McNeilly named as Poynton's successor on Christ Church council

John Poynton will step down as chair of Christ Church Grammar School’s council in January, to be succeeded by property developer Matthew McNeilly.

Mr Poynton has been leading the Anglican private school’s council for the last five years, and announced he would step down earlier this year.

Since Mr Poynton was appointed as council chair, Christ Church has embarked on a period of significant investment, including a new preparatory school building and the development of the school’s river precinct.

Mr Poynton also oversaw Christ Church’s aquatic precinct collaboration with Methodist Lady’s College.

“John has also provided his time and experience in the area of philanthropy as the school launches its most ambitions fundraising campaign in the past 50 years,” Christ Church’s council said in correspondence with its community.

Mr McNeilly, the managing director of development group Sirona Capital, which is midway through a major redevelopment of Fremantle’s Kings Square, is a Christ Church old boy and a member of the school’s foundation.

He will be supported on the council by Shell Australia chair Zoe Yujnovich as deputy chair of council.

Edith Cowan pro vice-chancellor Collen Hayward and University of Western Australia adjunct professor Hamish Jolly have also been appointed, the school said.