Victorian Principals Association - CONNECTED - UNITED - EMPOWERED

We are delighted to welcome you to our first episode of 2026, where we’re bringing together school leadership voices from across the country for a special national round table discussion on the year ahead.


Joining us today are four outstanding leaders who represent principals at both state and national levels through AGPPA.

We’re joined by Pat Murphy, President of QASSP in Queensland; Andrew Dalgleish, Vice President and Victorian President of the VPA; Michael Burgess, Treasurer and New South Wales President; and Niel Smith, Secretary, Western Australia President, and Australian President of WAPPA.


Together, they’ll be reflecting on the lessons of the past year, welcoming the opportunities of 2026, and sharing insights into the priorities, challenges, and possibilities facing school leaders across Australia.


Whether you’re a principal, aspiring leader, or part of the broader education community, this conversation is designed to spark ideas, strengthen connections, and set the tone for the year ahead.


So let’s get started—welcome to 2026, and welcome to the Victorian Principals Association Podcast.

Creators and Guests

Host
Andrew Dalgleish
Andrew is a dedicated leader and passionate about education. A family man with a desire to improve education outcomes for all!
Host
Timothy Arnold
Tim is the Founder of Free Agency Australia, a business partner of VPA. Tim is supporting VPA to tell their story through podcasting and connection.

What is Victorian Principals Association - CONNECTED - UNITED - EMPOWERED?

VPA Podcast gives you an insight to our Principals and the work being done to support schools, principals, leaders and future leaders.

The Victorian Principals Association (VPA) is a professional association that recognises the opportunities and challenges that are faced by educational leaders and actively advocates for them in their complex roles of school leadership, by ensuring they are connected, united and empowered. The VPA was originally formed in 1971 to represent the professional interests of principals in Victorian primary schools. Today the organisation has grown, representing Educational Leaders – Principal Class and Leading Teachers - in Victorian government schools.