Headquarters:

10 Bosco St, Chadstone, Vic 3148

Year founded:

1957

Number of employees:

160

Phone:

03 9807 2644

Email:

welcome@salesian.vic.edu.au

Website:

salesian.vic.edu.au

LinkedIn:

au.linkedin.com/company/salesian-college-chadstone

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

Mark Ashmore

Principal

Richard Bourbon

Assistant Principal – Students and Engagement

Klara Baka

Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching

Leadership

With 25 years in boys’ education, Mark Ashmore has led Salesian College Chadstone as principal since 2021, bringing energy, authenticity and vision to the role. His leadership spans faith, wellbeing and learning, shaped by both local and international perspectives. Guided by St John Bosco’s teachings, Ashmore champions future-focused, values-led education that fosters purpose, resilience and compassion. Committed to every boy’s academic, social and spiritual growth, he promotes connection, hope and opportunity in a post-COVID world. Ashmore holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (University of Melbourne) and an Executive MBA (Australian Catholic University) and serves as a Council of International Schools (CIS) educator and accreditation team evaluator, member of PAVCSS and President of APSPA (Australian Pacific Salesian Principals Association).

Principal

Mark Ashmore

Bringing international teaching experience and a deep commitment to student wellbeing, Richard Bourbon’s approach blends respect, authenticity and a global perspective, shaped by years teaching diverse classrooms abroad. He values understanding individual differences, fostering connection and promoting social, emotional and academic growth. He believes in high expectations balanced with support, helping students build confidence, resilience and purpose. Bourbon’s focus on listening, engagement and creating safe, inclusive learning environments makes him a cornerstone of the college community. Bourbon is an experienced and relatable leader with an excellent record of leading change and achievement in several Catholic boys’ colleges. He brings a philosophy of reflection and continuous improvement, integrating the aspirations and goals of all in the school community to promote growth and achievement.

Assistant Principal – Students and Engagement

Richard Bourbon

Dedicated to helping every student realise their potential, Klara Baka brings over 20 years of experience in Catholic education and 18 years as an exam assessor for the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. A graduate of the National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (NESLI), Women’s Advanced Leadership Program and a HALT Assessor for the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), she combines deep expertise in curriculum design and mathematics education with genuine care for each learner. Inspired by St John Bosco’s belief in nurturing the whole person, Baka partners with teachers to create engaging, supportive classrooms. Known for instilling confidence and a love of learning, she equips young men to grow into capable, compassionate individuals committed to making a positive difference in the world.

Assistant Principal – Learning and Teaching

Klara Baka

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Rob Mercer

Assistant Principal – Strategy and Organisation

For over 15 years, Rob Mercer has ensured the smooth operation of the college through expert timetabling, systems management and strategic planning. Combining a strong background in IT education, training and project management with a steady, analytical approach, he remains deeply committed to the Salesian values. Renowned for his organisation and approachable manner, Mercer works closely with staff and students to create an environment where learning thrives.

Assistant Principal – Strategy and Organisation

Rob Mercer

Nadia Knight

Assistant Principal – Mission and Staff Culture

Inspired by St John Bosco’s vision and the Salesian tradition, Nadia Knight is passionate about fostering a faith-filled community where young people are known, loved and encouraged to grow as “good Christians and honest citizens.” Guided by Don Bosco’s Preventive System of reason, religion and loving-kindness, she collaborates with students, staff and families to nurture a culture of respect, belonging, joy and dynamism. Knight strives to keep the Salesian spirit alive in all aspects of school life, helping each individual discover their gifts and use them to serve others.

Assistant Principal – Mission and Staff Culture

Nadia Knight

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

Daniel Nguyen

Business Manager

Matthew Westwood-Hill

Chief Information Security Officer

Kathy Pallasis

Manager, Human Resources

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Daniel Nguyen is an experienced finance and operations leader and qualified chartered accountant who has overseen the financial transformation and establishment of a $2.1 billion governance change of Catholic schools. He is skilled in the development of long-term financial plans, financial policies, delegations, reports and budgets and is passionate about complex data analysis and using the latest technology and data visualisation techniques to tell the story and support organisational strategy.

Business Manager

Daniel Nguyen

Matthew Westwood-Hill is a seasoned cyber security leader with over 20 years’ experience in digital forensics, incident response and information security. He has led teams at SBS, CyberCX, and Ernst & Young, managing major incidents and aligning security strategies with business goals. Westwood-Hill is known for his innovative, risk-reducing solutions and clear communication with executives and regulators. He drives awareness, compliance and resilience through training, policy and strategic planning. A frequent speaker and media contributor, he holds advanced qualifications in cyber security and digital forensics and is a recognised expert witness committed to continuous learning and emerging threat readiness.

