Welcome to People on the Move, Education Matters’ bulletin to keep the Australian education sector updated on new appointments and personnel changes.
If you’d like to tell the sector about a new person in your school, company, institute or not-for-profit, please send the person’s name, position, image and a short description about their role to editor Rhiannon Bowman for consideration at rhiannon.bowman@primecreative.com.au.
Aurora Education Foundation names new chair
Established barrister and Yuin man Mr Tim Goodwin commenced as board chair of the Aurora Education Foundation in November 2025. He brings extensive experience across the not-for-profit and statutory sectors, with expertise in commercial and public law. Mr Goodwin replaces outgoing chair, Nyikina man Mr Charles Prouse, who has been Aurora’s first Indigenous chair.
Principal appointed to lead new Catholic school
Mr Paul Wilkinson has been appointed as the inaugural principal of St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Huntly, Victoria. He commenced in Term 1 2026 to oversee planning and establishment ahead of the school’s opening in 2027. Mr Wilkinson brings more than 30 years’ experience in Catholic education, including more than two decades in principalship. He was previously principal of Holy Rosary Primary School in White Hills, where he has provided leadership for 11 years.
Acting principal promoted to principal
Ms Emma Lowry has been appointed principal of The Glennie School, an independent Anglican day and boarding school for girls in Toowoomba, Queensland. Having served as acting principal since November 2024, she becomes the school’s 15th principal in its 117-year history. Ms Lowry holds a Master of Leadership and Management in Education and qualifications in Business and International Studies. She brings experience in embedding cultures of improvement and inclusiveness.
New appointment at Christ Church Grammar
Christ Church Grammar School in South Yarra, Melbourne, has appointed Ms Julie Bickett as Director of its Early Learning Centre, commencing Term 1 in 2026. Ms Bickett joins the school from The Geelong College, where she has spent the past 20 years as a teacher and Director of Early Learning. She brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to early childhood education as she relocates to Melbourne with her family.
Experienced principal joins Muyan Primary
Mr Neil O’Sullivan has been appointed foundation principal of Muyan Primary School, formerly Wallan East Primary. With more than 20 years’ experience in education, Mr O’Sullivan has previously led two government primary schools. Known as an optimistic and self-driven leader, he is committed to creating a culture of high expectations, teamwork and evidence-based teaching, with a strong focus on individual learning pathways for every student.
Mindalk Primary School appoints principal
Ms Blayne Wallis has been appointed principal of Mindalk Primary School, a new, supported inclusion school located in Truganina, Victoria, which opened on the first day of Term 1 in 2026. Ms Blayne is an experienced principal who has led in a variety of schools. She was the principal at Newport Gardens Primary School prior to this appointment.
