For thirteen years, Tennille Bainbridge has championed a culturally embedded, evidence-based approach to leadership in education, reshaping how students and teachers experience learning at Chancellor State College.

Her call to action – “together, we can unleash our potential and achieve educational excellence for all" – resonates deeply across the college and its extended community.

Her efforts began with securing funding and forming partnerships with universities and the Stronger Smarter Institute to develop the Indigenous Academic Mentoring Program. This initiative, rooted in best practices and community needs, significantly boosted student confidence, engagement, and academic performance. One notable success story is a student who – with tailored support and a scholarship – excelled academically and pursued a university degree in engineering to become a qualified engineer.

Tennille co-developed the Strong and Smart STEM Initiative, engaging more than 300 students and teachers from the Sunshine Coast in culturally enriching First Nations STEM activities. This program, integrating Indigenous and Western science, has fostered a greater understanding of both perspectives, while also training non-Indigenous teachers to effectively incorporate Indigenous knowledge into lessons.

Her commitment to building a strong school community is evident in events like Deadly Sports Day, where 400 participants come together to celebrate First Nations culture and enhance student well-being through sporting activities.

As a Senior Teacher and Indigenous Coordinator, Tennille is dedicated to preserving Aboriginal languages and fostering cultural understanding. Her extensive work with Aboriginal communities and educational institutions, along with her role in shaping educational policies, underlines her profound impact on Queensland’s educational landscape.