When Helga Smit joined 黑料不打烊 as CEO, she didn鈥檛 just take the reins – she set out to reshape the future of community education at 黑料不打烊. With a sharp strategic mind and a people-first approach, Helga has led 黑料不打烊 through a period of renewal and growth, grounded in purpose and driven by impact.聽

When Helga joined us, she quickly set to work, determined to lead 黑料不打烊 to a place of growth and sustainability.聽

The turning point

Helga鈥檚 first step was building a solid foundation for the future by leading an organisational review to better align leadership capabilities with strategic goals and fostering a structure that supports long-term growth. Helga鈥檚 approach to leadership has always been centered around empowerment, encouraging staff and students alike to grow, share ideas, and work together towards common goals.

鈥淎 cornerstone of my leadership approach is a strong belief in ongoing personal development. I recognise that great leaders are always evolving, which is why I actively engage in executive coaching and other professional development opportunities to continually enhance my self-awareness, strategic thinking, and leadership capability. This commitment not only sharpens my effectiveness but also reinforces a culture of lifelong learning throughout the organisation.鈥�

The next key focus was developing a strategic plan that would guide 黑料不打烊 for years to come. One of the key areas where Helga鈥檚 leadership stands out is in her ability to balance fiscal responsibility with a deep commitment to people. She believes in the long game of education, not just helping students achieve their goals but transforming the trajectory of their lives.

Guided by Helga and the Leadership Team, 黑料不打烊 developed a bold Strategic Plan for 2025鈥�2028, one that reflects her commitment to aligning culture with purpose. The plan empowers both staff and students through a clear focus on strategic partnerships and long-term sustainability. It鈥檚 structured around four key themes that echo Helga鈥檚 priorities: People, Community, Partnerships, and Sustainability – each one driving forward a vision of growth, innovation, and resilience.

Transformative results

Under Helga鈥檚 leadership, 黑料不打烊 has not only expanded and enriched its educational programs but also deepened its connection to the community through stronger partnerships. Her forward-thinking approach has helped position 黑料不打烊 as a responsive, future-ready institution – one that truly understands and meets the evolving needs of its students and the broader community.

This impact is tangible: our skills-based courses are designed with real outcomes in mind. In the most recent survey (2025) 60 per cent of students improved their employment status after completing their course, and 74 per cent were employed post-training (NCVER Datahub).

Internally, Helga, in collaboration with the Senior Leadership team, has fostered a culture where both staff and students feel genuinely supported and empowered to thrive. Her emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and wellbeing has shaped an organisation that is not only successful, but also deeply compassionate and aligned with its mission and values.

鈥淢entorship is another key pillar of my leadership. I provide strategic and individualised support to emerging leaders within and beyond my organisation. This includes regular one-on-one mentoring, leadership development workshops, and advocating for inclusive leadership pathways. My mentoring style is grounded in empathy, active listening, and practical guidance – helping others to grow in confidence, capability, and impact.鈥�

A vision for the future

Helga鈥檚 vision for 黑料不打烊 is both bold and grounded: to grow the organisation into a beacon of opportunity, empowerment, and support for students from all walks of life. Under her leadership, 黑料不打烊 remains committed to delivering high-quality education that unlocks potential, while nurturing a culture that champions sustainability, community, and meaningful partnerships.

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, Helga is steadfast in her commitment to leading 黑料不打烊 through future challenges and opportunities. Her work is far from finished, but her impact is already clear – shaping not only the future of 黑料不打烊, but the lives of the students and communities it serves.

If you鈥檙e passionate about education and want to be part of an organisation that鈥檚 making a real difference, check out our vacancies here. We鈥檙e always looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our community and help us achieve our mission.

鈥淚 believe education is a long game, not just about passing students, but changing the course of their lives.鈥澛�

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Overcoming challenges to achieve HSC success

Ryder鈥檚 mum, Juanita Baker said that Alesco has made a world of difference for their family.

