ECAWA proudly recognises the exceptional individuals who have been awarded Honorary Life Membership in appreciation of their outstanding service, leadership, and long-standing commitment to our association and the advancement of computing education in Western Australia. Their contributions have shaped ECAWA’s legacy and continue to inspire educators across the state and beyond.
Dr Lorraine Kershaw was a pioneering educator and a foundational figure in ECAWA. She served as the first President of the newly incorporated ECAWA in 1987, guiding the organisation during a pivotal time when computing technologies were being introduced into Western Australian classrooms. Dr Kershaw was honoured as an Honorary Life Member of ECAWA in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership.
Dr Kershaw’s academic contributions were equally impactful. At Edith Cowan University, she focused on primary education and the integration of information technology, authoring influential works such as Aboriginal Children Learning Mathematics and Number Sense and Computation in the Classroom. Her research and publications have significantly influenced teacher education and curriculum development in Australia, and are a testament to her enduring legacy in advancing computing education in Western Australia.
(dec. June 2020)
Mr Paul Dench was a pioneering figure in computing education in Western Australia and a cherished Honorary Life Member of ECAWA. Paul’s dedication to education and technology left an indelible mark on countless students and educators across the state. In the early stages of his career, Paul served as an engineer at the Carnarvon Tracking Station, contributing to Australia’s involvement in the Apollo space missions.
Paul’s passion for computing education led him to become an active member of ECAWA, where he remained engaged for many years, attending conferences and supporting the association’s initiatives. His pioneering work in integrating computing into education has benefited generations of students and continues to inspire educators today. For more about Paul’s life and contributions, please visit ECAWA’s tribute: Remembering Paul Dench.
Dr. Janette Ring is a respected educator and advocate for educational technology, honored as an Honorary Life Member of ECAWA for her significant contributions to the field. Throughout her career, Dr. Ring has been instrumental in advancing the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, focusing on collaborative professional development models to support teachers’ adoption of technology.
At Edith Cowan University (ECU), Dr. Ring has held various academic and leadership roles, contributing to the development of innovative teaching practices, computer-based electronic course delivery, and curriculum design. Her work at ECU has emphasized the importance of digital literacy and the effective use of technology in educational settings, influencing both policy and practice. Dr. Ring’s dedication to fostering inclusive education and her innovative approaches to integrating technology into teaching continue to inspire educators.
(dec. November 2017)
Dr C. Paul Newhouse was a visionary leader in educational technology and a long-serving member of ECAWA. As an Honorary Life Member, his work profoundly shaped computing education across the state and the nation. Paul was instrumental in developing Australia’s Digital Technologies Curriculum and the ICT General Capability, and he contributed significantly to research in online assessment and computing education. His co-authored texts from the 1980s and 1990s helped guide generations of students and teachers.
Paul’s leadership extended beyond the classroom—he led the program team for the 2012 Australian Computers in Education Conference (ACEC) in Perth and mentored many educators throughout his career. Remembered for his generosity, deep expertise, and commitment to quality teaching and learning, Dr Newhouse’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the educational community. For more about Paul’s life and contributions, please visit ECAWA’s tribute: Remembering Paul Newhouse.
Dr Sue Trinidad is a distinguished educator and researcher renowned for her contributions to educational equity and technology integration in Australia. As an Honorary Life Member of ECAWA, she has been instrumental in advancing digital learning, particularly in regional and remote communities. Her work has significantly influenced policies and practices aimed at improving access to quality education for underrepresented groups.
Dr Trinidad’s research encompasses rural and regional education, technology-enhanced learning, and leadership in educational change. She has held leadership roles at Curtin University and served as Director of the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education. Her extensive body of work includes studies on e-learning environments and the use of social computing tools to connect educators and students in isolated areas. Her dedication to fostering inclusive education continues to inspire educators and policymakers alike.
Dr Roger Atkinson is a distinguished educator and researcher in educational technology, renowned for his pioneering work in computer-assisted learning and distance education in Australia. A founding member of ECAWA, Dr Atkinson served as its Honorary Life Member and was instrumental in establishing the eChalk email list, a vital resource for educators seeking to share knowledge and support each other. His extensive publication record includes contributions to journals such as Issues in Educational Research and HERDSA News, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field of educational technology.
After retiring from Murdoch University in mid-2001, Roger continued with, and widened, his publishing support activities, especially Issues in Educational Research. As a ‘generalist’ educational research journal receiving over 800 submissions per year, mostly from developing countries, IIER holds Roger (aged 82 in 2025) back from actually retiring. Dr Atkinson’s legacy continues to inspire educators and researchers dedicated to integrating technology into teaching and learning, ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to all.
Mr. Rags Weggelaar is a respected educator and Honorary Life Member of ECAWA, recognised for his significant contributions to educational technology and leadership. With over 35 years of experience in both classroom teaching, and educational administration including roles up to Level 5 Principal, he has been a dedicated advocate for integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education.
