Lady Gowrie Barrier Reef farewells manager Terry Parsons with special celebration

The Lady Gowrie Barrier Reef Child Centre recently held a special celebration to wish outgoing manager Terry Parsons well as she prepares for her next professional opportunity. 

After almost five years of leading and managing the service Ms Parsons will move into an education support role, a step she describes as being “bittersweet.”

“I’m excited, but I’m also really sad to be leaving my children and my families and staff,” she shared with local news source Cape York Weekly. 

Ms Parsons is a respected community member, and her goodbye celebrations included balloons, cards and gratitude and an afternoon tea held in her honour.

Attendees spoke of the supportive and loving environment she had created for staff and families, all of whom said they were extremely sad to lose her as service manager.

“Terry has been absolutely amazing to work with; she really creates a sense of community and family at the centre,” colleague Sharon Willmann said.

“She’s been in Cooktown for a very long time, so she has a great connection with the community; they feel comfortable with her, and it’ll be a big loss for the centre.”

Ms Parsons has worked in the broader education sector in the community for nearly 15 years, and has a reputation for caring for each child as if they were her own. 

She previously worked at Cooktown State School and found her passion there for working with younger children.

“Being a part of the children’s journey, and watching them grow and learn is one of the highlights of this job,” Ms Parsons explained to Cape Town Weekly.

“Being in a small community, I’m still able to follow their journey and education.”

For one coworker, Laura Wilkes, who started her ECEC career at Lady Gowrie, Ms Parsons’ departure means saying goodbye to the first mentor she’s known. 

“Everything I’ve learned in childcare, I’ve learned from her,” she said. “She showed me how to be a leader, and how to be kind and caring with everyone. She basically taught me how to become a part of the community.”

The Sector wishes Ms Parsons’ every success in her new venture. 

To read the original coverage of this story please see here.