Marcus Dixon

Department of Education

Marcus commenced work in the Northern Territory in January 1983 as the principal of Stirling Station School, 250km north of Alice Springs. It’s here, in a 'Silver Bullet' caravan, Marcus’s passion for education truly began. Each day he would start the Lister generator by cranking a wood handle faster and faster until it billowed out a massive wash of smoking diesel. He would run up the flag and ring the schools brass bell to notify the community that the school day had begun. In 1987 Marcus became principal in Ti-Tree for a year, then onto Elliott School as principal until 2000.

Working remotely with Indigenous people was life changing for Marcus. Engaging with several different tribal groups, being welcomed into the communities he resided in and learning a multitude of skills and fresh ways of thinking as a person, for which he remains eternally grateful.

In 1990 Marcus started a 7-year principalship at Berry Springs in which he helped build the new school, which he remembers fondly. In 1998 Marcus became the founding principal at Durack and supported the build, construct and the operational runnings which helped create the strong culture which continues to this day. Marcus was then elected president of the Northern Territory Principal’ Association for 2 years.

Marcus again became the founding principal of Darwin Middle School in 2008 and has been there ever since. Recently completing the Multi Purpose Hall which incorporates a basketball stadium and a dedicated box theatre, as he is a strong and passionate supporter of the ARTs.

Marcus Dixon has completed 40 years as a principal in the Northern Territory.