Pathways evening
UNLOCK YOUR POST-SCHOOL JOURNEY AND ACADEMIC ROADMAP
Years 9-12
Wednesday 10 July 2024
4:15pm - 7:00pm
Educated. Equipped. Empowered. Energised.
PATHWAYS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT AT HILLCREST
The Careers and Pathways process in the Senior Learning Community at Hillcrest begins with an exploration of self and the world of work. This is built upon throughout the senior years with opportunities to develop and shape a student’s direction and design their individual pathway. Below is an outline of the Careers and Pathways timeline and key opportunities available to assist students in the decision making process.
Understanding Self
• Who I am and who are my role models?
• What are my interests, strengths and weaknesses?
• What are my future opportunities?
YEAR 9
Making a Plan
• Create my plan for the future (ATAR or skills pathway)
• Understand the support network around me
• Continue skill development (communicating confidently, interacting with others appropriately)
• Explore VET Courses (add a Certificate or Diploma course to my study options if appropriate)
• Consider University subject for a semester programs (limited options available for year 10 students)
• Participate in Work Experience week (Term 3). This is an important chance to explore areas of interest in industry.
• Introduction to skill development (writing resumes, cover letters, applying and interviewing for my first job)
• Personal Pathways Planning (PPP) process to discuss goals, direction and subjects. A plan can be changed but direction gives you focus.
YEAR 10
YEAR 11
Preparing for the Future
• Develop a Learner Profile (evidence of transferable skills and personal attributes)
• Reflect on the past / prioritise and clarify goals for my future beyond school
• Revisit my Pathway Plan and diarise key dates and application deadlines for ‘Year 13’ options
• Research my next steps; early or guaranteed entry programs, scholarships, credit for previous studies (if applicable)
• Understand the QTAC process (if applicable)
• Participate in any final programs to strengthen my skills and maximise my potential in industry
Growth and Development
• Manage time and responsibilities
• Commence the study of a Certificate or Diploma as per my Personal Pathways Plan
• Expand my understanding of future study areas by taking a university subject for a semester
• Broaden my industry experience by undertaking optional work placement during school holidays
• Explore my post school options by attending Campus Open Days, Regional Career Expos
• Investigate pathways to succeed at my institution of choice
YEAR 12
BE W.I.S.E.
(Well. Intellectual. Spiritual. Emotional)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Time
4.15pm5:00pm Careers Expo (MPC)
5:00pm6:00pm
6:00pm6:45pm
Year 9 Pathways Presentation (Current Year 9’s) Jeff Davis and Peter Fernance (Terrace Hall)
Industry Career Panels (SLC Classrooms)
Year 10 Pathways Presentation (current Year 10’s) Jeff Davis and Peter Fernance (Terrace Hall)
Careers Expo (MPC)
Careers Expo (MPC)
Careers Expo (MPC)
Uni Talks UQ, QUT, Bond, Griffith, SCU (Theatre)
Industry Career Panels (SLC Classrooms) Industry Career Panels (SLC Classrooms)
Uni Talks: Early Entry Applications, Student for A Semester programs and Scholarships advice.
Presentation (Theatre)
Uni Talks UQ, QUT, Bond, Griffith, SCU (Theatre)
PATHWAYS EVENING GUIDE
Getting the most out of the Pathways Evening
Attending the Pathways Evening provides a valuable opportunity to be inspired, ask questions and access key information directly from providers. Some recommendations to maximise the benefit of the evening include:
Make use of your time. The Pathways team have intentionally invited a range of guests and organisations that reflect student interests and for the benefit of students and families.
Allow enough time at the Career Expo to have your questions answered from the range of providers present.
Attend ALL sessions. Please ensure you attend the career panel sessions in an industry most aligned to your interests, as well as the other presentations on your schedule for the evening.
Ask questions. Consider what you could learn from each session - be inspired by the Industry Career Panellists! Ask questions about their career pathway - gain the most from the sessions by being an active participant.
Think about the questions you may like to ask the providers at the Career Expo
Approaching Tertiary Institutions
You are likely to receive a university course guide with the basic information about the location, campus, courses, entry ATARs and prerequisites, but here are some areas in which you might like more information.