Chief Information Security Officer

Matthew Westwood-Hill

Kathy Pallasis, manager, human resources at Frontier Software, leads HR strategy and operations from Melbourne. She oversees policy development, employee relations, and internal communications, working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Pallasis is known for her clear, responsive communication and collaborative approach. She manages employee records, supports strategic planning and coordinates workplace logistics. With experience in enterprise software, payroll systems and governance, Pallasis is a trusted resource for internal stakeholders. She holds a humanities degree, is a member of AHRI, and actively contributes to continuous improvement and inclusive workplace practices through policy and operational leadership.

Manager, Human Resources

Kathy Pallasis

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

"Salesian College Chadstone is setting new benchmarks in academic excellence, innovation and pastoral care; from record ATAR results and national child safety recognition to Australia’s first designer-curated school uniform and a vibrant program of sports, arts and leadership opportunities. It’s an exciting time to be a Salesian student."

Mark Ashmore, PRINCIPAL

"From select entry academic enrichment to global partnerships and elite sports, Salesian College Chadstone empowers boys to pursue personal excellence and lifelong learning through pathways designed for every future."

Mark Ashmore, PRINCIPAL

Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Salesian College Chadstone is a secondary boys’ school, inspired by the teachings of Saint John Bosco and defined by its core values: integrity respect belonging joy dynamism These principles create a vibrant, supportive environment where students from diverse backgrounds – 36% from non-English-speaking homes and 35% practicing a faith other than Christianity – are welcomed. The college blends spiritual guidance with practical skills, shaping students into responsible, empathetic individuals, with the Oratory Program as a cornerstone of this formation. It embodies an attitude that encourages boys to discover their unique gifts and grow into “good Christians and honest citizens”, while supporting diverse interests, learning styles, abilities, talents and life circumstances. This is underpinned by a personalised and welcoming approach grounded in integrity, a well-rounded yet specialised boys’ education, diverse teaching methods centred on students and a strong focus on personal excellence and lifelong learning. The school’s welcoming approach centres the individual student in their learning, focusing on each student’s personal excellence and lifelong education. Salesian College Chadstone’s reputation is further strengthened by its inclusive and accessible curriculum: Traditional VCE ATAR Pathway, VCE VM (Vocational Major) and VCE VET (industry-recognised skills that can complement either stream) – ensuring pathways for every student Select Entry Biretta Program – advanced enrichment for academically gifted students, enhancing critical thinking, creativity and autonomy in English and Mathematics Year 9 China Academic Program – immersive cross-cultural experiences with partner schools in China with academic collaboration, traditional arts, music, sports exchanges and cultural excursions to develop global awareness and meaningful connections Sports Academy – opportunities for elite athletic development with St Kilda FC, Melbourne United and Baseball Victoria. Salesian is also the first metropolitan Melbourne school to partner with Liverpool FC International Academy, providing students access to school-based sessions, after-school programs and holiday camps.

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

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Culture

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Innovation

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Sustainable programs

Overall

Under the leadership of Principal Mark Ashmore and the College Board, Salesian College Chadstone fosters a positive, professional and growth-oriented environment. With a focus on continuous improvement, the college has achieved record academic results, rising ATAR scores, stronger attendance and national recognition in child safety, including the 2025 Victorian Protecting Children Award. The college celebrated the outstanding achievement of Year 12 student Thomas Maguire-Nguyen, who was named overall VCE Leader of the Year by the Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Nina Taylor MP. The college has also proudly led the way in innovation through its partnership with Uniform Group and designer Peter Morrissey to launch Australia’s first bespoke, designer-curated school uniform collection, coinciding with the opening of the new Year 7 and 8 Precinct campus in 2026. Salesian College Chadstone’s extra-curricular program develops students’ talents and passions in team environments. Key activities include house sports, debating, peer mentoring, Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) sports across 55 teams, instrumental music and public speaking. The college collaborates with its partner girls schools Sacred Heart Girls' College and Avila College for musical productions, leadership experiences and community events, providing the opportunity for cross-school teamwork and connection, reinforcing the college’s commitment to holistic development, leadership and community engagement. Technology is another priority and underpins the college’s strategy of delivering a contemporary education. Over the last 12 months, the college has introduced a series of initiatives: ICT Future Directions committee – exploring the use of technology for communication, data analysis and learning Risk Wizard – risk management, incident tracking and compliance monitoring software Employee Connect – HR and onboarding software Alumnly – integrated cloud-based Alumni Networking and Management Platform for Alumni of Salesian College Chadstone Vivi – whole school wireless mirroring system for efficient classroom displays Intellischools – data platform for student results, attendance and security, aggregating student data for school improvement IVR (Interactive Voice Response) – system for telephone enquiry management Flexischools – canteen online ordering system which allows queues to move faster, food waste is reduced and ensures all students have access to hot food at lunch time Committed to diversity and inclusion, the college’s Learning Diversity team ensures the varied needs of students are met in an environment where every student can thrive. Salesian College Chadstone is a place where academic excellence, personal growth and community spirit converge, preparing young men for an interconnected world while staying true to its Salesian values.