Headquarters:
21 Bridgman Dr, Reedy Creek, Qld 4227
Year founded:
1982
Number of employees:
400
Phone:
07 5593 4226
Email:
office@hillcrest.qld.edu.au
Website:
hillcrest.qld.edu.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/hillcrest-christian-college
Jeff Davis
Executive Head of College
Joy Geyer
Associate Head of College
Darren Rackemann
Head of College
Leadership
Jeff Davis is the executive head of Hillcrest Christian College, leading with a clear vision for Christ-centred, innovative and future-focused education. With extensive experience in senior leadership across the independent school sector, he is dedicated to fostering a culture where every student is known, valued and supported to thrive. His passion for educational excellence, staff development and community connection continues to strengthen Hillcrest’s reputation as a leading, award-winning college on the Gold Coast.
Executive Head of College
Jeff Davis
Joy Geyer is the associate head of college at Hillcrest Christian College, bringing exceptional leadership grounded in Christ-centred values and a deep commitment to student growth. With extensive experience in curriculum, wellbeing and innovative learning design, she helps drive Hillcrest’s future-focused educational vision. She is dedicated to creating an environment where every student is known, valued and supported in their unique potential. Geyer’s passion for staff development and strong community connections continues to strengthen Hillcrest’s reputation as a leading, award-winning college on the Gold Coast.
Associate Head of College
Joy Geyer
Darren Rackemann serves as head of college at Hillcrest Christian College, bringing extensive expertise in the middle learning years and a strong commitment to student-centred innovation. With a background in leading dynamic Years 5–9 learning environments, he has been instrumental in shaping Hillcrest’s RISE Program, a transformative model that empowers Year 9 students through real-world learning, character development and purposeful challenge. His leadership reflects a passion for nurturing student agency, strengthening wellbeing and creating futures-focused pathways. Rackemann’s vision continues to enhance Hillcrest’s reputation for delivering outstanding, Christ-centred education designed to help every learner flourish.
Head of College
Darren Rackemann
David Gemmell
Head of RISE Program
David Gemmell leads the RISE Program at Hillcrest Christian College, bringing deep expertise in middle years education and a passion for empowering students through meaningful, real-world learning. Under his leadership, the RISE Program has continued to strengthen its focus on character formation, authentic challenge, collaboration and student agency. Gemmell is committed to creating an environment where Year 9 learners grow in confidence, resilience and purpose as they step into their next stage of schooling. His dedication to innovative, Christ-centred education ensures every RISE student is supported to discover and develop their God-given potential.
Head of RISE Program
David Gemmell
Rob Fuller
Head of School (10-12)
Rob Fuller commenced as head of school (Years 10–12) in 2024. He joined Kingswood College from Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, where he was director of curriculum. He is a passionate teacher of politics, history and English and has held roles such as year level coordinator and curriculum leader across the middle and senior years. He is deeply committed to supporting students through their VCE journey and enhancing teacher practice. At Kingswood, Fuller has introduced improved subject selection processes, reimagined the Student Representative Council and strengthened student-centred initiatives that promote resilience, character and meaningful real-world learning experiences.
Head of School (10-12)
Rob Fuller
Tina Flyger
Head of People and Culture
Matthew Westwood-Hill
Chief Information Security Officer
Kathy Pallasis
Manager, Human Resources
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Tina Flyger commenced as head of people and culture in 2024. With over 15 years of human resources experience, she believes people are the cornerstone of any organisation. She takes a collaborative approach, working closely with executives, managers and teams to shape and deliver effective strategy. She is a dynamic, approachable and highly experienced people and culture leader, with a background spanning both schools and industry. Flyger’s expertise is key to nurturing staff and students, strengthening relationships, and fostering a positive, forward-looking culture that supports the continued growth and success of the Kingswood College community.
Head of People and Culture
Tina Flyger
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
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Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
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.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
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
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Spokesperson,
Hillcrest Christian College
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Spokesperson,
Hillcrest Christian College
Hillcrest Christian College combines pastoral care, academic achievement and sector-leading innovation as part of its Christ-centred identity. Staff and students are encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional education within a culture of authentic relationships and shared purpose.
The college has become one of Queensland’s most adaptive schools through its flexible learning model, high-quality onsite and online delivery, and commitment to personalised pathways. This blend helps the school meet the diverse needs of families locally, nationally and internationally.
A significant innovation has been the development and implementation of the RISE Program in Year 9. Based on the importance of this transitional stage in adolescence, the college shifted from a traditional subject-based model to a purpose-designed program, that strengthens student engagement, wellbeing and real-world capability. RISE builds motivation, confidence and connectedness at a crucial developmental moment and equips students with the skills and character foundations needed for senior schooling through:
project-based learning
service experiences
teamwork
leadership development
authentic community partnerships
Other innovations include the school’s Virtual Learning Community (VLC) for Prep to Year 12, an expansion of the Athlete Development Program, and significant campus upgrades such as the finalisation of the Innovation Building.
The college has also put in place an extensive digital learning platform that leverages digital technologies and integrated artificial intelligence from the very beginning of each student’s learning journey.
This innovative trajectory is driven by the executive leadership team that unites strategic vision with practical educational expertise. Under the guidance of the executive head of college and leaders across learning and teaching, student wellbeing, innovation and operations, a collective decision-making process exists.
Additionally, Hillcrest uses a range of metrics to measure the success of their innovations including academic, operational and wellbeing indicators:
engagement and attendance (onsite and virtual)
increased enrolments and pathway expansion
improved staff efficiency and reduced administrative workload
post-school outcomes, including NCAA athlete placements
parent satisfaction and NPS
cost-effectiveness and long-term scalability
Looking ahead, future initiatives will focus on scalable solutions that improve learning outcomes and increase flexibility for families, including the proposed split-shift schooling model and more hybrid learning pathways into senior years.
Hillcrest is deepening its commitment to future-focused Christian education. The college is expanding its virtual learning community, refining personalised pathways, and integrating advanced analytics and AI-assisted learning. New pathways for elite student athletes, including proposed partnerships and facilities such as the Firth Park Sports and Performance Centre at Firth Park, will further extend this impact.
There is also the launch of the Village Yard Christian School – a dynamic, purpose-built environment for collaboration, creativity, wellbeing and outdoor learning – which will provide a tangible symbol of Hillcrest’s vision of creating environments that encourage connection, innovation and a sense of belonging.
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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Overall
Learning is at the heart of the Kingswood experience. The school’s comprehensive Careers Program plays a vital role in supporting students’ personal growth and guiding them through their educational journey and beyond. Kingswood College is committed to developing confident, courageous and resilient individuals who are well-prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world. A rich co-curricular offering including sport, the arts, clubs and innovative experiences encourages students to discover and pursue their passions.
Set on a picturesque 20-acre campus that blends heritage architecture with modern facilities, Kingswood College is a vibrant, rigorous learning environment. Its passionate staff and active alumni community are a testament to the school’s enduring legacy and ongoing commitment to excellence.
