Our Team

Gilly Paxton, Manager

I’m the newly appointed Manager of Camden Haven & Manning Valley Community College. The College is a centre for lifelong learning providing vocational and lifestyle courses for our communities. There is something for everyone and always an opportunity to get involved and be inspired.

I come to the college from a communications and management background bringing diverse skills to the position and a passion to serve those who accesses our programs and facilities. 

We live in a wonderful environment and I take every opportunity to enjoy what it has to offer. I find myself organising days around tide times.

Sally Nicol

I have been at the College since 2004 and work in college administration and on the student management system. Since leaving the British army and returning to Australia many years ago I held a number of administrative roles in both the public and private sectors before 'settling in' to a 14-year stint at the University of New England in Armidale. It was on a desperate trip to the coast seeking warmer weather that I discovered the lovely North Haven. I went back to UNE, resigned, packed up my things, and . . . well . . . here I am. My free time is spent working on art projects, reading, going to the movies, people-watching at various fabulous cafes around the gorgeous Camden Haven and playing with my three little dogs.

Mikaela Peterson

I began working for the college at the start of 2020 as the Lifestyle Program Coordinator.  I have loved the creative freedom within my role and the nurturing support to expand my skill sets and bring innovation to the college. 

Prior to my work with the college, I had been working in the hospitality industry since I was 14 years old.

I spend any 'free' time raising my 3 beautiful boys - Levi, Phoenix and Zander - and  getting up to all sorts of fun with them. We live on a bit of land in Nabiac and love to grow our own food and spend time with our Mini Nubian goats and dogs! Our weekends are usually filled with sport, adventures, church and gardening.

Veronica Peterson

I am the Training Manager for Camden Haven Community College and program coordinator for Taree, Forster and Laurieton areas specialising in aged care, disability and home and community qualifications.

I have been a qualified trainer and assessor since 2006. I am  a business owner and a business partner in designing and developing contexualised training resources.

My passion is focused on delivering quality training and assessment to those disadvantaged in our community.

Valerie Evans

Hi – I’m the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Compliance Manager of Camden Haven Community College.  I have over 38 years’ experience in the VET sector across a range of positions.

My casual role with Camden Haven Community College allows me to stay connected and continue my commitment to lifelong learning and communities such as ours that are involved, engaged and empowered through learning. 

On a much lighter note – I love fine food and wine (not always in that order), love being a Grannie, and enjoy my morning walks on the beach with Ruby, my cavoodle.

Hayley Proudfoot

I am the Manager of the Camden Head Pilot Station, which is a heritage listed community managed facility located at Camden Head 6km east of Laurieton.

I have only recently joined the team in 2019. I still maintain a consultancy and research business locally specialising in Cultural Fisheries. Before going independent I was a research academic at Southern Cross University.

I grew up on a heritage listed property and am passionate about preserving and celebrating the diverse voices and stories of those who occupied the land in this beautiful area I am lucky enough to call home.

Sarah Manderson

I am a Registered BAS Agent and bookkeeper contracted by the college to help keep the finances and reporting in order. 

I spent the earlier part of my professional life in Corporate Banking working in London (Shipping Finance) Brisbane and Sydney (Trade Finance, Corporate Finance and Transaction Banking encompassing roles in Credit Risk Management and Sales).

I also spent a couple of fun years in the French Alps, ostensibly working, but mostly skiing. I am a country girl at heart and love animals.