Let’s Meet a Chapter Member …

Each eNews, we introduce you to some of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the Member in the hotseat is Amberley Guilly, Advancement Manager, Oxley College

When and where did your career in education begin? 

I started in the education sector in 2019 when I returned to my old high school, Santa Sabina College, as their inaugural Development Manager. I loved how people centric schools are and quickly saw that there is a wide range of skills and talents needed to keep things turning outside the classrooms. 

What interests you most in your role?

Firstly, as a true people person, I love the people. The mix of characters in a school is incredible, and I love the variety in each day. I find that after a big day on the business side of schools, it’s always grounding to spend time with the students, especially the Pre-K Joeys. They bring a sense of life and perspective to everything we do. They’re also genuinely hilarious.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I love watching a family travel through the enrolment process, from meeting them at an Open Morning, to checking in on their first nervous day of school, and then seeing that student happy, confident and kicking goals in the classroom and out on the playfields.
I remember one family who came down from Sydney for an Open Morning. The mother said to me, “I just can’t believe it. Is this place real?” We invited them to come and see Chicago, our school musical, a few weeks later. I honestly didn’t think they would travel back down on a Saturday night, but sure enough they were there, wanting to see us and our school life authentically in action. It made me so proud that simply by being who we are, we enrolled both the brother and sister. They made the big move out of Sydney and I bumped into the mum and daughter just last weekend trying a new restaurant in town, living their best lives. 

What do you love most about your role?

I always joke that we are the good news story people. Since arriving at Oxley I committed to posting on social media a minimum of five days a week. I have gone from chasing teachers for content to them actively sending things through, and it still amazes me that we never run out of stories.

What are you currently doing that would interest other members in Educate Plus?

We are getting ready to release the 2026 line up for our Centre for Ethics Speaker Series events. Some of our past speakers have included authors and journalists Leigh Sales, Peter Greste, Julia Baird and Stan Grant, along with the philosopher Professor AC Grayling and Jennifer Robinson, lawyer for Julian Assange. We invite students, families and the whole Highlands community to come along.

For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement, what advice would you give?

Take the time to truly get to know your school and your community. No two are the same and just because something worked in your last role, it does not mean it will suit your new school.

And for fun … What is one small daily ritual that helps you do your best work? 
Coffee. 

Thank you Amberley. it’s been wonderful getting to know you!