THE HON. SARAH MITCHELL MLC

Sarah Mitchell was born and raised in Gunnedah and has spent most of her life living in North-West New South Wales. She continues to live in Gunnedah with her husband Anthony and their daughters Annabelle and Matilda.

Since entering parliament in 2011, Sarah has served on numerous committees and as Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health and Western NSW. In 2017, Sarah was appointed Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education.

In 2019, Sarah was appointed as Minister for Education and Early Learning.

Sarah is a graduate of Gunnedah High School and is passionate about education, particularly in regional and remote parts of NSW. As Minister, she is committed to ensuring every child – no matter where they are from – has access to top-quality education.

Since being appointed as Minister for Early Learning, Sarah led a visionary investment to transform early childhood education, child development and women’s economic participation over the next decade. In particular, she was a key driver behind one of the biggest education reforms in a generation – a commitment to introduce a universal pre-Kindergarten year of education for all children in NSW by 2030.

Since becoming Education Minister, Sarah has lead evidence-based reform with student outcomes at heart. Introducing mandatory phonics and creating the School Success Model to bring more transparency into the system to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.

Regional, rural and remote students are a focus. A revitalised regional strategy backed up with on-the-ground support is a big step to address the regional divide that Sarah is dedicated to closing.

Sarah is an active supporter of local community organisations and has been involved with several local charities, including the Gunnedah Family and Children’s Services and Gunnedah Paediatric and Maternity Support (PRAMS).

Sarah’s eldest daughter is in year three at their local public school, and her youngest daughter is at preschool this year. Sarah has a deep love for the regions she represents.

A young Minister who is invested in the public education system both personally and professionally, Sarah is committed to making NSW the best education system in the southern hemisphere.