Highly regarded education leader and local resident, Karen Jones, has been announced by Council as the 2022 Australia Day Ambassador for the Central Coast.

Mrs Jones began her career as a special education teacher in 1982, and has been strongly committed to public education since, with a particular focus on Aboriginal education.

As former Principal of Wyoming Public School, Mrs Jones transformed and unified the then struggling school with her teaching and learning initiatives significantly increasing literacy growth between Years 3 and 5. Following this role, Mrs Jones worked at Terrigal Public School, before being seconded into her current State Government position.

As NSW Government’s Executive Director Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships, Mrs Jones has advanced the education of 64,655 Aboriginal students in public schools across NSW. This also includes delivering quality education experiences, with Mrs Jones engaging positively and genuinely with Aboriginal communities.

Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard said Karen Jones has remained dedicated throughout her career in improving the education system to meet the needs of all students. 

“Australia Day Ambassadors are high achieving individuals who provide inspiration and positive contributions to our local community, something Mrs Jones certainly does,” Mr Cannard said.

“Mrs Jones has not only worked to improve the education of all students. Most notably, she facilitated partnerships across 16 schools to implement a shared direction for reading, resulting in a significant decrease in the percentage of students below minimal standards.”  

Council Administrator Rik Hart congratulates Karen Jones on being selected for the special honour. 

“Mrs Jones is an outstanding individual and the local community should be proud of the achievements she has made within public education,” Mr Hart said. 

“Not only has Mrs Jones led many large-scale changes and reforms to benefit the Department of Education and public schools across the State, she has also had a successful career as an educator and undoubtedly left a postive impact on the lives of many local students.”

Due to COVID-19 our 2022 Australia Day Awards ceremony will now be held online. Please visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/australiadayawards on Wednesday 19 January 2022 at 6pm where our 2022 nominees and winners, including the 2022 Citizen of the Year, will be announced.

ENDS