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Following the leader

23 November 2009

After 37 years in education, Central Coast Executive Director of Schools Dave Manttan has learnt a thing or two about leadership - but being honoured for his success comes as a surprise, as he explains to REBECCA PERRY.

Central Coast Executive Director of Schools Dave Manttan with his Australian Institute of Management Terry George Memorial Award

Central Coast Executive Director of Schools Dave Manttan with his Australian Institute of Management Terry George Memorial Award

On the day before the September holidays, Mr Manttan found out he had won this year's Australian Institute of Management Terry George Memorial Award and the humble 57 year old still doesn't know who nominated him.

The community leadership award honours the late Mr George, a prominent local businessman whose role at the helm of the Gladstone Entertainment Centre allowed him and Mr Manttan to showcase the region's educational talent.

'We had a great working relationship and I was very proud to receive an award named after him,' Mr Manttan, who is also a 2009 Australia Day medal recipient, said.

'I don't work for any accolades. I just enjoy working with people in the community, major industries and schools to put together programs that benefit young people.

'Getting school leaders and community members working together to get a positive result for young people is the most challenging thing but also the most rewarding.

'Every young person has a side that wants to be successful and it is our responsibility as educators to help them achieve that.'

Mr Manttan grew up in Blackall in central western Queensland, studied teaching in Brisbane and honed his leadership skills in schools across Queensland.

His first teaching posting at Thursday Island opened his eyes to the lives and values of Indigenous people.

He now shares his visions with the region's principals and school staff, helping them work towards high achievements for Indigenous students while focusing on individual students' needs and overseeing nearly 60 schools from Moura, Gladstone and Rockhampton.

'One of the secrets to good leadership is having a good set of values personally and morally, being authentic and respectful with people, while having a view of where you are going and how to get there,' he said.