Tag: International Women’s Day

Women Leading the Way in SEQ Catholic School Communities

Communities across South East Queensland are seeing more women step into the top jobs at their local Catholic schools, with a growing number of female educators appointed as principals and heads of college in recent years. As International Women’s Day approaches on 8 March, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has highlighted the appointment of 29 women to principalship or head of college or campus roles over the past two years, reflecting a shift toward stronger female representation in school leadership.

From Graceville and Bardon to Mango Hill, Birkdale and Scarborough, these appointments are shaping the future of education in neighbourhoods across the region. For families, students and staff, it means welcoming experienced educators who will guide school communities through the next chapter of learning and growth.

BCE’s People and Culture Executive Cathy Heffernan said the appointments reflect a broader effort to support and prepare more women for leadership roles in schools.

“Since the program commenced, 38 per cent of participants have progressed into Head of College, Principal or BCE office leadership roles,” Ms Heffernan said.

“Beyond appointments, the program builds confidence, capability and connection, qualities that are essential for leadership in today’s educational landscape.”

Jessica Lusk, Head of College Unity College (Secondary), Caloundra West
Photo Credit: Supplied

Across BCE schools, female principalship has increased from 33 per cent in 2021 to 50 per cent in 2026. In BCE offices, women now make up 64 per cent of leadership roles, up from 48 per cent in 2021.

Many of the recently appointed leaders have participated in BCE’s Women in Leadership program, which was reimagined in 2024 to strengthen leadership pathways and build a pipeline of future-ready female leaders.

For educators like Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Head of College Jasmine Brown, the program has had a lasting impact.

“For me the program highlighted the importance of women actively supporting and advocating for one another,” she said.

“I also found the course an opportunity to connect with other like-minded women who shared the same aspirations for senior leadership.

“The impact of the program has endured well beyond its conclusion, particularly for me through the lasting professional relationships I have built.”

Jasmine Brown, Head of College Notre Dame College, Bells Creek
Photo Credit: Supplied

Since March 2024, a number of schools across South East Queensland have welcomed new female leaders, including appointments at St Mary’s College in Ipswich, St Patrick’s Primary School in Nanango, Unity College in Caloundra West, and St Francis College in Crestmead.

Other appointments span communities including Graceville, Bardon, Mango Hill, Ferny Grove, Birkdale, Zillmere, New Farm, Scarborough and Enoggera, where local school communities are now led by experienced educators committed to supporting students, families and staff.

For BCE, the growing number of women stepping into leadership roles reflects a commitment to creating inclusive leadership pathways and recognising the vital contribution women make to education and their communities.

As schools across the region celebrate International Women’s Day, these appointments highlight the strong role women continue to play in shaping the future of Catholic education across South East Queensland.

NamePositionSchoolSuburb
Alison GilbertPrincipalSt Mary’s CollegeIpswich
Sarah McCarthyPrincipalSt Patrick’s Primary SchoolNanango
Jessica LuskHead of College (Secondary)Unity CollegeCaloundra West
Nicole de VriesHead of College (Primary)Unity CollegeCaloundra West
Andrea HickeyHead of CampusSt Francis CollegeCrestmead
Bernadette WrightPrincipalChrist the King SchoolGraceville
Carol SeagarPrincipalSt Joseph’s SchoolBardon
Clare HoganPrincipalOur Lady of Good Counsel SchoolGatton
Renay CondonPrincipalSt Benedict’s Primary SchoolMango Hill
Louise ParryPrincipalSt Thomas More Primary SchoolSunshine Beach
Amanda SteerPrincipalSt Andrew’s Catholic Primary SchoolFerny Grove
Nadia GalettoHead of CollegeSt Bonaventure’s CollegeFlagstone
Jo-Anne BoylePrincipalHoly Spirit SchoolBray Park
Gabrielle JansenPrincipalSt Mary MacKillop Primary SchoolBirkdale
Cheryl BellPrincipalSt Flannan’s Primary SchoolZillmere
Bianca MurphyPrincipalHoly Spirit SchoolNew Farm
Liesl ProfkePrincipalSt Clare’s Primary SchoolYarrabilba
Tracey-lee CheesmanPrincipalOur Lady of Fatima Primary SchoolAcacia Ridge
Veronica WasiakPrincipalSt Michael’s CollegeMerrimac
Gemma LovellPrincipalMother Teresa Primary SchoolOrmeau
Velma ErskinePrincipalSt Joseph’s Primary SchoolNorth Ipswich
Megan PidskalnyHead of CampusFisherONE Online Education—
Jasmine BrownHead of CollegeNotre Dame CollegeBells Creek
Melissa FallarinoHead of CampusSouthern Cross Catholic CollegeScarborough
Felicity PryerPrincipalSt Pius X SchoolSalisbury
Lisa AtholwoodHead of CampusEmmaus CollegeJimboomba
Sharon CollinsPrincipalSiena Catholic CollegeSippy Downs
Kate MacArthurPrincipalOur Lady of Assumption SchoolEnoggera
Helen BoyesPrincipalSt Paul’s SchoolWoodridge

Published 6-March-2026

Libby Trickett Leads Brisbane North Chamber’s International Women’s Day Event

Photo Credit: ANZMH

Libby Trickett, Olympic gold medallist and mental health advocate will be the keynote speaker at the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce’s International Women’s Day Long Lunch, co-hosted with the Valley Chamber of Commerce.

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Scheduled for 21 February at Tattersall’s Club Grand Ballroom, the event will bring together business leaders to celebrate women’s achievements and discuss ways to advance gender equality. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action”, underscores the need for progress in business and beyond.

From Olympic Glory to Mental Health Advocacy

Libby Trickett is one of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers, having won Olympic gold in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. However, beneath the success, she battled crippling anxiety and depression. Her situation intensified when she retired from competitive swimming.

Her first retirement in 2009 left her feeling lost without the routine and purpose that elite sport provided. She returned to competition, qualified for the London 2012 Olympics, and secured another gold medal. However, a persistent wrist injury ended her career, forcing her to retire permanently in 2013 at just 27.

The abrupt transition triggered her first serious episode of depression.

Trickett said that stepping away from 35-hour training weeks disrupted the release of happy hormones, which took a toll on her mental health. However, the biggest challenge she faced was adjusting to life without the strict structure of elite sport.

Libby Trickett Battled Post-Natal Depression

Motherhood brought immense joy, but it also introduced new mental health challenges. After the birth of her daughter Poppy, Trickett experienced severe post-natal depression, made worse by relentless sleep deprivation.

“I was incredibly self-critical. I kept thinking, ‘Every woman around the world does this, and they’re coping—so why am I struggling?’” she said. 

Seeking professional help and leaning on her support network helped Trickett overcome those struggles. Now, she speaks openly about mental health, encouraging others to seek help and break the stigma.

Championing Women in Business

Trickett has used her personal experiences to build a platform for mental health advocacy. Through her initiatives, Play On and The Sport Social, she promotes wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth, sharing her story to inspire others.

Renee Bailey, Events Officer at Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce, said Trickett’s journey makes her the perfect speaker for this year’s event.

She highlighted Trickett’s transition from athlete to mental health advocate and business leader showcases resilience and innovation in the business community.

Uniting the Business Community

The Brisbane North Chamber and Valley Chamber of Commerce have come together to host this event, reinforcing their commitment to supporting women in business.

Sponsored by Ambient iT, the event will also support The Carers Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to unpaid carers across Australia.

Read: Police Charge Former Zillmere Basketball Coach in Sexual Assault Case

Be Part of the Conversation

Tickets for the International Women’s Day Long Lunch are available now. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Libby Trickett, whose inspiring journey from Olympic gold to mental health advocacy offers valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, and personal growth.

Book Ticket

Published 12-Feb-2025