Lieutenant General Susan Coyle will make history in July when she takes up the role as Chief of Army in the Australian Defence Force.

Her appointment, announced on Monday by the Australian Government, marks the first time a woman has been appointed head of any of the services in the Australian military.

The self-proclaimed “proud public school kid” attended Darlington Point Public School, Leeton Public School, Mudgee Public and High School, Manilla Central School and completed her schooling as a class of 1988 graduate at Oxley High School in Tamworth.

“Looking back on my fond memories of attending public schools in NSW, I remember the quality of the teachers equated to the learning opportunities for students,” Lieutenant General Coyle said recently as part of Education Week celebrations of NSW public school alumni.

“I was blessed with amazing teachers, who shaped my foundation as a young adult.”

Oxley High School Principal Simon Bartlett-Taylor said the school community was incredibly proud to celebrate the former Oxley student on her historic appointment as Chief of Army commencing July 2026.

“Lieutenant General Coyle’s journey from Oxley classrooms to one of the highest leadership roles in the Australian Army is an inspiring example of dedication, resilience and service,” he said.

“Her achievements reflect the strength of our Oxley community which supports, challenges and inspires young people to make meaningful contributions beyond the school gates.

“We are immensely proud of our students past and present and the paths they take to positively impact their communities. We know our current students are also on their own paths to greatness.”

Just recently Lieutenant General Coyle agreed to support the Department’s Alumni Ambassador Program.

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the entire public school community was celebrating her history-making appointment, which he said spoke to the power of public education to develop capable, values-driven leaders who served the community at the highest level.

“Across our NSW public schools, we see that same potential in students every day, and her achievement reinforces the critical role our system plays in shaping not just careers, but contributions to the nation,” Mr Dizdar said.

“We are incredibly proud that a former NSW public school student has been appointed to the highest leadership role in the Australian Army.

“As Chief of Army, Susan will be a role model to other young women considering careers in the defence forces and particularly inspire students in regional NSW that there are no limits on what they can achieve.”

Lieutenant General Coyle has served as the Chief of Joint Capabilities since 2024 and represented the country in Timor Leste, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and the Middle East.

With almost 40 years in the Australian Defence Force, she is a Member of the Order of Australia, a graduate of the United States Army War College and Harvard, holds a Distinguished Service Medal and Conspicuous Service Cross.