After his formal retirement, Mr. Weggelaar continued to support the education community by working as a relief teacher, ICT Coordinator, and Student Information Systems (SIS) Support Officer with the Department of Education’s Central Office. His ongoing commitment to professional development and technological integration has left a lasting impact on WA’s education community.
Mrs Judy Weggelaar is a distinguished educator and advocate for educational technology in Western Australia. With over 30 years of classroom experience, she has held roles such as Library Resource Teacher, ICT Coordinator, and PEAC Teacher. Her leadership extended to serving as President of ECAWA, where she was later honoured as an Honorary Life Member for her significant contributions.
Beyond the classroom, Judy has worked as an ICT Customer Relationship Manager with the Department of Education and as a lecturer at Curtin University, focusing on integrating ICT into the curriculum. Alongside her husband, Rags Weggelaar, she co-founded Weggs’ Learning with ICT Support, providing hands-on professional development to schools across Western Australia, including remote communities. Their work has empowered educators to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching, leaving a lasting impact on the educational landscape.
Dr. Barnard Clarkson is a respected educator and researcher in educational technology, honored as an Honorary Life Member of ECAWA for his significant contributions to the field. Throughout his career, Dr. Clarkson has been instrumental in advancing the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, particularly through collaborative professional development models that support teachers’ adoption of technology.
As an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University’s School of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Clarkson has led various interdisciplinary projects, including initiatives aimed at enhancing communication in aged care settings through simple sign language. His work emphasizes user-centered design and the social-emotional aspects of human-computer interaction, reflecting his commitment to improving learning environments and accessibility through technology.
Mr Michael Leishman is a distinguished educator and leader in educational technology, honored as an Honorary Life Member and Past President of the Educational Computing Association of Western Australia (ECAWA). With a career spanning over four decades, he has significantly influenced the integration of digital technologies into teaching and learning across the state. He has been instrumental in organizing professional development initiatives, including serving as Conference Convenor for ECAWA events, and has actively contributed to programs like the Game Changer Awards, promoting innovation and STEM engagement among students.
Beyond his roles in ECAWA, Michael began his career in education with the Department of Education as a Mathematics and Science teacher, and served for many years as the ICT Manager at Newman College. He holds degrees in Chemistry and Computer Science (MSc), and a Diploma of Education (Mathematics and Science). In 1998, Michael was named Educator of the Year by both the Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE) and the Australian Computer Society (ACS), and he also received the ECAWA Educator of the Year award that same year. His commitment to fostering digital literacy and supporting educators has left a lasting impact on the educational community in Western Australia.
(dec. October 2019)
Mr Ian Gaynor was a dedicated educator and a pivotal figure in advancing computing education in Western Australia. Joining ECAWA in the late 1990s, he served in various leadership roles, including Vice President in 2011 and President from 2012 to 2017—the longest tenure in the association’s history. Under his guidance, ECAWA successfully hosted the national ACEC 2012 conference in Perth.
Beyond ECAWA, Ian represented Western Australia on the Australian Council for Computers in Education (ACCE) Board from 2012 to early 2019, also serving as Treasurer. His influence extended through roles with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority, WAITTA, and initiatives like the STEM Consortium and CoderDojo. Known for his wisdom, integrity, and unwavering support for educators, Ian was honoured as an ECAWA Honorary Life Member in August 2019. He passed away in October 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in the educational community. For more about Ian’s life and contributions, please visit ECAWA’s tribute: Remembering Ian Gaynor.
Mr Robin Hutton is a distinguished educator and leader in educational technology, recognized as an Honorary Life Member of the Educational Computing Association of Western Australia (ECAWA). During his tenure as ECAWA President, he played a pivotal role in advancing the association’s mission to integrate digital technologies into education. Notably, Robin led the Conference Team in the extensive two-year preparation for the 2012 Australian Computers in Education Conference (ACEC) held in Perth, marking the return of this significant national event to Western Australia after more than a decade.
Beyond his leadership roles, Robin contributed to the educational community through his work as a technology teacher at Clarkson Senior High School, where he emphasized the practical application of digital tools in the classroom. His creative talents were also evident in his contributions to ECAWA events, such as producing cartoons for the 2005 conference, which added a unique and engaging dimension to the association’s activities. Robin’s dedication and multifaceted contributions have left a lasting impact on ECAWA and the broader educational landscape in Western Australia.
Ms. Lynley McKernan is a distinguished educator and leader in educational technology, honored as an Honorary Life Member of ECAWA. Lynley has held various leadership roles within ECAWA, including serving as Secretary and contributing significantly to the coordination of major events such as the 2012 Australian Computers in Education Conference (ACEC) in Perth. Her efforts in organizing and managing these events have been pivotal in advancing professional learning opportunities for educators. Additionally, she has co-administered the eChalk email list, facilitating communication and collaboration among educators statewide.
Throughout her extensive career, she has been instrumental in promoting the integration of digital technologies in education across Western Australia. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Lynley was awarded the ISTE Making IT Happen Award, symbolized by the iconic pink jacket, at the ACCE President’s Reception in 2010. Lynley’s dedication to fostering digital literacy and her unwavering support for educators have left a lasting impact on the educational community in Western Australia.