• Do they offer any courses I might be able to start now?
• Does a certificate or diploma course studied at school give me credit (time off your course)?
• Do they offer Student for a Semester programs?
• How big are their campuses? How big are their class sizes?
• Do I need to have an ATAR to get into this course?
• If I am not on an ATAR pathway, is there another way for me to get into this program?
• Are there any pre-requisites I need for entry?
• Do they offer Early Entry/Early offers? How do I access an Early offer?
• How is this course taught? Is it online, on-campus or mixed-mode?
• How long will this course take? How many Semesters/Trimesters/Terms do I study across the year?
• If I am accepted and I want to take a gap year, can I defer this course?
• What scholarships are available and how do I apply for them? What can I include in my application to have a better chance of success?
• Where can I get the best information to help me understand the costs of university?
• If I am an international student - is there an International Department? (note- some key details will be different from domestic students, including costs so it is very important to get the right information)
• What are some extra things I can get involved in? Sports, clubs, international exchange?
DEFINITIONS
Certificate III and higher qualifications can sometimes provide a pathway for entry into University.
Diploma level study may give up to a year’s worth of credit (called ‘recognition of prior learning’ or ‘Advanced Standing’ and is given as ‘time off’) in a related undergraduate degree.
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of achievement in senior subjects considered necessary for successful in the first year of tertiary study.
Early Entry/Early Offer is provided by some universities. This means that a student will find out that they have a place at that university before the normal offer rounds are released through QTAC (December and January) An early offer may be gained through application and meeting that specific university criteria. The details vary between institutions.
Student for a Semester – Each University calls this something different, but it is a subject of study students can take in senior years of school that provides the experience of being a university student as well as being a low cost or free subject that can be counted towards a related undergraduate degree. Completion of a university subject whilst at school can also provide points towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
A pre-requisite is an entry requirement to a degree program, such as a subject, portfolio, audition or interview that an applicant must meet before they are considered for entry.
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. This is a percentile rank, not a mark of a student’s overall academic achievement in relation to that of other students. This rank indicates a student’s position relative to other students in their age group in any given year.
QCE is the Queensland Certificate of Education is Queensland’s senior school qualification. It is awarded to students by QCAA.
VET is Vocational Education and Training courses, inclusive of Certificate I through to Diploma courses.
Work Integrated Learning or Practicum Placements are Industry internships. These are an important part of relating study to the real world (just like the Work Experience Program at Hillcrest). Search for courses that have good industry engagement as this assists with employment after course completion, as well as experience to get you started.
QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) is an organisation that centralises the applications and offers for Queensland. Each state in Australia has their own Tertiary Admissions Centre – to which applications need to be submitted if a student wishes to study in that state. The two other Admissions Centres most commonly used by our students are:
• UAC (University Admissions Centre, NSW and ACT)
• VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre)
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. “ “
Ralph Waldo Emerson
CAREERS EXPO EXHIBITORS
Universities
Bond University
Christian Heritage College
Griffith University
QUT
Southern Cross University
The Hotel School
Torrens University
University of Melbourne
University of Queensland
Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s)
Airways Aviation
Australian Global Institute
Australian Institute of Learning
First Choice College
Gold Coast Trades College
GESS Education
Groei
Hope College
Huxley School of Makeup
Malyon Vocational College
New York Film Academy
Riviera
TAFE
Other
Boating Industry Association
Defence Force Recruiting
Experience Gold Coast
Mas National
National Institute of Careers (NIE)
PWR Advanced Cooling Technology
Queensland Police Service
“ “
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value
Albert Einstein
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Animal Care - Room 27
Cathy Uren
Founder, Pet Wellness Centres
Cathy is the founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Pet Wellness Centres on the Gold Coast. Cathy, although not a veterinarian, was driven to create a veterinary clinic with a vision to transform the way health care is provided to our beloved pets. The spark for Pet Wellness Centres came from Cathy’s experiences during her career as a business executive in the dental and animal health industries along with her own very personal experience with her best friend Brain the Boston Terrier. Cathy has drawn upon her decades of leadership and business management experience to build a passionate team and a customer focused brand with a true values-based approach to pet care. Cathy holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (with High Distinction) from Bond University (2014) and was awarded the Gold Coast International Womens Day Workplace Leadership Award in 2011.
