Featured profile

How would you describe the path you have taken to get you to where you are today?

As a mature age student coming to the career late I think many of the experiences I attained prior to commencing my degree provided great insight into how students learn and how communities function. I spent a number of years working in and with indigenous communities in Victoria and in South Australia prior to taking on studies to become a teacher. As a Koorie Man who grew up in the Mildura community I think I have been able to bring a deep knowledge of the local township to my current role as Principal of Mildura Primary.

My education journey began with a conversation with Bob Walton (an immensely inspirational educator) and Debbie Neal (Guru of Education at the Mildura Campus) who suggested I would bring a great deal to the course and that I needed to commit to it full time to get the most out of it. Sound advice, as I took it and spent the next year as a first year undergraduate following the tutelage of Debbie and Bob in the Bachelor of Education, Mildura. The education journey next took me to Bendigo as at that stage the next two years were not offered in Mildura (currently is and is wonderful!) and I spent two years commuting from my part time job in Mildura and my studies in Bendigo. Upon returning to Mildura in the fourth year I was also able to gain a position at Mildura South Primary under David Aplin (Principal) and continue my studies at the Mildura Campus.

I think I have been very fortunate to be exposed to a number of great educators in my short time in the career; Bob Walton and Debbie Neal were and are enormously committed educators who produce amazing teachers, Debbie Chandler and David Aplin were able to mentor me in the ethical and inspirational aspect of teaching and Principalship. Currently a colleague of mine, Sue McGinty works with me towards the goal of educating kids at Mildura Primary.

Do you have a personal philosophy that you bring to your work?

I always place students first when making dictions around my school and I encourage everyone around me to be proud of who they are, where they come from and share their knowledge with others.

What has been your greatest career highlight/s?

2010 was a big year for me. I became the substantive Principal at Mildura Primary, was voted NAIDOC Koorie Person of the year by the Mildura community and became a father for the second time.

What has been your greatest career challenge? How did you navigate this challenge?

Every year is a challenge. I think you can never become complacent with what your do and you need to always take on new challenges. At present my staff and I are facing a big challenge to improve our student data whilst raising the profile of Mildura Primary in the local community.

Do you have any sage advice for those starting out in their careers?

Learn from the people around you and work hard whilst at work. But at the same time make sure you have a life outside the career. Sporting Clubs have always helped me with this as it is a place to go and work is never on my mind!

Where to from here?

I am currently setting my own goals around making Mildura Primary successful and in turn establishing myself as a successful Principal.

What is your lasting impression of La Trobe?

Gave me an amazing opportunity and immense support to achieve my goal to become a teacher.