Brisbane Catholic Education’s new Executive Director tours Saint Mary’s College and St Patrick’s Primary

13/07/2022

​Executive Director Dr Sally Towns with Saint Mary's College, Kingaroy students.

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Executive Director Dr Sally Towns, took the road less travelled this week in her visit to picturesque country towns of Kingaroy and Nanango. 

During her trip to the South Burnett Dr Towns toured Saint Mary’s Catholic College and St Patrick’s Primary School, as part of her visits to some of BCE’s 146 schools situated across South East Queensland. 

Dr Sally Towns said, “as the new Executive Director of Brisbane Catholic Education, it’s important I get out to rural and regional schools, to experience the uniqueness of all BCE school campuses and their locations across South East Queensland.” 

“Saint Mary’s Catholic College and St Patrick’s Primary School are some of our most unique schools,” Dr Towns said. 

“Located just 2.5 hours from Noosa Heads, both schools offer teachers a great educational role in combination with a relaxed rural lifestyle and exciting extra-curricular activities, from rock climbing, hiking, agricultural studies, garden club, cultural immersion, and outback and beach retreats. 

“In my teaching career, I learnt there are many positives to working regionally, with a variety of jobs on offer for educators looking for a sea or country change, and even more opportunities for career progression available to teachers just getting started in their profession. 

“With living costs on the rise in Australia’s top five cities, you can see why educators are moving out to regional areas, for a change of pace and if you’re thinking about making a country change you really can’t look past the South Burnett. 

“There’s a real sense of community in areas like Kingaroy and Nanango, with opportunities for connections to be made with other young professionals in these remote areas. 

“The South Burnett also offers the Kingaroy Observatory, heritage museums, art galleries, lavender farms, lookouts, hiking trails, fishing, and country markets for those educators looking for a change of scenery. 

“I believe all educators should take the time throughout their careers to visit and teach regionally as you get to become part of the community, get a wealth of educational experiences and a greater understanding of issues impacting on regional areas. 

“Working in a country area was pivotal for my career and I would encourage others to take the leap and apply for a regional position with BCE today.” 

Both Saint Mary’s Catholic College and St Patrick’s Primary School are Remote Area Incentive Schools (RAIS) with teachers eligible for various incentives for taking up positions in the South Burnett, including allowances and accommodation. 

All graduate teachers are supported by BCE’s Early Career Teaching program for their first three years and ongoing. 

St Patrick’s Primary School is currently seeking a School Officer, to find out more and apply, click here. 

Saint Mary’s Catholic College is currently seeking applicants for a Religious Education, Business and Mathematics Teacher, to apply click here. They are also seeking a Receptionist, to apply click here. 

For more information about Saint Mary’s Catholic College, Kingaroy click here. 

For more information about St Patrick’s Primary School, Nanango click here. 


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Executive Director Dr Sally Towns with St Patrick's Primary School, Nanango student.


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