Edmund Rice Education Australia appoints Dr Liam Smith as National Executive Director

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) has announced the appointment of Dr Liam Smith as National Executive Director, bolstering the organisation’s ability to deliver best practice Catholic education to its more than 40,000 students across the country, including in early childhood settings. 

Dr Smith is an experienced and passionate leader who has been working in the education sector for more than 30 years. Most recently, he held the appointment of Regional Director of two of the largest education regions in Queensland, where he had oversight of more than 265 primary, secondary and special schools catering to more than 176,000 students.

As an EREA-school graduate, previous director of the EREA Colleges Ltd Board, and with a Doctorate in inclusive classroom practices, he also understands the values of an EREA education. 

Dr Smith is seen as being ‘uniquely experienced’ to support the vision of EREA in collaborative leadership across the federated structure, as it equips students with a passion for learning and the skills, character and commitment, grounded in the Edmund Rice tradition, to contribute to a better world.

Commenting on his appointment Dr Smith said he is looking forward to reconnecting with the organisation that inspired his passion for education.

“I know that I am stepping into a strong education system with a rich history of care and commitment to ensuring positive educational outcomes for children and young people across Australia,” he said. 

“I am also aware of the possibilities that lie ahead – opportunities that, through collective effort and a genuine commitment to the success of all members of the Edmund Rice family, we can achieve.”

In his role as National Executive Director, Dr Smith will be tasked with building EREA’s national identity, providing collaborative and strategic guidance to EREA subsidiaries and schools, leading EREA’s strong commitment to reconciliation with First Nations peoples, and building productive relationships with diocesan Catholic education offices, representatives, regulators, unions and other stakeholders critical to realising EREA’s vision.

Chair of the Trustees of EREA, Philomena Billington, said Dr Smith would bring fresh thinking to this role as EREA continues to bolster its shared narrative as a community of schools.

“Throughout his career, Liam has demonstrated a passion for education and an unwavering commitment to supporting students throughout their learning journey,” she said.

“The Trustees and Board of EREA Ltd are looking forward to the future under Liam’s leadership. He brings the energy, skills, system experience and genuine commitment to Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition we were seeking”.

Learn more about EREA here.