We bid farewell to Robert Parkes who will be handing over the Communications portfolio to Dr Abbey MacDonald. Robert has some exciting travel ahead to pursue his research. His contribution on Executive and to AARE is very much appreciated and we all wish him a really productive trip and anticipate future presentations.
A warm welcome to Dr Abbey MacDonald, appointed to the AARE Executive Committee position of Communications Coordinator, following the recent expression of interest to fill the casual vacancy ensuing from the departure of Associate Professor Robert Parkes from the role.
Abbey is a Senior Lecturer in Arts Education and Graduate Research Coordinator for the School of Education in the College of Arts, Law and Education, at the University of Tasmania. Abbey currently teaches in the Master of Teaching program as well as supervising Research Higher Degree candidates across the College.
Abbey has extensive experience in managing and maintaining social media and communication platforms for a number of Australian education organisations, including current and past roles with National Advocates for Arts Education, Art Education Australia, the AARE Arts Education Practise and Research SIG, as an ECR Associate Editor Intern for the Australian Educational Researcher, and as a past member of the AARE Executive.
It is our pleasure to welcome Abbey to her new role with AARE, and we look forward to her contribution as a key member of the Executive team and Conferences Standing Committee. Again, we extend our thanks to Robert Parkes for the time and dedication he gave to the role since his election in 2020.