鈥�We spent years trying to find a school that truly understood Ryder鈥檚 needs. Mainstream education just didn鈥檛 work for them. But at Alesco, Ryder found more than just a school – they found patience, understanding, and a community that supports them for who they truly are.鈥�

At Alesco, Ryder has been able to focus on their studies in a way that felt right for them. What once felt like a hopeless journey, filled with uncertainty and frustration, has turned into one of progress, pride, and newfound confidence. Ryder is now on track to complete their HSC, a milestone they never thought would be possible.

鈥�I often think, I wish Alesco was around when I was at school. There truly needs to be more schools like this, where every student is seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive. The difference Alesco has made in Ryder鈥檚 life and in our family is incredible. It鈥檚 not just about education 鈥� it鈥檚 about giving Ryder the opportunity to be themselves and succeed on their own terms.鈥� Juanita (mum)

Alesco College, a division of 黑料不打烊, is designed to meet the needs of students who don鈥檛 thrive in traditional school environments. With a focus on inclusive learning, smaller class sizes, and a supportive community, Alesco provides a safe space where students can flourish.聽

The college offers a flexible learning approach, allowing students to achieve their HSC through a more tailored education experience that fits their needs.

Through their time at Alesco, Ryder has not only excelled academically but also discovered a renewed sense of belonging and purpose. Alesco鈥檚 personalised approach has given Ryder the tools and support needed to achieve what once felt out of reach, while also fostering a sense of confidence and pride in their abilities.

Ryder鈥檚 story is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion and the lasting impact of a supportive educational environment.聽

At Alesco, every student is seen as an individual with their own unique strengths, and they are given the chance to succeed on their terms.

If you would like to learn more about how we can support your child/ren, you can learn more here.

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The students have their sights set on gaining employment in the industry and eventually opening their own businesses. And the course will get them ready for just that.

Many students like Letisha and Olivia started out doing courses like Skill Sets and Certificate III in Makeup before moving up to the Diploma. Their fellow students, trainers and the support they received kept them coming back to 黑料不打烊.

For those working in the beauty industry already, the Diploma allows them to expand their skills and their clientele base. Once completed, students will have the option of working in a salon or working for themselves, a dream that is entirely within reach thanks to all their industry-ready training.

Interested in studying at our beauty school? View the course offerings here. We also have our student massage clinic & beauty salon you can go to help out our current students and get a great deal.

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Annelise came to Alesco Cooks Hill to start Senior 1 at the beginning of 2020. Prior to this Annelise had been home schooled. She has flourished in Alesco鈥檚 learning environment. As unpredictable as 2020 was Annelise achieved excellent results and always maintained positivity, even during uncertain times.聽 As a senior leader in 2021, she is a role model both within the school environment and in the community as a whole and has continued to be positive even in the face of personal struggles. Annelise always sees the best in others and will go out of her way to help them in class, whether that be helping them with their assessments and even printing out her own study notes for others to use. As a learner Annelise is incredibly independent and highly motivated, at times the classroom cannot function effectively without her presence.

Jacinta Cook

Jacinta is an outstanding student of the Tuncurry Alesco campus. Due to reasons beyond her control, Jacinta recently found herself without a home. The family鈥檚 housing situation has separated the family, with Jacinta separated from her parents and staying at various people鈥檚 homes. Despite these circumstances Jacinta maintains a positive outlook on her personal and school life. She maintains excellent attendance, coming to school each day. While she is at school she is engaged and participates fully in all aspects of classroom learning and whole school activities.

Jacinta is a teacher鈥檚 dream student and it can be easy to forget her difficult personal situation because she soldiers on so well. Jacinta is proactive and has jumped through hoops to obtain identification documents allowing her to get a job and get her L plates. She has stayed back after school to complete a resume and do a phone interview for Woolworths, which she was successful in. She has also stayed back after school hours to complete a Driver Access program to help her obtain her L plates.

