CDU appoints new head at Nhulunbuy

Charles Darwin University has appointed a new administrator to its campus at Nhulunbuy.

Polly (Pauline) Smart began her new role in the mining town this month, having moved from South Australia, where she has extensive experience as an Outback educator.

“As an outsider, my first impression of Nhulunbuy is that it is a vibrant and positive community,” Ms Smart said.

“Remote and isolated as it is, Nhulunbuy is a bustling metropolis by the standards I’ve been used to.”

Ms Smart has lived and worked as a governess and teacher in remote and regional South Australia for all her adult life.

Most recently she managed the Open Access College (primary years) at the School of the Air in Port Augusta.

“Before that I spent many years teaching children on sheep and cattle stations in Outback South Australia.”

Ms Smart said she was looking forward to drumming up business and coordinating Nhulunbuy’s training needs with what was practical and feasible.

“One of my first tasks will be to identify the stakeholders, get to know them, and find new ones,” she said.

CDU last November celebrated the success of about 40 students who completed a qualification in the East Arnhem Land region in 2015. 

Students completed courses in maritime studies, community health, business administration, childcare, and training and assessment from the Faculty of Vocational Education and Training.