From learning to leadership

Just three years after graduating from her ACU education degree, Erin Eade has become the first female principal, and the first Aboriginal principal, of Mogo Public School. 

Located in a small heritage village on the NSW south coast, Mogo Public School is respectively close-knit – with only 37 students, the majority of whom identify as Aboriginal, in attendance. A proud Wangaibon woman herself, Erin is aware of the effect her new appointment will have on the small community. 

“Wow, it’s an accomplishment isn’t it? I wasn’t even aware I would be the first female and first Aboriginal principal until recently. It wasn’t something I used as motivation when I set my goal of becoming principal of Mogo, but it is a unique opportunity that I take seriously,” Erin said.

“Being the first female principal means that I am in the perfect position to be a role model to female students, remind the community that females can achieve great things, and that there are many opportunities for women in leadership roles. 

“Being the first Aboriginal principal is something that I am also proud of. It is very humbling. If someone had said to me four years ago that I would be in the position I am in now, I would not have believed them.”

Erin Eade with one of her students

Engaging the community

Erin, who has worked at the school for three years, is backed by her supportive community and colleagues who have eagerly been awaiting her appointment.

“I am glad that I surrounded myself with people who encouraged me.  In the lead up, people would often ask me if I was applying for the job. It was positive reinforcement like this that guided me through the process,” Erin said.

“Previous principal Jason Barby encouraged my skill set, and challenged, mentored and supported my developing leadership skills. He gave me the courage and confidence to take on leadership roles in the school and in my second year, I was given the opportunity to relieve as principal on a number of occasions.  

“As a teaching principal, it is a balance of classroom teaching (which is a priority) and leading and managing a school.   We are a great and passionate team of staff at Mogo PS, who share the same vision and values, and we are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for all students through quality partnerships with parents and community.”

Taking the long way round

Erin left school in Year 10 so the path to principal wasn’t a straight line, especially when you factor in marriage and motherhood. She was working at the Department of Education in Griffith as an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer when a colleague encouraged her to try the Away from Base Program at ACU. Away from Base allows students to live and work in their local community while studying online and attending residential study blocks.

 “I was interested in learning about the curriculum content being taught in schools, and I knew ACU’s program would allow this. Plus it suited my lifestyle. The resources available to participants made it easier to complete the degree, and the Aboriginal perspective appealed to me.

“In the beginning, I found it a bit daunting travelling into the big smoke on my own, and getting back into the role as a student was surreal, but having the right group of supportive friends, family and staff at ACU made it enjoyable. 

“Although at times it was challenging, I soon learned that I could manage the balance of work, university and family. It was whilst studying at ACU I realised my potential, and that I could combine my passion for education and my passion for my culture.”

Inspiring others

Yalbalinga Indigenous Higher Education Unit Coordinator Danielle Dent played a big role in Erin’s journey and was a rock during her time at ACU. She is not surprised at Erin’s success and sees the positive impact it has on other students.

“Erin started her degree, then took a break from studies, then returned to complete it. Having the passion and drive to complete a degree, especially away from home, is something special,” Danielle said.

“I am not surprised at her success. Erin was a high achieving student throughout her time at ACU. She was determined and committed to complete her studies no matter what obstacles came her way. I am so proud of her.

“I think Erin’s achievements are huge for other students currently studying, not only in this degree, but all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Erin will be an amazing leader in her community and a great role model for Aboriginal people that are thinking about going to university for the first time.

“Students have been on campus and heard Erin’s story and have been discussing her achievement. One student said that’s what I want to aim for, if Erin can do it so can I.”

Looking to the future

It’s clear that Erin’s passion for education and empowerment has already allowed her to make an impact. The mother of three is now looking ahead to the positives she can generate in the future.

“My journey in getting to this point has been longer than expected but because of that I have had many experiences that have made me more resilient, more competitive and more eager to succeed,” she said.

“Each morning I literally jump out of bed, ready and excited about what the day will bring. As an Aboriginal person I hope my experience, enthusiasm and positive nature can demonstrate to my students that they too can dream big, and through hard work and determination, they can succeed. 

“I know I can make changes with the work that I do. Principals and teachers play an important role in making a positive difference every day. The community know that I have each and every student’s best interest at heart and I will continue to challenge myself to create opportunities that are for their benefit, and continue to raise the bar.

“Education creates empowerment, empowerment creates opportunity.”

