Under the Spotlight

Andy McNeilly (Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator)

I’ve been at OGPS for 16 years and don’t have any plans of moving – why would I? I love this place. I’ve taught so many kids in nearly every year level and have worked with so many amazing staff. The buildings and grounds continue to improve, and the place just keeps getting better.

I’m so passionate about mental health and wellbeing and was so fortunate to get my dream job late last year as the new M-HAWC. I’ve run plenty of workshops and webinars and last year I was lucky enough to speak at the international Solution Focused Schools Conference in the USA. I will also be ‘traveling’ to England in a few weeks to speak at the UKEd Chat Conference. I’ve written a book called Connecting with your Kids about building strong family relationships through the teaching of executive skills to our children. I am really proud of my achievements.

But the best thing that I’ve done is created a family with my wife Sandi. We have three kids: Daisy who has just started studying nursing at Deakin Uni in Geelong, Finn is in year 10 and Monty in year 8. Both boys are at Oberon High School. Sandi is in charge of the Torquay Library.

We love camping and travelling together. We’ve done many miles around Australia and been to some amazing places. I also love to ride my bike and once rode with a group from Sydney to Barwon Heads, raising a stack of money for charity. I built a pizza oven and love cooking for my family and friends on the weekends.

I feel very fortunate for my life and the opportunities that have come my way.

Cheers,

Andy