Dr Jessica Mazzagatti
Vet, Pet Wellness Centres
Dr Jessica Mazzagatti originally completed a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Susquehanna University in the USA before transitioning over to Veterinary Medicine and graduating from the Royal Veterinary College of London in 2020. Jess then relocated to Queensland where she practiced as a mixed vet, with a focus in small animals, in the Fraser Coast region. In 2021, Jess moved to the Gold Coast to pursue an interest in Equine practice. Although Jess enjoyed working with larger animals, she has recently transitioned back to companion animals at Pet Wellness Centre to pursue her passion for holistic medicine and wellness. Being a vet has already taken Jess around the world and she is keen to continue pursuing her passion for travel and adventure.
Sarah Carnell
Visitor Engagement, David Fleay Wildlife Park
Sarah is the Visitor Services Supervisor at David Fleay Wildlife Park. Her role is centred around educating the general public about Australia’s unique native flora and fauna. She is responsible for developing presentations, programs and experiences that connect people with wildlife and encourage habitat protection. Sarah enjoys assisting firsthand with threatened species breeding programs, participating in animal care and training.
Australian Defence Forces - Room 35
Defence’s primary role is to defend Australia and its national interests, promote security and stability, and support the Australian community as directed by the Government. Joining the ADF offers many opportunities and a variety of rewarding careers. Hear from the Defence Force Recruiting team on the many careers in Defence and the application process.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Built Environment and Planning - Room 23
Harley Day
Principal Planner, RPS Group
Harley is a highly experienced town planner and has been admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Queensland. With 20 years’ experience, Harley has provided valued town planning advice and legal services to government and the development industry, with specialist expertise in development assessment, Planning and Environment Court matters and digital town planning technology. In his current role as Principal Planner at RPS, Harley continues to assist clients in a range of complex projects, including the provision of strategic, town planning and due diligence advice, development applications and statutory town planning matters across multiple jurisdictions.
Stuart Osman
Director, Designer, Stuart Osman Building Design
Founded in 1998 Stuart Osman Building Design specialises in the design of custom residential homes as well as commercial and industrial builds. The company operates throughout Queensland, and has also undertaken projects in Victoria, ACT, NSW and New Zealand. Stuart Osman holds multiple awards for his work in Qld and Australia wide. Ensuring a pleasant and exciting design process for all our clients is one of Stuart’s top priority. Their aim is to have satisfied clients whose criteria have been met in every way. Their long list of repeat clients and referrals is a testimony to the quality of service they deliver.
Business - Room 26
Jay Nathwani (Alumni)
Marketing
Jay is an educator, wellness coach and digital-marketer who looks to help others achieve their ambitions. Leveraging his 12+ years of in-field experience as a Head of Marketing and Sales across companies in technology, hospitality and retail/e-commerce, Jay has accelerated company growth through business development and digital-marketing activities. After founding and growing several companies, Jay ‘gives back’ as a vocational educator, delivering various diplomas across Year 11 and 12 cohorts in south-east Queensland, helping the next generation realise their potential.
Kyelie Baxter Managing Director, IQ Accountants
Kyelie Baxter, Managing Director of IQ Accountants, has over 25 years of experience in the accounting and finance industry. As an award winning CPA fellow, Kyelie specialises in technology implementation and business improvement systems, significantly enhancing efficiency and profitability for SME’s. Passionate about the future of the industry and mentoring, she actively participates in the CPA mentor program and contributes to various education committees. Kyelie’s approach combines data drive analysis with intuitive decision-making, aimed at helping business owners achieve their strategic goals.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Education - Room 21
Ellise Fernance
Primary Educator, Hillcrest
Ellise is a primary trained educator who has been working at Hillcrest Christian College in the JLC for 4 years. She is passionate about wholistic child development and seeing each child reach their full potential.
