An educational leader

Dulari Gonawala

Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood)

Teacher mentor, GoodStart Early Learning Berwick

When Dulari Gonawala arrived in Australia with her husband and young family nine years ago, she had no idea she’d go on to win a national award as an early childhood education leader.

Dulari had previously worked as a high school teacher in Sri Lanka. Not wanting to waste her valuable teacher training, she began studying part-time through Southern Cross University while working full-time in childcare.

“I realised I could progress my career and income level significantly, so I did a lot of research and found Southern Cross University where I could study completely online,” Dulari said.

“It was a challenge with two kids under two and working full-time, but my lecturers at Southern Cross were incredibly supportive, and my husband as well.”

In the classroom Dulari implemented inquiry-based STEM projects, built strong connections setting up a Bush Tucker Garden, and supported the publishing of the centre’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

She recently won a prestigious National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) for her role as Educational Leader at GoodStart Early Learning in Berwick and has since been promoted to Teacher Mentor, supporting up-and-coming early childhood educators.

“Winning a national award is a big deal especially when English is my second language, and now being in a role focused on supporting and coaching the rest of the team is a dream come true.”