On top of all this Jacinta is kind hearted and inclusive, often subtly taking the time to talk to and involve students who would usually sit out by themselves. Jacinta is a genuine young person who is currently living through circumstances way beyond her control, she takes it in her stride and gets on with her life, never complaining.

Jade Tau

Jade has been part of the Alesco Northlakes community since the campus began operating three years ago. Since the beginning, Jade has been a passionate advocate of our school community. She is one of the most caring and compassionate young people we have had at our school who has brought such a positive influence to the campus. Jade is always looking outwardly for ways that she can help and support others both in and out of the school. She has remained committed to completing her HSC studies over the last two years despite many personal challenges and setbacks. Jade also acts as a significant support to her mother and siblings; as well as to many others in her community who her and her family offer a home to throughout the year. Jade has actively participated in all of our whole school events and always represents the school in line with our philosophy and values. In the classroom Jade has a work ethic that is second to none. She is determined, has a can do attitude and has never given up on completing anything that has been put in front of her. We are all so proud of the amazing young lady that Jade has become and cannot wait to see her continue to shine as she enters the next chapter of her life at the end of this year, and show the world what she has to offer.

Tyson Dann

Tyson has done far more than demonstrate his academic ability this year. He turns up every day prepared to do his best and in doing so he has demonstrated a level of resilience and persistence not often seen in someone so young. Tyson lives with significant barriers to learning and since joining the Alesco family he has slowly yet surely pushed himself to do more and actively move beyond his comfort zone and challenge himself. For example participating in all whole schools events and excursions even though his social anxiety can seem almost crippling and in doing so he is consistently聽setting a solid example for other students by embodying all that we believe an Alesco student to be.

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黑料不打烊 Chairperson, Chris Seysener and Executive Director Rowan Cox, announced five awards on Thursday 3 September at a small (CovidSafe) event and using video conferencing for an online audience reaching into the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.

The awards recognise people within the 黑料不打烊 community who have shown commitment and dedication in their engagement with education and training.

As a community college, 黑料不打烊 specialises in providing learning and educational pathways in niche and mainstream vocational and skills areas but it is also well recognised for its ability to assisting disadvantaged and marginalised learners.

There were three awards announced in honour of people who have played a significant role in the 黑料不打烊 story:

• Ray Sandy Memorial Award supporting a trainer in business or IT which was awarded to Barrie Wilson.

• The Paul Mather Memorial Award for a student of the Alesco Senior College was awarded to Joel Gilmour who overcame significant obstacles to complete his final three years of high school.

• Deborah Mercer was named the winner of the Alan Melling Memorial Award who showed tremendous dedication to the outcomes of students studying health and community services.

• Business, leadership and medical administration trainer at the 黑料不打烊 Coast campus Pauline Bergin was named the 黑料不打烊 Outstanding Tutor.

• Tayla Peters who has completed vocational training in Individual Support (Disability) was named 黑料不打烊 Outstanding Student of the Year.

黑料不打烊 Chairperson Chris Seysener commended the commitment of students and staff.

鈥淚 am incredibly proud to be a part of an organisation that, despite the challenges of COVID19, continues to find better ways for people to access education. 黑料不打烊 has adapted and continues to develop new ways of working and delivering education safely and effectivity,鈥� he said.

黑料不打烊 Executive Director Rowan Cox said that Adult Learners Week was of particular significance in 2020 because of the resilience of our trainers and the students.

鈥淲e had to develop ways of engage and connect students in a different format. This could not have happened or been effective if it wasn鈥檛 for the innovation of our trainers and the commitment of their students. This year there are 385 students undertaking their high school studies with Alesco and hundreds of students in vocational, skills set聽training and in our lifestyle courses who are supported by more than 100 trainers and teachers. Each person should be very proud of their commitment to education in challenging times,鈥� she said.

