NICK Hurley has been named the 2019 Neil Bloxsidge Leadership Award winner at the annual Brisbane Catholic Education Leadership Dinner held at the Royal International Convention Centre (RNA Showgrounds).
Named in honour of former colleague Neil, the BCE Leadership Team presents the award annually to someone who demonstrated the qualities of the BCE Leadership Framework at an outstanding level or has made an outstanding contribution to the development of educational leaders.
Mr Hurley, who is principal at Our Lady of the Angels’ School, Wavell Heights, said he felt both humbled and honoured to receive the prestigious award.
“I wasn't fortunate enough to have ever met Neil, but he was obviously a great man who had an enormous impact on Brisbane Catholic Education,” he said.
“This was due in particular to the way he built relationships and treated everyone he met, with dignity, respect and humour.
Mr Hurley specifically acknowledged the school communities he had been fortunate enough to be a part of in Brisbane - namely Christ The King School, Deception Bay, St Columba's School, Wilston, and Our Lady of the Angels’ School at Wavell Heights.
“I would also like to acknowledge many of my colleagues within BCE who have supported me, and I've learnt so much from, and finally the BCE office itself who have continued to provide me support and opportunity throughout my time here.
“Once again I humbly acknowledge receiving this award in honour of a champion bloke in Neil Bloxsidge,” he said.
Mr Bloxsidge, who died suddenly in 2010, aged 53, was a long-serving and highly respected staff member within BCE.
He was the inaugural director of BCE’s School Service Centre South.
BCE Executive Director Pam Betts congratulated Nick on winning the award and said he was a worthy recipient.
Miss Betts said Mr Bloxsidge was an outstanding leader in our community of schools, one who encouraged others and led by example.
She said it was fitting to remember his qualities of leadership in the presentation of the leadership award each year.