Andrew joined Yadha Muru Foundation in January 2023 as the Director of the City-Country Partnerships Program, and brings to the role over 30 years experience in the education sector.
Andrew originally trained as an engineer and entered the teaching profession as a mathematics and science specialist. Andrew has authored academic papers (and a Masters thesis) on Interschool Partnerships. His formal qualifications include Bachelor of Engineering, Diploma of Education, Masters of Education, and multiple teacher accreditations.
Andrew worked for 25 years in remote, rural, and regional schools in a range of direct teaching and leadership positions. He has extensive experience building relationships with Elders, families, and students in remote communities. Following this Andrew worked for 6 years in the Northern Territory Department of Education where he supported remote schools, developed strategy, and led a team as part of the NT Indigenous Education Strategy.
Immediately Prior to joining YMF Andrew was Principal of Gateway Community High, a special assistance school based in Sydney.
Arising from his experience and research Andrew is convinced that partnerships provide the framework to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to achieve their best. In addition, partnerships allow metropolitan students to learn culture and history and to form long lasting personal relationships. In this way “partnerships are truly transformational.”