Vale John Sewell, LEA Life Member
18 Jul 2025
Vale John Sewell (04/03/1942 – 11/07/2025)
It is with great sadness that Learning Environments Australasia advises of the passing of one of our founding and Life Members, John Sewell.
John was a stalwart in the organisation. Joining in September 2000 he was an active contributor to the development of CEFPI into the Australasian Region and also active in the Victorian Chapter.
John was most instrumental in growth years of the organisation in Australia whilst simultaneously consulting and coordinating with CEFPI leaders in the USA to manage the many financial and governance policies and procedures.
John played a pivotal role in navigating the new fiscal and governance arrangements for the Australasian Region, which culminated in financial independence in 2010. This included his critical role in establishing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Australasian Region and the Headquarters of CEFPI in the USA, as well as the associated policies and procedures.
John’s financial leadership and governance prowess were critical contributions at both the Australasian level and the Victorian Chapter. As Treasurer at both National & Chapter level he provided financial governance for several Australasian Regional conferences.
True to his New Zealand roots, perhaps John’s proudest moment was in supporting the first NZ conference in Auckland, 2013. The invitation to the conference was announced with great fanfare and the enactment of a Haka at closing stages of the 2012 Gold Coast conference – a performance to which John was seen to shed a tear and a smile. New Zealand, and Learning Environments, meant so much to John.
Positions held:
- Founding member of CEFPI Australasia: joined 01/09/2000
- Member of Victorian Chapter committee 2003 – 2008
- Victorian Chapter representative on Council: 2004 – 2008
- Member of Australasian Executive Council: 2008 – 2014
- Treasurer to Australasian Executive Council: 2008 – 2014
- Treasurer to Victorian Chapter: 2003 – 2008
- Life Membership: awarded 2014
Our thoughts and condolences are extended to his wife, Margaret, and to the family.
Vale, John.
Article By: Richard Leonard, LEA Life Member