Brendan Howard
Senior Teaching Fellow, Bond Business School
Brendan is currently a Senior Teaching Fellow at Bond Business School. Raised on the Gold Coast, Brendan graduated with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting. He worked in several Accounting roles both in Australia and abroad. After returning to Australia in 2003, Brendan decided on a career change and completed a Bachelor of Education in 2005. Brendan taught a range of subjects in high schools for over a decade on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. In 2017, Brendan transitioned to Tertiary Education, joining Bond University where he teaches and coordinates the Year 12 Extension Program.
Emergency Services - Room 28
Ricky Arnold Paramedic
Ricky has been a paramedic for 29 years, 26 of those as a Critical Care Paramedic. Originally qualified in South Africa and moved to Australia 15 years ago. Ricky is currently stationed out of Burleigh Heads Ambulance Station and work on their rapid response vehicle.
Paul Beck Firefighter
Paul has been a Firefighter on the Gold Coast for 30 years. During this time he has been stationed at Surfers Paradise, Robina, Nerang and Bilinga. He has been a state instructor in Technical Rescue which involves disciplines such as Swift Water, Urban Search and Rescue, Vertical Rescue, Confined Space and Trench Rescue. He has been involved in multiple deployments both nationally and internationally including Cyclone Larry in Innisfail, Cyclone Yasi in Cairns and the Christchurch earthquake.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Engineering - Room 22
Mike Bjelis
Chief Engineer, Seair Pacific
Mike commenced his career in the aviation industry 20 years ago, attending Aviation Australia technical training college in Brisbane. Mike became a licensed aircraft engineer (mechanical) in 2010, and subsequently attained a turboprop engine license and avionics license.He has worked his way through the ranks of Seair Pacific Engineering at the Gold Coast airport, holding the positions of Quality Manager, Hangar Foreman and now as Chief Engineer. Mike also owns and operates a CASA approved aircraft component overhaul workshop.
Stuart de Jersey
Civil
Engineer and Senior Project Manager, Seqwater
Stuart is a Civil Engineer with over 25 years’ experience working in the water industry. He works for Seqwater which supplies bulk water to Southeast Queensland. He’s kept busy working on a range of water storage, treatment and distribution projects that cover civil, mechanical, electrical and control systems engineering. Stuart has worked in both the public and private sectors in locations across the country and overseas. He holds postgraduate degrees in Business Administration
Entertainment - Room 30
Carla Broadway
Entertainment Supervisor, Village Roadshow Theme Parks
Carla specialises in Live Production management, Theme Park management, Theatre and Production show direction and Event Entertainment. Carla toured the world in some of the most respected globally recognized theatre productions as a performer and casting assistant. Productions such as CIRQUE- Le Noir, THE ILLUSIONISTS - Live from Broadway, Casino Monte Carlo- Monaco, Le Grande Cirque, Royal Palace France, Casino’s throughout Europe and Cruise Liners. Carla was more recently a seasoned Theme Park performer, now playing key leadership roles supervising the Show and Entertainment division at
Daniella Winter TV Presenter, Brand Ambassador
Daniella Winter and her husband were contestants in 2017’s reality TV show, House Rules, in which they went on to win. Daniella went on to be a presenter for Better Homes and Gardens as well as working for Channel 7’s QLD Weekender and national brands. Daniella has been an ambassador for Highgrove Bathrooms, Amart Furniture and Roc Group Developments. Another passion Daniella shares is her love for the entertainment industry - Lumi Air, Solaria and Zirques being some of the productions Daniella has choreographed.
Kate Grammatico Events and Entertainment
Kate is an energetic Event & Entertainment Manager with a 25-year successful career in planning, producing, coordinating and executing productions and events specialising in entertainment. Kate originally begun working for Aerial Angels in 2001 as a performer. She moved into a consulting role as well as being the company choreographer in 2009. Prior to this role Kate worked in the Show and Entertainment department as a Team Supervisor and Choreographer at Warner Village Theme Parks for eight years. Kate was a professional performer, working extensively throughout Australia and Asia.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Health - Room 82
Melanie Potts Nurse
Melanie’s nursing career spans over 30 years. She started her training in 1991 after her interest was sparked following Year 10 work experience. She worked on surgical wards at The Royal Brisbane Hospital before heading overseas to the UK. Here she spent an exciting 9 years specialising in Emergency nursing, eventually qualifying as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner. Returning to Australia Melanie worked in the Emergency department, Intensive care unit and currently enjoys the work, life balance of the Post Anaesthetic care unit.
