Alexandra Rummenie

Centre Manager

Alexandra is passionate about the importance of higher education and the integral role it plays in providing avenues for success, particularly for those living in rural communities. She has lived and worked in the Chinchilla and Brigalow communities for over 25 years and recently completed a Master of Education online through QUT whilst working locally as a teacher-librarian. This experience gives Alexandra first-hand contemporary perspectives on the challenges remote online learning presents, helping her assist and support students in navigating the complexities of study, along with other responsibilities they may have in their lives.

Jamie Allsop

Student Services Coordinator

Jamie is committed to helping students in the Western Downs access education opportunities, realise their potential, and achieve their goals. Raised on a grazing property in Durong South, Jamie began her university studies on campus before returning to the local area. She completed both her languages degree and a Masters of Applied Linguistics online. Jamie later completed a law degree online while raising very young children, before going on to practise as a solicitor for a number of years. With her own children now at university, and extensive experience both supporting students and studying online herself, Jamie is well placed to understand the challenges faced by regional and rural students. She is currently completing studies in marketing alongside her role supporting our CUC students.

Matthew Burke

Executive Director - Treasurer

Matthew has lived in the region for the majority of his life. As the Principal Partner of an accounting and business advisory firm, Matthew brings over 30 years’ experience in accounting, business advisory, and strategic planning. Matthew has a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Information Technology, and a Diploma of Financial Planning from the University of Southern Queensland. Matthew see’s the CUC Western Downs as an opportunity to build the skills of our local community. "It will allow us to bridge the education gap, by delivering higher education locally, eliminating the need for relocation and unlocking their untapped potential. This will contribute to the development and resilience of our community."

Pete Gerke

Executive Director - Chair

Peter arrived in Chinchilla in 2008 as Head of Arts at Chinchilla State High School, bringing a Bachelor of Education in Visual Art, Film and Television from QUT. With over 25 years in secondary education, he has evolved his educational leadership across curriculum, governance and community, currently serving as Head of Senior Studies at Chinchilla Christian College, where he leads QCAA curriculum oversight as Principal Delegate and is the College Director of Community Partnerships across the region. Peter was a member of the initial planning committee with Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry (CCCI) during the application and establishment phase of CUC - Western Downs, and has served as a founding director since its opening in early 2025, committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent Western Downs residents from accessing higher education locally. Beyond formal education, Peter is a natural connector and innovator - Creative Director and founder of a cinematography and media production business, and a social media content creator who bridges severe weather cinematography and visual art across the Western Downs. Deeply rooted in Chinchilla where he and his wife have raised their three children, Peter brings both professional expertise and genuine community investment to his role as Chair.

Robyn Haig

Executive Director - Secretary

As a proud resident of the Chinchilla district Robyn Haig is an advocate for regional development and community growth. She currently serves as the Director of Regional Development for Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland, playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth and community initiatives across the region. A strong advocate for local business and industry, Robyn is the Vice-President of Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry, where she previously served as Chamber Manager from 2017 to 2023. Her career spans a diverse range of industries, including roles in coal seam gas (CSG) drilling and civil construction in the Surat Basin. Robyn’s exceptional contributions to the community were recognized when she was named Regional Citizen of the Year at the 2022 Western Downs Australia Day Awards. She is widely respected for her expertise in community consultation, strategic planning, and project delivery, all of which she leverages to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of regional economies and communities. In addition to her current role, Robyn brings valuable experience from working with the Queensland Government Departments of Natural Resources and Primary Industries, Regional Natural Resource Management, Landcare, local government (Tourism & Community Development), and the banking sector. Outside her professional life, Robyn is a passionate primary producer. Together with her husband and two children, she operates a small beef cattle grazing property on the Western Downs, further deepening her connection to the land and her community.

Ray Hicks

Executive Director

Born and bred in Chinchilla, Ray commenced with the firm in November 1975 as a Junior Engineer. Once rated as ‘one of the best young engineers in Queensland’, Ray is highly regarded and respected for his practical knowledge of local government engineering, particularly in the area of design and construction of rural road systems. As Managing Director, Ray assumes ultimate responsibility for all facets of the company and his ability to build strong relationships with clients and his team has ensured the sustained growth of the business. He consistently nurtures young engineers throughout the company’s offices and is committed to helping them succeed in the engineering profession. Ray is passionate about his involvement in the community and has many professional and personal affiliations particularly in his hometown of Chinchilla. A well-known public figure, he truly is a hands-on citizen and never shies away from an opportunity to assist the community.

Kaye Maguire

Executive Director

Kaye Maguire brings strong business, governance, and regional leadership experience to the CUC Western Downs. Her current role as a councillor on the Western Downs Regional Council provides valuable insight into local priorities, regional planning, and community needs, directly supporting her contribution to the Board. She has been managing director of her family’s transport business since 1988 and has a 15‑year background in the banking industry. As a former board member of the Surat Basin Corporation, Kaye is deeply committed to regional development and community outcomes, where she contributed to strategic decision‑making supporting local industry and community outcomes. Born and raised in Chinchilla, she remains actively involved in local initiatives and is passionate about supporting opportunities for regional communities.