Our Staff
At CUC Southern Downs, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team focused on empowering regional students to succeed through access to quality education in a safe, supportive environment. Our team works together to foster growth, create opportunities, and make a positive impact for individuals and businesses across the Southern Downs region. Meet the team below.
Alyce Lotz - Centre Manager
Alyce Lotz is the Centre Manager at CUC Southern Downs, leading the Centre with a strong commitment to improving educational access and outcomes for regional students. With more than sixteen years’ experience across the University of Southern Queensland and two years coordinating the Partner Up Queensland program, Alyce brings deep sector knowledge and a proven track record in building meaningful opportunities for rural and regional learners. Alyce’s leadership is grounded in empathy, connection, and a genuine passion for seeing students succeed. She has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by regional learners and is dedicated to creating an environment where students feel supported, confident, and capable throughout their study journey. Her ability to balance strategic planning with a warm, people-first approach ensures the Centre remains both highly effective and deeply community-minded. Outside of work, Alyce enjoys life in the region with her partner Andrew and their two Staffy fur babies, Stiletto and Winnie. Creative, committed, and deeply invested in the success of the Southern Downs, Alyce is driven by the belief that education can change lives—and she is proud to play a role in helping local learners reach their goals.
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Lorna Moore - Student Services Coordinator
Lorna joins CUC Southern Downs as the Centre’s Student Coordinator, bringing a strong passion for equity in rural education and a genuine commitment to supporting learners across the Southern Downs region. As an advocate for lifelong learning, she is driven to help students overcome the unique challenges faced by regional learners and thrive in their academic pursuits. Having completed multiple postgraduate qualifications via distance education, Lorna understands first-hand the dedication and resilience required to study remotely. She is currently completing a Master of Education at QUT, building on her background in health and nursing, which equips her to support students across a wide range of disciplines and study stages. Outside of work, Lorna enjoys life on her family’s farm with her three daughters and loves exploring the landscapes around Warwick and Southeast Queensland. Her warm, encouraging presence and belief in the transformative power of education make her a valuable and inspiring addition to the CUC Southern Downs team.
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Our Board of Directors
Vic Pennisi - Chair
Vic Pennisi is a dedicated advocate for regional communities, born and raised in Stanthorpe, Queensland. Elected Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council in March 2020, Vic's public service career began in 2004 as a Councillor for the Stanthorpe Shire Council, continuing through the amalgamation into Southern Downs Regional Council in 2008. Vic is widely known across regional Queensland for his leadership roles, including Chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Darling Downs and South West, and State Director of Football Queensland, where he introduced the Women’s League and State League. With 23 years in the automotive industry and experience running a hardware store in Stanthorpe, Vic has deep insights into small business and agriculture. His work with the local Chamber of Commerce further strengthens his understanding of regional community needs. Vic is focused on strategic leadership, economic development, and sustainable growth, particularly in natural resources, agriculture, and tourism. A qualified enterprise facilitator and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he was awarded the “Ordine Della Stella D’Italia” by the Italian Government in 2022. Married to Sharon, Vic and his wife have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Gary Lawrence - Director
Gary John Lawrence, born and raised in Glen Innes, NSW, began his career as an auto electrician apprentice before joining the Royal Australian Air Force as a ground support technician, serving across Australia and in Butterworth, Malaysia. Afterward, Gary spent six years in coaching and development roles with Queensland and Australian Rugby League. He then transitioned to hospitality, serving as CEO and GM of various clubs in NSW and Queensland. Gary later became Principal Maintenance Manager for Toowoomba Regional Council before returning to Warwick to co-manage the family business, DD Event Hire, with his wife Joanne. Together, they also established JoJo Brewhouse and opened JoJo’s On Victoria. Gary has held numerous board positions, including president of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce, director at SDIEA, and deputy chair of Toowoomba Rugby League. His leadership and community involvement reflect his belief in creating opportunities for education and employment in regional areas. Gary is passionate about ensuring local students can study and succeed while staying within their community. He strongly supports CUC Southern Downs’ mission to empower regional students and strengthen connections with local businesses.
Helen Nolan - Director
Helen brings extensive leadership and operational expertise, with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement across government, business, and not-for-profit sectors. With significant experience in national and regional roles within large service organisations, she is passionate about leadership, management, and achieving strategic goals. Her key strengths include: - Designing business strategies, operational models, marketing campaigns, and business development initiatives - Communicating complex concepts clearly - Leading and collaborating with teams to achieve shared objectives - Driving transformational change - Delivering revenue growth and productivity across diverse sectors Helen has held several executive roles in higher education, focusing on increasing access and participation in regional, rural, and remote communities. Her dedication to fostering growth and opportunity fuels her commitment to making a meaningful impact in these areas.
Sarah Fea - Director
Driven by a passion for community growth and innovation, I am an accomplished leader with executive-level experience across multiple sectors, including finance, local government, and healthcare. With over 18 years of deep-rooted involvement in the Southern Downs region, I have developed a unique perspective on community engagement, operational strategy, and business development. I hold a CPA qualification, a Bachelor of Commerce (Banking, Finance, and Accounting), a Bachelor of Laws, and I am a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia. My diverse background spans roles such as Director of Corporate and Financial Services at Inglewood Shire Council, CFO at Warwick Credit Union, and CEO of Killarney Memorial Aged Care.
Alex Gudkovs - Director
Alex Gudkovs, MA, BA(Hons) LLB, has practiced as a solicitor in the Southern Downs for over 40 years. Now retired, his practice included local government, corporate law, technology transfer and intellectual property. He retains his lifelong interest in health and education, and continues as chairman of the Total Health and Education Foundation.