Congratulations to Charlotte McGrory who has recently been awarded the title of Bourke Young Woman of 2023. Charlotte currently works as a Kindergarten teacher at St Ignatius Parish School and is enthusiastically involved in the school, parish and local community.

Graduating from KRB in 2017, Charlotte spent her final two years as a boarder when her parents moved overseas. It was during this time that she developed an understanding and love of rural life and community.

After graduating, Charlotte completed a degree in Primary Education at the University of Notre Dame and as part of her teaching degree, Charlotte was assigned a rural placement at St Ignatius Parish School Bourke.  Charlotte was a popular and dedicated teacher and once Charlotte had completed her degree, she was contacted by the Principal who offered her a permanent role at the school.

Charlotte enjoys working in a small school as she is able to get to know and engage with students in the entire school. The teachers all work together to share their knowledge and ideas so collectively they can strengthen classroom practice.  Charlotte is particularly passionate about improving outback and indigenous education outcomes.

Outside of the classroom, Charlotte plays rugby with the Bourke Ewes where the team competes against other clubs each week from nearby towns.  Volunteering at the club means that Charlotte is also involved in raffles, sausage sizzles, tradie breakfasts and fund raising.  She also volunteers to help at Bourke Junior Rams Rugby.  She particularly supports the U6’s team.  In Term, 4 Charlotte will be opening a dance club in town for school aged girls as part of BJP Physie. In addition, Charlotte also sings at her local Catholic Church and is a volunteer for the reading roster.

In her own words, Charlotte says that she loves the strong sense of community in Bourke, the people, the lifestyle and the proximity to nature.   Her friends and colleagues have become a second family who are very supportive and inclusive.