Dr James Kilpatrick Doctor
Dr. James Kilpatrick pursued his medical studies at The University of New England School of Rural Medicine in Armidale. He completed his training in Newcastle’s John Hunter and Mater Hospital clinical schools, as part of the esteemed Joint Medical Program with the University of Newcastle. He completed his intern and resident years at the Tweed Hospital, before completing further GP training on the Gold Coast. Prior to medicine, James was a music teacher for 13 years, after completing a Bachelor of Music (Education) at the University of Queensland.
Monique Alexis Physiotherapist, QLD Health
Monique is a physiotherapist with extensive experience treating neurological conditions including stroke, spinal cord injury, brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. She has worked at many of the major tertiary hospitals across Australia as well as teaching into the physiotherapy programs at both The University of Queensland and Griffith University. Her current role is working as a senior brain injury coordinator for Queensland Health. In her spare time Monique also volunteers as an international medical classifier for the sport of Paratriathlon
Alicia Easton Speech Pathologist, Sunflower Therapy Co
Alicia has worked as a paediatric speech pathologist in a range of private practices on the Gold Coast. She has a Master of Speech Pathology from Griffith University and a Bachelor in primary education from Lee University in the United States. Prior to studying speech pathology, she was a Year 1-2 teacher. She has recently started her own paediatric speech business called Little Sunflower Therapy Co. with the mission to support young children with communication difficulties to develop and thrive.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Information Technology - Room 25
Ben Gittens
Principal Security Engineer, Bugcrowd
Ben is a Principal Security Engineer at Bugcrowd. He has over 10 years experience in tech in a range of roles from software engineering to devops and cybersecurity at companies from 10 to 10000 employees. He has an extensive academic and professional background with a masters and several other degrees, as well as extensive professional certifications. A hacker by day (and night) Ben spends his time securing the software we all use on a daily basis by building a secure platform for the number 1 crowdsourced security platform. In his spare time he works with the ACS and the Australian Women in Security network to help develop the next generation of hackers.
Carly Daff Head of Teams and Education, Canva Education
Carly Daff is a vision-driven leader with an unwavering bias for action, a passion for education & a track record of delivering award-winning products like Stan, Foxtel Play, and Canva for Education. Now Canva’s Head of Teams & Education, Carly is on a mission to transform the way the world works and learns by empowering people to design.
Law Room - 32
Ailsa Day (Alumni)
Family Law, Partner, Ramsden Lawyers
Ailsa Day is a Partner at Ramsden Lawyers and Head of the Family Law Department on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. She is a former student of Hillcrest Christian College and has children attending the college. Since being admitted, Ailsa has worked exclusively in Family Law and dedicates her practice to assisting clients through their journey. Ailsa has significant experience in representing clients in a range of financial and parenting matters, both in Court and through alternative dispute resolution.
Lauren Blud
Migration Law, Partner, Ramsden Lawyers
Lauren Blud is a Partner at Ramsden Lawyers and currently leads a team based across the firm’s Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Sydney offices. Originally hailing from the UK, Lauren has a Bachelor of Laws and Psychology (with Honours) and two post graduate diplomas in legal Practice from the UK and Australia respectively. Lauren practices in both Commercial Law and Immigration Law and has done so now for the last 10 years. Lauren has supported the needs of a variety of clients nationwide and internationally, from individuals to ASX listed corporations. Lauren has developed a strong reputation in her areas of practice and continues to support clients at all levels. Her commercial work allows her to support her business and entrepreneurial clients and her immigration work allows her to advocate for her clients from initial stages of Australian Government review, through to matters in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and the Federal Court.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Marketing and Graphic Design - Room 31
Melissa Summergreene Marketing
With over 20 years of marketing and design experience, Melissa has fostered business growth amidst today’s cutthroat marketing landscape. Starting as a graphic designer in boutique agencies, she honed her craft before transitioning to the Gold Coast Bulletin, where she worked on advertising feature magazines. Embracing the digital revolution, Melissa pivoted into corporate marketing. With a keen eye on emerging trends and a passion for creative design, she spearheads media relations and marketing for a prominent national law firm.
