Dandelion Mentor
Rosemary (Rosie) Gibbs
Pronouns:
She/Her
Location (Region/Town):
Mudgee, NSW
Current Role / Organisation:
Director (Interim, short-term)
Qualifications:
Master of Early Childhood Education – University of Newcastle (Australia)
Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management – Community Child Care Cooperative (NSW)
Bachelor of Arts – University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
Higher Diploma in Pre-Primary Education – University of South Africa
About my experience:
I bring over 15 years of leadership experience as the Director of two highly regarded community-based preschools in regional Mudgee. My leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to social justice, shaped by my upbringing in South Africa during the Apartheid era — an experience that continues to inspire my belief in equity, inclusion, and the transformative power of education. Since ending full-time work as a director in Mudgee at the end of 2023, I have enjoyed taking on short-term roles as Interim Director in services in different communities to support teams in the absence of their director, thus further developing my skills in leadership and mentoring.
What mentoring means to me:
I believe the work we do in early childhood has a powerful impact on children, families, and the wider community. By mentoring through collaborative, trust-based relationships I hope to support other leaders and educators — learning and building understanding together. It’s not about giving answers, but about creating a safe, reflective space where we can explore challenges together, grow in confidence, and reconnect with our purpose.
As a lifelong learner, The Dandelion Project offers me an opportunity to work with other leaders, developing collaborative relationships, where learning flows both ways and growth happens together.
Strengths and wisdom I bring:
Drawing on my own experience in leadership, I have learned to step into uncertainty with curiosity, I offer gentle guidance, active listening, and honest conversation, supporting others to lead with clarity, care and purpose.