When Julie Jackson walked onto Avondale’s campus as a young student from Glen Innes in the 1970s, she had little idea of the lifelong journey God was preparing for her. Originally beginning in secretarial studies, Julie soon felt drawn to teaching—a decision that would become not just a career, but a calling. She graduated in 1975 with a Diploma of Teaching, later returning in the 1990s to complete her teaching degree.
Her first posting took her far from home to Norfolk Island, where she was the sole teacher for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. “Six months in, I felt the burden of educating these kids,” Julie recalls. “I prayed, and God gave me the strength. That’s when I knew teaching was my calling.” From there, her career carried her through Launceston, Macquarie College, Inverell, and eventually to Blue Hills College in Lismore. Along the way, she championed environmental education, introduced thriving school gardens, and won many environmental education awards including a Sydney Morning Herald environmental award worth $10,000.
“God will lead you where He wants you to be if you trust Him. He opened doors for me, even when I didn’t think I could do it.”
Julie’s dedication did not go unnoticed. She received the National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEITA), nominated by grateful parents. Yet, for her, the greatest reward has always been the children. Her message to young people today—“Your life is in God’s hands.”
Now retired, Julie treasures gardening, her little poodle, and time with her granddaughters. Looking back, she sees a common thread: “God will lead you where He wants you to be if you trust Him. He opened doors for me, even when I didn’t think I could do it.” From a shy country girl to a celebrated educator, Julie’s story is one of quiet faith, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
