‘It has been a remarkable career’: Long serving NT educator, Maree Garrigan, gets fitting farewell

Education minister Mark Monaghan and chief minister Eva Lawler were on hand to celebrate the retirement of one of the NT’s most respected educators.

Maree Garrigan wraps up over 40 years in Northern Territory education with a send off at Parliament House. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

The Northern Territory has sent off one of its longest serving and highest regarded educators, Maree Garrigan, in style at Parliament House after 44 years of service.

The ceremony headed by Education Minister Mark Monaghan, while Chief Minister Eva Lawler took to the dais to speak about her great friend and past colleague.

Ms Garrigan, whose career has seen her fill roles as a teacher, principal, director of performance and director of the Teacher’s Registration Board said she was proud of all she had achieved.

Chief minister Eva Lawler was there to talk about her good friend. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

“I just feel so privileged that I’ve been able to have a farewell after 44 years in education.” she said.

“The Northern Territory has been a really big draw card for me and my passion is making sure that every student gets the best education possible.

“That can be really challenging in the NT. But we have amazing teachers and principals across the system and leaders, and I think they just worked so hard to make a difference to the students.

“That’s what drew me in and that’s where my passion is.”

Mr Monaghan thanked Ms Garrigan for her work.

“That’s why we are here because of the massive impact you have had on the kids in the Northern Territory.”

Ms Garrigan said the students, improving and supporting education outcomes, and the people she had met had been the most important part of her job.

“I’ve been a principal, I’ve worked in offices, I’ve managed lots of schools over time and I’ve done a lot of national work,” she said.

“It’s all been about supporting schools and keeping on raising the status of the profession and the education. I think that’s really important.

“What is so dear to my heart are the relationships that I’ve built because that’s the foundation I think of any work that we do.”

Maree Garrigan took to the dais to thank those who came to help her wraps up over 40 years in Northern Territory education. Picture: Jordan McCarthy

Ms Lawler, a former educator, had worked with Ms Garrigan made note of her “remarkable career” and that she should be “very very proud”.

“... Proud of the relationships and the friendships you have been able to foster throughout that career, and the respect and esteem you are held in by those in education.”

Ms Garrigan said she would continue working but would miss teaching.

“I’ve also got a lot else I want to do. I’ve got five grandchildren and I’ve got four kids and family is really important to me.

“Plus there’s the world to see.”