Lorraine Chaffer has over 40 years’ experience teaching geography in NSW public schools as a classroom teacher and head of faculty. She has had a passion for developing of new resources and supporting classroom teachers. Lorraine co- authored the MacMillan GeoWorld textbooks for the Australian Curriculum 7-10 and NSW Geography 7-10 and contributed to Macmillan Global Atlas 5th Edition. Lorraine has contributed to other print and digital publications including Jacaranda Geoactive 7- 10 Teachers Editions, NSW Teachers Federation Centre for Professional Learning, GEOdate, OceanWatch, Tweed Sand Bypassing and the Australian Water Association.

Lorraine has served as President and Vice President of the Geography Teachers Association of NSW and ACT, Editor of the Geography Bulletin, the association journal, and convenor of many conferences. In her role as President of GTANSW & ACT, Lorraine was a member of the Australian Geography Teachers Association Board (AGTA) and has also presented at many AGTA conferences. During 2023 – 2024, in her role as Vice President of GTANSW & ACT Lorraine led the development of a series of case study books titled Powerful Geography 1 and 2 for senior students. Lorraine has been involved in syllabus development for NESA for 7-10 and Stage 6 Geography, HSC marking and examination committees.

Lorraine has been the recipient of many awards in recognition of her contribution to geography education including the GTA Brock Rowe Award for excellence in classroom teaching, Fellowship of GTANSW & ACT, Honorary Life Membership and Geoff Conolly Award for contributions to the Geography Bulletin. In 2023 Lorraine was awarded the MacDonald Holmes Medal by the Geographical Society of NSW for her contribution to geography education. The Professional Teachers Council of NSW has awarded Lorraine with their Outstanding Service Award, Exceptional Service Award and in 2024 the Dame Marie Bashir Medal for contribution to Geography education across Australia.