational Computing Association of Western Australia (ECAWA). At our recent Annual General Meeting, held on 22nd February 2025, our membership came together to reaffirm our shared commitment to supporting digital technologies educators across Western Australia’s schools and tertiary institutions.

I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I look forward to serving our vibrant community in this role. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our outgoing leadership for their service and contributions, particularly Michael King, who now continues to support the association in the role of Immediate Past President.

Introducing Your 2025–26 ECAWA Committee

I’m thrilled to introduce the committee members who will be working alongside me this year. Together, we bring diverse experience from schools and higher education to strengthen our professional association and champion excellence in computing education.

Executive Team

• President: Dr David Cook — ACCE Board Member for WA and ECU lecturer/researcher.
• Vice President: Courtney Weaver — Digital Technologies and Music educator, advocate for digital literacy.
• Secretary: Michelle Chomiak — Digital Technologies teacher and passionate STEM mentor.
• Treasurer: Tanya Godwich — Secondary Digital Technologies educator and financial steward.

Other Key Roles

• Editor, LOGIN Journal: Yvonne Harrison — shaping our flagship publication.
• Tertiary Coordinator: Dr Valerie Maxville — strengthening our engagement with tertiary institutions and pre-service educators.
• Immediate Past President: Michael King — continuing his support and leadership for one more year.

While a few key roles – including Primary Coordinator, Secondary Coordinator, and additional Ordinary Committee positions – remain to be filled, this presents an exciting opportunity for members like you to contribute. We encourage you to consider stepping forward! ECAWA thrives because of people who care, educators who are passionate about teaching, learning, and innovation in digital technologies. If you’re interested in supporting events, contributing to special projects, or joining the committee, please reach out. There’s room to make an impact in many ways.

Our work this year will focus on strengthening professional learning opportunities, advocating for educators across sectors, and expanding connections both locally and nationally as part of the broader computing education community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and membership. I look forward to what we will achieve together.

Warmest regards,
Dr David Cook
President, ECAWA

The Educational Computing Association of WA (Inc.) is delighted to announce announce Petra Trinke as the recipient of the ECAWA Leader of the Year Award for 2024,

Petra is recognised for her outstanding leadership, vision, and long-term commitment to advancing the use of technology in education both within Western Australia and internationally.

Throughout her career, Petra has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering innovation in teaching and learning. As a Principal Consultant with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Petra has played a key role in shaping curriculum reform and supporting schools to deliver high-quality Technologies education. Her leadership has extended to international education, helping schools abroad implement the Western Australian curriculum and expand opportunities for students to pursue Technologies pathways.

Petra’s impact is far-reaching. She has collaborated with universities and industry to build programs that inspire students to explore computing, cybersecurity, and engineering fields—most notably through her involvement with Edith Cowan University’s “Making IT w/ Science” initiative. As a judge for the Game Changer Awards, WiTWA Awards, and the Governor’s STEM Awards, Petra has championed programs that strengthen connections between education, business, and government, driving forward initiatives that prepare students for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

An active contributor to professional associations, Petra has served as a Vice President and long-time committee member of ECAWA, representing the association in collaborations with the Department of Education and the STEM Consortium. She also contributes to Women in Technology WA’s Techtrails subcommittee, promoting STEM careers to young people—particularly girls—and helping schools embed design thinking, entrepreneurship, and technology into their teaching practice.

Petra’s influence as a leader, mentor, and advocate is evident through her work in curriculum development, teacher professional learning, and international education leadership. She continues to exemplify the values of ECAWA through her collaboration, innovation, and commitment to excellence in Technologies education.

Congratulations, Petra, on being named ECAWA Leader of the Year 2024. Your tireless efforts to empower educators and inspire students embody the very best of our community.

This text was summarized from the award recipient’s nomination documents.