Today, we proudly celebrate the 5-year anniversary of our GeSS Education campus, a milestone that reflects the dedication, resilience, and passion that have driven us every step of the way. Since 2012, with a small team consisting of myself, Daniel, Cathy, and Robyn, we worked tirelessly to produce quality, industry-inspired student resources, and provide superior service to our RTOs. Over the years, we have seen our resources used by thousands of students across Australia and have supported many RTOs in passing valuable audits.

In 2019, our journey reached a pivotal moment. It was time to elevate our vision by opening our own campus and designing our own learning management system. With Taher joining the team to design the best website and exposure, and Livio, Scott, Ben, Paul, Bruno, and my husband Gary who were instrumental in building the campus, our dream became a reality. Today marks five years since the official opening of our campus in 2020, and what a ride it has been.

Through the trials of a global pandemic and the challenges of today’s economy, we have stood resilient. For five years, our unwavering commitment to empowering students has been our guide, helping them achieve their dreams of employment and higher education. Resilience, faith in what we stand for, and the passion to create the best work environment for our team have kept us moving forward through every obstacle.

One principle that has always driven me, and that my team likely hears me say too often, is that diversity is the key to success. A diverse student mix, a diverse workforce, diverse products and programs, and diverse opportunities across different countries have been our foundation. COVID-19 taught us that we cannot simply do the norm. We must continue challenging ourselves to innovate, expand, and celebrate the achievements of our students.

We’ve learned to approach challenges with gratitude. Rather than lamenting lengthy government visa processes, we celebrate the offshore students who have joined us in Australia, knowing that many more will arrive in good time. We take pride in our high school students who are now stepping into university for the first time and in our offshore graduates whose lives are transformed as they begin their careers here.

As someone who has taken a long and winding path to reach this point, I’ve come to deeply value the journey. From my early days in a law firm at 15, to completing my business degree and Master of Education while raising a family, to 30 years in the education sector, every step has prepared me for this moment. Along the way, I faced a personal challenge that reshaped my perspective—my battle with cancer. This experience was a turning point, inspiring me to take the bold step of opening our own campus. It reinforced my belief that life is not just about achieving goals but about the growth and opportunities that arise through every twist and turn. It’s this lifelong learning mindset, born from resilience and experience, that we aim to instil in our students.

What makes this journey so fulfilling, even in the face of the stresses of running a business, is the people. It’s the privilege of working alongside a team that shares your passion, the joy of creating a supportive and inspiring environment, and the satisfaction of seeing students achieve what once seemed impossible. Every member of our team is a cornerstone of our success, working together with one purpose: to inspire, support, and open doors for our students. It’s this shared passion that has carried us through every challenge.

From starting with just one student in January 2020, we are now currently supporting over 1,000 students through our campus, along with offshore students in India, PNG, and the Philippines. The horizon holds even more opportunities. But what truly warms my heart and inspires my team is witnessing the achievements of our students. Whether it’s a Diploma graduate earning their high school senior certificate against the odds, an offshore graduate arriving in Australia to start work, or a student receiving their employment contract, each success story reminds us why we do what we do.

Even during the last Christmas season, we were conducting interviews and placing staff in roles as far as Alice Springs. It’s moments like these—seeing their joy and hearing their gratitude—that make all the hard work worthwhile.

We are also deeply grateful for the support we have received along the way. Australia Fair has been an incredible partner, providing us with the space and facilities to grow and thrive. Our RTOs have stood by us, trusting us with their students and sharing in our mission to deliver quality education. Griffith University, our packaged partner, has been instrumental in supporting our students’ pathways to higher education, offering them invaluable opportunities for growth and success. Tiger, James & Frezy, the Ferguson team, and Austrade have been exceptional in supporting our offshore programs, helping us navigate new markets and create life-changing opportunities for our students abroad. And the industry as a whole has embraced our efforts, offering invaluable guidance and opportunities for our students. It’s through this collective support that we’ve been able to achieve so much.

In summary, resilience and belief in our mission have shaped us over these five years. The GeSS Education team are here for our students, to create opportunities, and to grow stronger together in an environment where everyone’s contribution matters.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the founding team who helped bring our campus vision to life. Your dedication laid the foundation for all that we have achieved. To our expanded team, who now carry forward our ever-growing opportunities, thank you for your unwavering commitment and passion. Together, we have built something truly special, and I am excited to see where this journey takes us next.

Cristine Russell | Founder & Managing Director, GeSS Education