More than 1,000 years of combined service in the NSW public education system have been recognised with 25 teachers and staff honoured at the Department of Education Service Recognition Dinner.
Last night's event shone a light on some of the most committed and hard-working educators in the state, who have each chalked up more than 50 years of service with the Department.
They were joined by 35 other staff who were recognised for reaching the landmark in 2023.
The inspiring stories of teachers, school administrators and support staff who have achieved the milestone include:
- Dale and Paul McFadden: This extraordinary wife and husband team have logged more than 102 years' service between them at the Department, and met one another while working at Londonderry Public School in 1974. Dale celebrated her 50th year in 2024 and has been teaching at Castlereagh Public School while Paul has 52 years' service with the Department and currently works in curriculum support at nearby Ebenezer Public School.
- Soro Soro: Studied teaching in Iraq, specialising in Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry, before moving to Australia and securing his first teaching role at Sydney Boys' High School in 1969. He has been a teacher at Johns Park High School since 1983.
- Raymond Fearn: Began his career in New Zealand and has been teaching in NSW schools since 1974. He established a statewide camp for hearing-impaired students more than three decades ago and is based at Kingswood Public School.
Premier Chris Minns said:
"Thank you and congratulations to each of these wonderful ambassadors for public education.
"Between them it would be safe to say they've had a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students in this state, sharing their depth of knowledge and commitment to learning across multiple generations."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"I would like to thank each of the teachers and school staff for their dedicated service to the young people of our state.
"The teachers and staff being recognised have given so much of themselves to public education, helping our young people to learn, grow and reach their full potential.
"Teaching is a career with the power to change lives, and every educator awarded can feel proud, knowing they have given the gift of knowledge to countless children."
