Three new voices to champion First Nations student success and partnership at BCE

Brisbane Catholic Education welcomes three new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education leaders, each bringing a wealth of experience, cultural knowledge and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for First Nations students across the system. Their appointments mark an important step in strengthening capability and connection at a time of renewed focus and momentum.

These roles directly support the implementation of the Molum Sabe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy 2026 to 2027, a framework grounded in deep listening, collaboration and a strong call to action. The strategy prioritises culturally responsive schools and workplaces, pathways for learning and life, and identity and wellbeing, ensuring First Nations students are supported to thrive.

The new team members are united by a shared passion for embedding culturally safe practices and strengthening authentic partnerships with families and community. Their work will help build confidence and capability across schools while elevating First Nations voice and agency in meaningful ways.

Together, they will play a vital role in shaping environments where every student feels seen, valued and empowered, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive future for all learners across BCE.

“It is a great privilege to be able to enact Molum Sabe and be part of building a sustainable program of work that will empower First Nations students now and into the future.”

Lead Education Advisor Kimberley Kovacevic, is a proud Butchulla woman who brings more than 20 years’ experience as a secondary educator across southeast Queensland, spanning both public and private sectors. Her career has included extensive work with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, leading syllabus and curriculum change, alongside a range of leadership roles supporting both staff and emerging youth leaders.

Kimberley’s passion for embedding First Nations perspectives in the curriculum led her to the Department of Education’s Metro South Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education team, where she further developed her commitment to system level impact.

Drawn to the opportunity to influence lasting change, Kimberley said the role allows her to extend her impact beyond a single school community. She is focused on building sustainable initiatives through Molum Sabe that strengthen outcomes for First Nations jarjum across the Diocese.

She believes strong leadership across BCE schools is essential, grounded in a collective approach that recognises and nurtures individual strengths. Kimberley is also focused on elevating First Nations voice and agency, with emerging Student Voice and Community Council initiatives being co-designed alongside students, staff and community.

“We are a relational people. Relationships, deep listening and creativity are central to how we work, learn and lead together.”

Ann-Maree Long, a proud Badjala, Woppaburra and Torres Strait Islander yeeran (woman), brings a rich blend of storytelling, creativity and community leadership to her role. With more than a decade of experience across the not-for-profit sector, she has worked extensively in mentoring programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, supporting young people from high school through to tertiary pathways.

Her work has taken her across Australia and internationally, contributing to initiatives such as the Fire to Flood International Ocean Discovery Program and the Young Pacific Leaders Professional Fellows Program. Ann-Maree has also held leadership roles including Head of Community Engagement at EPIC Pathways and National Coordinator of the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy at CareerTrackers, in partnership with CSIRO.

A Co-Founder of Sandpoppy Weaving alongside her mother, Aunty Barb, Ann-Maree is deeply connected to community, culture and creativity. She is passionate about social justice, equal opportunity and amplifying young voices.

Drawn to BCE through longstanding connections and collaborations, Ann-Maree is committed to further strengthening leadership and elevating First Nations voice. She brings with her strong community networks and a belief that working together will create meaningful, lasting change for future generations.

“Leadership sets the conditions for change, and when it is culturally responsive, all students have the opportunity to thrive.”

Kyryn Ortiz, an Aboriginal educator from the Kalkadoon and Wagaya nations, brings more than 17 years’ experience in Education Queensland to her new role. Her career has spanned diverse contexts including low socio economic, rural and remote, and suburban schools, most recently serving as Cultural Lead and prep teacher at Burpengary Meadows State School.

Holding a Master of Education with a First Nations Specialisation from QUT, Kyryn’s work is grounded in both research and lived experience. She has led school improvement, cultural initiatives and whole school approaches to embedding First Nations perspectives, alongside strengthening community engagement.

Kyryn was drawn to the role by the opportunity to influence change at a system level, supporting schools to build capability in culturally responsive leadership and practice while fostering authentic partnerships with community. As a mother of two young First Nations children, she is deeply committed to ensuring  jarjums (children)  feel seen, heard and respected.

She believes strengthening leadership across BCE schools is key to embedding inclusive, consistent practices. Kyryn is also passionate about elevating First Nations voice, agency and partnership, ensuring communities play a meaningful role in shaping education systems and outcomes.