Staff

Warden - Margie Welsford - BAppSci, BA, BEd (Counselling)

Margie is the Warden of the College and responsible for the leadership and day-to-day running of the residential life. She is a registered Psychologist who has worked in schools, local government, community health and private practice.

Deputy Warden - Genevieve Leach - BA, TPTC, TTCTD, CertEdAdmin

Genevieve is responsible for the pastoral care of students and residential tutors and deputizes in Margie’s absence.

Genevieve is a member the Human Research Ethics Committee at Victoria University and is a teacher and former School Principal who has worked in Parent Guidance here and overseas. Genevieve also lives in the College.

Dean of Academic Studies - Brenda Addie

Brenda is responsible for the Academic Program at Whitley College. 

Brenda completed her Research Master of Creative Arts (Theatre Studies) based on the theatre production, Quilting the Armour, which celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Ned Kelly Siege by depicting the saga from the distaff position.

Brenda’s recreational activities centre on theatre and she is the Resident Director for Bloomsday in Melbourne’s annual theatrical homage to James Joyce’s Ulysses. 

Brenda has served as a member of the University of Melbourne Theatre Board.

DR. GORAN MILOSOVSKI

In 2005, Goran moved to Australia from Macedonia and entered RMIT University in order to undertake his postgraduate research on Improvement of aircraft accident investigation through expert systems. Goran’s research interest was sparked by his 11 years experience as a Safety Investigator for the National Forensic Science Laboratory in his native Macedonia.

Dr. Milosovski holds a Bachelor and Master's Degree of Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering. More recently Goran has also been lecturing in Fluids and Thermodynamics at RMIT.

In 2006, Goran says, ‘he was fortunate to be appointed as a Resident Tutor at Whitley College.’ His areas of expertise are Mathematics and Physics.

DR. BELAL KHAN

Belal is a final year PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne and an honorary research fellow at the Cancer Council Victoria. After completing his MBBS and a residency in cardiology in India, he decided to enter the exciting and challenging field of clinical research.

During his term as a Fellow at the Cancer Council Australia, Belal completed courses in Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the School of Population, University of Melbourne. At present he is involved in res

earch projects at Western Hospital, Footscray.

Belal’s research interest lies in bone and mineral diseases, particularly osteoporosis.  His PhD thesis investigates the effects of habitual dietary calcium intakes on bone events and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

MARIO DOBERNIG

Mario has studied Music Performance (Percussion and Conducting), Music Education and Musicology at the Sibelius Academy; the University of Helsinki in Finland; the Art University in Graz, Austria, and at the University of Melbourne.

On invitation, Mario has conducted various orchestras and chamber ensembles at the University of Melbourne as well as the Victorian College of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, Youth Philharmonic Melbourne, and the Ballarat and Preston Symphony Orchestras.

Currently, Mario is a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, where his research explores the Australian composer, Peggy Glanville-Hick’s opera Nausicaa.

At Whitley College, Mario is the Music Tutor and he is involved in facilitating musical activities of all kinds (choir, bands, musical events, etc.). While Mario declares his profound affection for Whitley's new grand piano, his greatest sadness is missing his grandmother’s Wiener Schnitzel.

MAYURI WIJAYASUNDARA

Born in Sri Lanka, Mayuri brings a wealth of in-the-field business and engineering skills to Whitley. Already a qualified Chemical and Processing engineer and Certified Practising Accountant, Mayuri has worked for the prestigious Swiss multinational Holcim Ltd, not only in Sri Lanka but with international exposure in India, Vietnam, Canada, Thailand, the US and Switzerland.

Currently as a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, Mayuri's research interest is a cross  disciplinary approach to increasing the use of recycled concrete aggregates for structural applications optimising technical, economical and environmental parameters.  

Mayuri like travelling, vintage fashion and to actively engage in sport including basketball. She says she considers it a privilege to join the Whitley community and views it as yet another unique life time experience. 

OGNJEN BELIC

Ognjen was born in former Yugoslavia and came to Australia as a 3 year old. He is currently completing a Masters Degree in Physical Chemistry at the University of Melbourne. His area of research is developing novel polymer-based solar cells and analysing their performance to make them a viable alternative to current energy sources. Already employed as a University of Melbourne Chemistry Laboratory Demonstrator, Ogi plans to further his academic career by undertaking his PhD candidature in Australia and overseas in order to further develop solar technology and analytical instrumentation. 

As a secondary student he received a High Distinction in the Australian Chemistry Quizz, and a Distinction in both the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition and the UniSW Science Competition. At this time, he was also the Cadet Under Officer of the Tattam band - the Melbourne High ceremonial marching band. 

A skilled pianist and flutist, Ogi extends his musical appreciation to the dance floor where as a Professional Dancer in Latin, Modern and Street Latin he has competed in Dancesport Australia events. 

A chemistry fanatic and true nerd in all senses of the word, Ogi enjoys computer, video, board and role-playing games. He can regularly be found seeking out treasure and glory at the local Swordcraft events - wearing chainmail.