Dion Summergreene
Art Director of Consumer Products, Village Roadshow Theme Parks
Dion is an award-winning designer that has worked in the retail product development and themed attraction industry for nearly to 25 years. Based at Warner Bros. Movie World, Dion develops merchandise for both Australian and international theme parks whilst also taking the creative lead on the narrative and themeing of new rides and attractions.
Marine Construction - Room 24
Andrew Fielding
Boating Industry Association
Andrew Fielding has been employed in the marine industry for over 30 years with experience in yacht brokering, marine retail, wholesale and boat building. Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Andrew studied Tourism and Hospitality, and Maritime Logistics and Management at the Australian Maritime College. He is part of a family marine business which has been operating on the Gold Coast for over 45 years. Andrew is passionate about all aspects of the marine industry and is a leader in the marine field, having held positions including Business Development Manager, Chair of the Board and President of the Association within the Boating Industry Association.
Keira Badke
Apprentice and Training Manager, Riviera Australia
For over 42 years, Riviera has designed, built and launched almost 6000 motor yachts that are today cruising the great rivers, lakes, seas and oceans of the world. In this period of time, Riviera has developed the careers of hundreds of master craftspeople, many of whom have been recognised and awarded for their excellence. Keira is the Apprentice and Training Manager at Riviera and works alongside Riveria Management to run a program that is recognised nationally and internationally for the depth of skills and life training offered through their unique apprentice training program.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Parent Session: ‘Navigating your Student’s Career Journey’ - Room 80
Sherrie Dunshea
Careers Outreach Coordinator, Experience Gold Coast
Presented by Sherrie Dunshea, a career specialist passionate about supporting students through all stages of career planning and improving employability skills, this session offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of the workforce and provides strategies to help parents navigate the uncertainties of the future. We’ll also provide valuable resources and tools to empower you in guiding your student’s career journey.
Psychology, Counselling and Social Work - Room 20
Dr Megan Landers Psychologist
Megan is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, QLD. She holds a PhD and is a registered psychologist. Megan has been the recipient of the prestigious Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship, a Chief Investigator on Australian Research Council Discovery Projects, and was invited to present her research to The Royal Society, UK. Megan has over 50 publications, her research is featured in undergraduate textbooks, and she is a scientific reviewer for international journals as well as international funding bodies. Megan also has her own psychology practice in the Northern Rivers, NSW.
Emily Townsend and Toby School Counsellor, Hillcrest Christian College
Emily Townsend is a Social Worker with over 20 years experience, working in a number of service areas including, homelessness, drug and alcohol counselling, emergency relief, community health, hospital social work and for the past 6 years as a school counsellor. Emily has also trained Toby to become Hillcrest’s first accredited therapy dog. Emily and Toby would love to meet you and share the exciting possibilities that a career in social work can bring.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Science - Room 81
Mika Rowston
Reef Catchments Science Partnership
Mika holds a science degree specialising in environmental science and marine biology, this has allowed him to work in several exciting and diverse fields, including guiding with wolves in Canada and jumping crocodiles in the Northern Territory. He has spent four years in North Queensland as an agronomist and extension officer supporting cane farmers to reduce inputs and improve productivity. His role currently involves supporting the delivery of the Great Barrier Reef water quality monitoring program which aims to improve the water flowing from catchments to the reef.
Dr Adam Lowe Principal Scientist
Following graduation from his bachelor, honours, and Ph D degrees in Chemical Science, Adam has 15+ years of industrial experience across various fields of fundamental and applied chemistry. From working as a gas chemist in the coal mines of Queensland, to contributing to breakthroughs in fast-paced start-up companies, to leading successful projects and departments at large biotech companies in Silicon Valley. A career path in science has unlocked many challenges, opportunities, and provided a passionate understanding of the countless intricate systems encountered in everyday life.
