MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

“Make reconciliation part of the business of your workplace culture and decision-making. Practical, reportable actions will drive an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation internally and in the communities in which it operates.”

– Reconciliation Australia 2021.

This week we once again gathered as a community to acknowledge National Sorry Day 26 May, followed by various activities, story sharing and a deepening of understanding as National Reconciliation Week began on 27 May. Our College recognises that we must provide the time and space to allow real dialogue to happen, learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort.

The theme of National Reconciliation Week 2021 is “More than a word – Reconciliation Takes Action” which challenges everyone to take more meaningful and brave actions towards a better future for all. There needs to be a far greater effort from everyone to speak up, to ask hard questions and to take action during and beyond National Reconciliation Week. The Reconciliation Australia website provides excellent information and resources including a suggested ‘20 actions for reconciliation’ which can be found at:  https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/actions-for-reconciliation/

I would like to thank Lauren Newman, our College Cultural Program Leader, who works closely with our students and staff to provide any required support and guidance to ensure there is greater awareness and organisation of events and activities in our College. Lauren would appreciate any assistance from community members and families that would like to help in this way.

As a formal commitment to our action as a College, we are developing an official Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) through the Reconciliation Australia Narragunnawali program.mI would like to thank Ms Athena Costopoulos, our Director of Mission, who will be instrumental in leading this project. A College Working Group consisting of College staff, students, parents and community members will facilitate the RAP plan. If you would like to help, please contact Ms Costopoulos.

STAFFING NEWS

I am thrilled to announce that Mr Zak Plumridge has been appointed to the role of Director of Business Operations and will join our College community from Monday 14 June 2021. As a member of the College Leadership Team, Zak will lead and oversee the strategic and day-to-day business administration portfolio of our College, performing the functions of Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary to our Board of Governance. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance, is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With over ten years’ experience in the property and development industry, Zak brings a breadth of knowledge in financial management across a broad range of projects and business environments. 

Zak is passionate about professional growth and is an active member of the CPA North Queensland Branch Council, having previously held the position as Chair. Driven to support business within the region, Zak has worked with a number of prominent local companies that aim to advance Townsville and the community. Previously working with key stakeholders, aiding in the financial management during construction of key commercial properties around Townsville, he is very excited to bring his expertise, passion and purpose to support our College as it continues to roll out its Towards 2025 Strategic Plan alongside the associated College Master plan.

God’s blessings to all.

Amber Hauff

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL