Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders

From President Andrew: It’s been a great week connecting with school leaders across Central Queensland — from Emerald and Biloela through to Rockhampton.

A real highlight of regional visits is getting into schools, catching up with QASEL members and hearing directly about both the great work happening and the challenges facing our regional and rural communities.

Across every visit, the impact of teacher shortages and workforce pressures was clear. But what was even more evident was the commitment of school leaders and their teams to their students, staff and communities. Strong relationships, innovative practice and a determination to achieve the best possible outcomes for every learner were on display everywhere I went.

It was also fantastic to spend time with more than 20 HOSES at the Regional HOSES Network Meeting in Rockhampton, as well as visit Rockhampton Special School and Rockhampton North Special School and hear about their work in literacy, student and staff safety, and wellbeing.

Thank you to Martine and the team at Emerald North State School, Sarah and the team at Emerald State High School, Jenny and the team at Biloela State School, and everyone in Rockhampton who welcomed me and generously shared their experiences.

These conversations matter. They help ensure QASEL’s advocacy reflects the very different realities of leading schools right across Queensland.

And a special mention to Bette, Biloela State School’s therapy dog — some of us have met her on Teams, but I can confirm she’s even better in real life. 🐾

The last couple of days in Rockhampton have provided a great opportunity to connect with special education leaders across the region.

It was a pleasure to spend time at the Regional HOSES Network Meeting, meeting with more than 20 HOSES and talking about the work of QASEL and, importantly, how we can continue to support them in their roles.

These conversations also provided an opportunity to hear firsthand about the very real impact teacher shortages are having across the region. Despite these challenges, the commitment of these leaders to supporting their students, staff and school communities remains clearly evident.

I was also grateful for the opportunity to visit Rockhampton Special School and Rockhampton North Special School. It was inspiring to hear about the work both schools are doing to strengthen literacy development for their students, while also placing a strong emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of both staff and students.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with me and share their experiences. Well done to both schools on the important work you continue to do for your students and communities.

It was great to spend some time in Central Queensland this week, visiting Emerald North State School, Emerald State High School and Biloela State School.

A real highlight of these regional visits is the opportunity to catch up with QASEL members and their colleagues, hearing directly about their experiences, and see firsthand the great work happening in their schools every day.

Our regional and rural schools continue to navigate significant challenges, with teacher shortages, workforce pressures and remoteness just a few of the realities facing school leaders and their communities.

What stood out across each visit was the commitment of these leaders and staff to their students. Despite the challenges, there is great work being done, strong relationships being built, and a clear determination to provide the best possible outcomes for every learner.

These conversations are incredibly important for QASEL. They help ensure our advocacy remains grounded in the experiences of members and reflects the different realities of leading schools across Queensland.

Thank you to Martine at Emerald North State School, Sarah at Emerald State High School and long-time member Jenny at Biloela State School for the warm welcome and for taking the time to share your work, successes and challenges with me. It was easy to see that the effort you are putting in is having real impact with your students.

I was also introduced to Bette, the therapy dog at Biloela. Some of us have met Bette online via Teams, safe to say she is better in real life.

https://teach.qld.gov.au/events-and-community/teach-queensland-events/career-fairs/teach-career-fair

Saturday 5 September 2026
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Discover where teaching in Queensland state schools could take you now or in the future!

Our next Career Fair Discover where teaching in Queensland state schools could take you now and in the future at the Teach Queensland Career Fair 2026.

New timing. Same practical, high-impact learning!

We know that finding replacement teachers can be difficult right now, so we’ve made Leading PD That Lands with Leanne Hughes even more accessible by moving to two shorter, after-school Zoom sessions.

Thursday 10 September | 4:00–5:30 pm
Thursday 17 September | 4:00–5:30 pm

Your registration fee includes both sessions, with a week in between to reflect on the learning from Session 1 and strengthen impact across the two sessions.

Previous participants have described the learning as “relevant, practical and easy to apply”, with one sharing, “I now have a clear process for creating PD that staff want to engage with.”

Built around Leanne’s 2-Hour Workshop Blueprint, you’ll leave with practical tools to design and deliver professional learning that builds buy-in, creates clarity and moves people to action.

Register now: qasel.org.au/events

If you are looking for a career in teaching that is incredibly rewarding, I would encourage you to be part of this panel discussion.

Considering a move into special education?

Join our engaging online panel session to discover the meaningful and rewarding opportunities available in Queensland’s special education and inclusive school settings, including our new special schools.

You’ll hear from teachers and school leaders about the:

🌳 wide range of opportunities in special education environments across Queensland

🌳 capabilities and experience that can help you succeed in these roles—a special education qualification is not essential

🌳 personal insights about teaching in inclusive and special education settings

🌳 professional learning, training and support for teachers to help you start or transition into special education

Learn more about this session and register to attend at the link below.

🍎🕔 Tuesday, 18 August, 5pm to 5.45pm AEST: Register now: https://bit.ly/4wOvwUF

Last week I was lucky enough to meet Cameron Williams, Business Development Leader, Project SEARCH.

For many young people with disability, the transition from school to employment can be challenging. Programs like Project SEARCH are helping bridge that gap by providing real workplace experience, practical skills and the confidence to succeed.

UnitingCare's Project SEARCH is a nine-month internship program that gives young adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to:

✅ Experience a variety of workplace roles
✅ Develop transferable, job-ready skills
✅ Build confidence, independence and self-esteem
✅ Receive on-the-job coaching and mentoring
✅ Connect with Disability Employment Services to support ongoing employment

We know that meaningful work experience can change lives.

Based at a number of Uniting Care Hospitals around SE QLD, interns spend each weekday immersed in a real workplace, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience alongside experienced teams.

The goal is simple but powerful: to help young people transition from school into meaningful, competitive employment.

Cameron was very generous with his time and took me on a tour of St Andrew's Hospital, Ipswich, to meet a number of interns participating in the many roles needed for hospitals to run effectively.

QASEL applauds initiatives such as Project SEARCH that focus on strengths, potential and opportunity, creating pathways for young people to build rewarding careers and greater independence.

For more information about this incredible initiative, follow this link:

https://www.unitingcareqld.com.au/services-and-support/unitingcare-disability-services/on-the-job-training?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23666978533&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkOvTBhDgARIsAKUNyRseMEvQnCknv4uGv0DcE-uQmQ1RLAj65D2MGYg1gR0Wx2n2qYOutD4aAu7JEALw_wcB

As educators, parents and carers, one of the most common questions we ask young people leaving school is, "What are you going to do now?" While well intentioned, it can feel like a daunting question.
Perhaps a better question is: "What do you enjoy, and what are you good at?"
When we begin with strengths, interests and passions, we open the door to confidence, purpose and meaningful pathways. Every young person deserves the opportunity to explore a future built on what they can do, not what they can't.
That's exactly what these free community events are all about—bringing together employers, educators, training providers and support services to help young people with disability or mental illness discover the possibilities that lie ahead.
📍 Upcoming 2026 Events
• Brisbane – Wednesday, 19 August
• Redlands – Wednesday, 26 August
• Ipswich – Wednesday, 2 September

For more information visit this website:
https://freshfuturesinc.com.au/