Sport - Room 83
Nathan Beutel
Strength and Conditioning Coach, Qld Academy of Sport
Nathan is a highly experienced Strength and Conditioning Coach working with elite athletes. He has completed a Diploma of Fitness, Bachelor of Human Movements, and holds a Masters Degree in Strength and Conditioning. An accredited ASCA Level 2 Pro Coach, Nathan has 10 years of NRL experience with the Eels, Knights, and Titans. Currently, he works with the Queensland Academy of Sport, preparing our Olympic athletes in swimming and triathlon.
Wendy Marshall Gold Coast SUNS - Community Programs and Engagement Manager
Wendy has a strong background in Tourism, Hospitaility, Event Management, Customer Service in leadership and management roles. Her passion for AFL led her to the Gold Coast SUNS to pursue a role in community engagement. Her role sees her now developing and delivering community engagement programs across schools, junior football clubs, charity partners and community groups, and ensuring opportunities for diversity, inclusion and indigenous participants.
CAREER PANEL PRESENTERS
Tourism, Travel & Hospitality - Room 34
Louise McAlpine - CTIA Tourism
Louise draws on over a decade of experience working within the global tourism and hospitality industry alongside her extensive travel experience. As a passionate educator, she has the privilege of teaching students and witnessing firsthand the transformation of graduates into the next generation of industry professionals. Whether it’s discussing sustainable tourism practices, analyzing industry trends, or inspiring the next generation of travel professionals, she is committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. Imparting her knowledge through training, her aim is to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the dynamic field of tourism.
Wade Peters Pilot
Wade has been flying for over 20 years, in aircraft and positions ranging from small 4-10 seat propellor aircraft throughout the Northern Territory, mining charter resource flights throughout WA in 30 seat turboprop and 100 seat Jet aircraft, to working for Australia’s 2 biggest airlines both internationally and domestically around Australia. Wade has held roles in inflight training and flight simulator training and checking.
Think big and don’t listen to people who tell you it can’t be done. Life’s too short to think small.
Tim Ferriss
PATHWAYS CONTACTS
The Pathways Team assist students with all aspects of their student driven pathways, from big goal setting, to subject selection, course options and applications, industry connections and the next steps. The Pathways Team invites students and parents to book in some time for a chat.
Peter Fernance
Deputy Head of Senior Learning Community pfernance@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Mr Fernance enjoys meeting with parents and students to guide the process of creating a personalised pathway for each student. He also advises on Certificates and Diploma course options. If your child is in Years 9 - 12 and you have not yet met with Mr Fernance, please be sure to make an appointment.
Alisha Lowien Director of Academics (Acting) alowien@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Mrs Lowien oversees academics. She looks after all aspects of curriculum, such as internal examinations and assessment, as well as teaching and learning in the Senior Learning Community. If you have any questions regarding Year 11 and 12 subjects, classes and assessment, Mrs Lowien is the point of contact.
Nicole Cox
Head of Senior Studies ncox@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Ms Cox provides curriculum information for senior students and parents throughout their SLC journey and ensures QCAA requirements for QCE and ATAR are met. She facilitates confirmation of marks for Year 12 students and runs their External Assessment. Ms Cox is ready to answer any questions about QCE or ATAR and is also the person to contact regarding AARA enquiries.
Charmaine Mullaly SLC Teacher
cmullaly@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Mrs Mullaly enjoys guiding students towards achieving their educational and career goals. She has a passion for fostering academic excellence and personal growth. She will be assisting with personalised guidance in subject selection and course planning.
Lucinda Crews
Pathways Engagement Coordinator lcrews@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Mrs Crews works with industry and Hillcrest community to provide opportunities for our students. In addition to organising the Pathways Evening, she coordinates Hillcrest’s work experience program and liaises with the universities to deliver relevant and updated information to students.
Nixon Brass VET Coordinator
nbrass@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Mr Brass is new to the Pathways team and will coordinate VET courses and school-based traineeships and apprenticeships. Mr Brass has come directly from a training role in the VET industry and is looking forward to working closely with students on their vocational pathways.
NOTES AND ACTIONS
