Emeritus Professor, Doctor John Lester, a respected Wonnarua Elder, has over 40 years operative and managerial leadership in Indigenous education and training covering school, TAFE and University which is well supported with diploma, a degree, Masters in Educational Administration and national award winning Doctorate (Why do Aboriginal kids switch off school?) He has contributed at state and national policy levels in the area and is a renowned innovator in the field. His appointment as the first Indigenous TAFE Principal in Australia has been only capped through his appointment to the inaugural Aboriginal Studies Chair at University of Newcastle, which exemplifies his outstanding contribution in Indigenous education. His successful leadership work in Indigenous education communities is celebrated by his Life Membership & re-election to Vice President of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group in 1998 & 1999, after holding the Executive Officers role during the foundation years of the Group in the early 1980’s.
Professor Lester has held key membership positions on the NSW Vocational Education and Training Board, the Rural Communities Consultative Council and as board member of the NSW National Trust. He is a past member of the NSW Board of Secondary Education, National Aboriginal Education Committee, MCEETYA Racism In Schools Review, appointed by the Premier of NSW to the Rural Communities Consultative Council. Previously appointed to the NSW Government Expert Advisory Group on Drugs and Alcohol, and the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council. Appointed in 2006 as member to the national Client & Student Voice Action Group to the MCVTE.
Professor Lester has held key membership positions on the NSW Vocational Education and Training Board, the Rural Communities Consultative Council and as board member of the NSW National Trust. He is a past member of the NSW Board of Secondary Education, National Aboriginal Education Committee, MCEETYA Racism In Schools Review, appointed by the Premier of NSW to the Rural Communities Consultative Council.
Appointed inaugural Director of Aboriginal Education and Training with the NSW Department of Education and Training in 2005-2008 then returning to Newcastle University to continue his senior management positions and Acting Dean moving to appointment to Emeritus Professor and awarded the AARE National Doctorate Award for most outstanding doctorate in education in 2017. He continues to work with Indigenous communities, supervises doctoral candidates and plays an active role as Elder in Residence at Adamstown PS and consulting extensively on Aboriginal educational management.