Erin completed her education degree at ACU. She was part of the Away from Base Program which allows students to live and work in their local community while studying online and attending four residential study blocks a year. 

Keen to discover a career in education? Explore our courses. 

Related stories

Study

The balancing act

It may feel impossible but you can juggle study, work and family life.

Global

Want better answers? Ask bigger questions

Nathan Lyons tells us about studying philosophy at one of the world’s most famous, and prestigious, universities. 

Future student

Admission requirements for education courses in Victoria

There have been changes made nationally to how you apply for initial teacher education courses. Here’s what you need to know. 

Future student

Life at ACU North Sydney

Bustling city campus, or quiet study retreat? We talk to students Preet Kaur and Bridget Barber to find out what life is like at ACU’s North Sydney Campus.

Future student

The day in the life of a sport and exercise science student

As an athlete whose day always begins with an early gym session, a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science was a natural fit for Amelia Russo.

Community

From learning to leadership

Erin Eade has become the first female principal, and the first Aboriginal principal, of Mogo Public School. 

Community

The ups and downs of happiness in Indigenous young people

News about Indigenous peoples' wellbeing tends to follow a negative narrative. But new research is investigating from a different perspective.

Community

Performance uncovers migration truths

Artist Jema Stellato Pledger discusses her work exploring diversity, identity and the line between performing and becoming.

Community

Turning setbacks into comebacks

Sailor Emma Baillie has had her share of setbacks. But like all true champions, her challenges have not discouraged her.

Community

Let's face it, first impressions count online

Most of us have an online presence. But how do the images we post online influence the first impressions others form of us?

Community

Strength of sisters, mothers and matriarchs

Theresa Ardler comes from a line of strong women, and she credits them for the success she enjoys today.

Community

Change how you see the world, to change the world

Their first two machines broke but Orange Sky, the world’s first free mobile laundry service for the homeless, persisted.

Community

Growing greener kids

What part can school gardens play in encouraging healthy food choices?

Community

Old solutions to new problems

Bradley Moggridge is on a mission to save Australia’s water, by combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern science.

Community

Serving in silence: the secret lives of LGBTI diggers in Australia’s defence forces

Dedicated historians are shedding light on the lives of those who served.

Community

Finding a forbidden language

Toltu Tufa prints children’s books in Oromo, a language once forbidden in Ethiopia. 

Community

The power of youth

Nicola Parkes is the 2019 Young Alumni of the Year winner who has dedicated her life to youth work. She's already achieved so much, but for Nicola, she's just getting started.

Community

Turning points in history - the gold rush

We might not have thought about the gold rush since a long forgotten school excursion, but Dr Benjamin Mountford says this era created a lasting global impact we still feel today. 

Career

Perspectives on teaching

From the remarkable to the challenging, we sat down with six teachers to find out what it’s really like to be an educator.  

Career

Q&A with Oscar Martin, co-founder of Pedestrian.TV

He started a multi-million-dollar media brand in his bedroom. We talk to Oscar Martin about loving what you do.

Career

Psychology where you least expect it

While many psychologists do specialise in personal therapy, it’s not the only path a psychology graduate can pursue.

Career

Building a brand that's more than skin deep

Ella Baché boss Pippa Hallas is leading her family business into the modern era. 

Career

Rocking Dan. Teaching man.

Primary school teacher Dan Colquhoun’s songs are inspiring a generation of children to embrace learning through music.

Career

Agent of change

As a journalist in Zimbabwe at the height of Mugabe’s regime, Felix Machiridza had to live and work undercover to survive.

Career

Read all about it

How Daniel Billing turned to technology to encourage more than 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to hit the books.

Career

The future of IT

Information technology has always been an industry that leads others to the future. So, what does it take to have a future in the field?

Career

Divine appointment

When theology graduate Fr John Sanderson was deployed to Afghanistan as a military chaplain, his weapon was a peaceful demeanour.

Career

Trackside at MotoGP

High speed motorbikes, pumping adrenaline – MotoGP is not for the faint hearted. ACU staff and students go up close and personal.

Career

Speech pathologists aren’t all talk. Here’s how they listen so you can have your say.

Helping clients manage their stuttering is what most of us think speech pathologists do all day, every day. Here's the reality.

Career

The right man for the job

Nurse Jacob Mitchell always understood he was pursuing a career in a female-dominated industry. But here's why Jacob said his less-than-traditional role is right where he wants to be.