An education industry leader and a talent spotter renowned for nurturing his dance troupe into international stars seems like an unlikely union but try telling Cristine Russell and Ben Foster-Brown.

Between them the pair have joined forces to develop a powerhouse of new-age learning and training at the Gold Coast’s newest education campus GeSS Education – Gold Coast Campus.

Based at the iconic Australia Fair in Southport, GeSS Education’s state-of-the-art campus which welcomes its first cohort of domestic and international students in February will deliver various Diplomas in a ‘back to basics’ nurturing environment that focuses on student progression and motivation to study.

And that’s where Foster-Brown sashays into the scene.

The CEO of TOC Australia, a Queensland based Registered Training Organisation and provider of new-age, dynamic programs, Foster-Brown boasts affiliations with Epic Talent Management Agency and KOTB Dance Academy.

“GeSS has a proven track record in delivering high-class educational and learning programs and curriculum that is tailored to suit the demands of the employers in the current market,” Mr Foster-Brown said.

“GeSS Managing Director Cristine Russell’s background and credentials in the education sector are second to none and securing GeSS Education is an absolute boon for the Gold Coast and local businesses.

Australia’s passion is what drives us to provide the best learning experience in dance and business education and we play an integral part in shaping the fundamentals and future of the dance industry.”

Founded in 2012 with a crystal-clear vision to provide outstanding, high quality education to all students, GeSS Education’s expanding curriculum and growing student population through its partner College’s led its expansion into the Gold Coast – one of Australia’s most sought-after destinations for local and international students.

“It is time for our next big adventure – to open our own campus on the Gold Coast,” Ms Russell said.

“We have an outstanding team of educators, trainers, support staff and partner Colleges and the opportunity to establish our first campus at the prime location of Australia Fair was a massive factor in our decision to open our campus on the Gold Coast.”

Prior to establishing GeSS Education, Ms Russell spent 15 years in various roles including Director of Studies, Campus Director, National Director of Studies, and General Manager of Operations and Academia for one of the largest education providers at that time. She then spent 5 years with UOW Enterprises managing the University of Wollongong’s vocational college and growing the college to include qualifications in childcare, aged care, community services and nursing.

“Next year marks my 25th year in the education industry so it is truly exciting to cap this off with the launch of our Gold Coast Campus on 20 January 2020,” Ms Russell said.

View from balcony