Sarah Houston

1996 - 1998

Teacher, community advocate and rural leader Sarah Houston has built a life centred on family, education and strengthening her regional community in Hay, New South Wales. She lived at John XXIII College from 1996 to 1998 while studying at the University of Canberra, a time she remembers for the friendships, social life and sense of independence that marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.

Sarah returned to regional New South Wales where she now works as Teacger at Hay Public School. She played a key role in reintroducing a two-week swimming program for more than 200 students, continuing her family’s three-generation commitment to water safety education. Deeply involved in local sport, she founded the Hay Whipper Snippers Junior Rugby Union Club and is a Life Member of junior rugby in Hay, recognising more than a decade of volunteer contribution. She also serves as Child Safety Officer for Hay District Cricket and is actively involved across multiple sports including AFL, swimming and school sport programs.

Alongside her work in education, Sarah and her husband Rowan manage remote sheep and cattle properties while raising their four sons. Whether in the classroom, on the sidelines of sporting fields or on the land, Sarah remains passionate about creating opportunities for young people and strengthening life in rural communities.

Quote

"Live life, enjoy it, and make yourself happy because at the end of the day, no one else will do it for you, but yourself."

All photographs © Bronte Morel 2026 and not to be reproduced.