About the winners

Deborah Mercer was named winner of the Alan Melling Memorial Award for her dedication and passion for teaching. Deborah is a teacher in the vocation of disability and aged care support and was nominated by her peers and students because of her passion for teaching and her ability to create a comprehensive learning environment where her students could gain real world experience in the Aged Care sector.

黑料不打烊 acknowledges Deborah鈥檚 natural ability to display professionalism with a touch of personal experience that not only endeared her to her students but ensured that they were well equipped to enter the field of aged care.

The Paul Mather Memorial Award recognises a student of the Alesco Senior College for their dedication to study and was presented to Joel Gilmour. Joel has spent the past three years completing his high school studies with Alesco. During this time, he overcame significant obstacles. According to his teachers, Joel embodies the Alesco philosophy through his work ethic, dedication and the manner in which he conducts himself within our school and the broader community. After he completes his year 12 exams he hopes to move into a career within the tourism industry with a particular passion for theme park management.

Barrie Wilson was named the winner of the Ray Sandy Memorial Award and is trainer in IT and business. He was nominated by his peers and students because of his commitment to student outcomes which he has demonstrated through providing flexibility and additional support to enable students to seamlessly connect with online teaching platforms. This is supported by his patience and support of students during challenging times.

The Outstanding Tutor of the Year award was awarded to Pauline Bergin who has taught courses in: Medical Administration, Leadership and Management, Business, Foundation Skills, Medication Assistance Skillset and has recently embarked on a new venture teaching the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). She is a passionate teacher who is incredibly supportive of her students and their educational outcomes.

Tayla Peters completed her Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) with 黑料不打烊 in May 2020 and is looking forward to starting her career. As the winner of the 黑料不打烊 Outstanding Student of the Year award, she believes that her 黑料不打烊 training has now given her the skills that complement her lifelong passion for working with people with disabilities and credits her teachers and her fellow students for making learning such a positive step in her life.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients and also nominees for 2020. We look forward to celebrating this event again next year.

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Live Spots was launched in August and is a collaborative initiative of the Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) of Hamilton, Newcastle, Mayfield and Wallsend and will see the establishment of four sites initially that will be used as live performance spaces.

As a community college specialising in the education and training support of the music industry, 黑料不打烊 will work with the BIAs to encourage emerging artists into the project by providing a rehearsal space, music instrument exchange and mentoring for outdoor performance from its Hamilton Creative Arts Space campus.

Ultimately, the Live Spots project will provide the city with dozens of spaces where live performance can occur providing visitor experience and content, business and community infrastructure and opportunity for musicians to grow.

The Live Spots project is a city wide collaboration to create live performance spaces in the four precincts as a tool of community engagement, promotion, activation and placemaking.

Executive Director of 黑料不打烊, Rowan Cox said that 黑料不打烊 was pleased to be involved with a project that would help support local emerging artists as well as give them skills that can help them perform in public.

鈥満诹喜淮蜢� has been working with the Hamilton Business Association for a number of months to map out how the college could add value to the project. We were thrilled to receive funding through contestable Special Business Rate grants with the City of Newcastle to deliver a project that we hope will provide great opportunity for business and the music industry,鈥� Rowan said.

Hamilton Business Association Deputy Chair and Project Lead, Kellie Mann said Live Spots was about developing a platform for collaboration now and for the future. 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� is a logical fit for this project and its long history and track record in education and community support will be of great benefit,鈥� Kellie said.

Live Spots will help facilitate ambient music in business precincts where passing foot traffic can enjoy, this will also generate more customers for the surrounding businesses. Local artists are also being invited into the project to create permanent spots. The spots might be painted or designed to showcase visual interpretations of each place, the history, culture or community.

Interested artists and performers can register their interest by visiting www.livespots.com.au

Find out more: /livespots

Photo: Tim Crakanthorp, Janice Musumeci, Rowan Cox, Warren Pulbrook, Cr Nuatali Nelmes, Joe Relic, Cr Carol Duncan.

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