Headquarters:

17 Comer Street, Burwood, NSW 2134

Year founded:

2010

Number of employees:

Phone:

837 24400

Email:

info@sccc.catholic.edu.au

Website:

sccc.syd.catholic.edu.au

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/company/southern-cross-catholic-vocational-college

“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”

Tammy Prestage

Principal

David Matheson

Assistant Principal

Kahlie Taouk

Leader of Learning and Pedagogy

Leadership

A dynamic and visionary educator, Tammy Prestage brings over 30 years of experience to her role as principal, joining Southern Cross Catholic College in 2023. With a distinguished background in vocational education and pathways innovation, she believes in the power of education to transform lives. Tammy is a relational, future-focused and innovative leader who inspires students and staff to dream big and act boldly, challenging complacency and re-imagining learning. She is committed to developing bespoke programs and opportunities that recognise each learner’s strengths and aspirations, shaping a vibrant and inclusive community where every student can grow, thrive and experience success.

Principal

Tammy Prestage

David Matheson joined the Southern Cross family in 2025 as assistant principal following a broad range of educational leadership experiences. Having led Independent and Systemic Schools across greater Sydney for over 20 years, he brings a diversity of experience in curriculum, wellbeing, operational and faith leadership domains. David holds bachelor’s degrees in arts and teaching as well as master’s degrees in educational leadership and religious education. He is passionate about relational leadership, high expectations and emerging opportunities for young people through technology. His service as an Officer of Cadets for over 25 years with the Australian Army Cadets reflects his commitment to growing the whole person.

Assistant Principal

David Matheson

Appointed leader of learning and pedagogy in 2025, Kahlie Taouk brings over a decade of Catholic educational leadership, marked by data-driven success and strong HSC outcomes. In her role, she models high-impact teaching practices and lives them within the college community, grounded by strong rapport, individualised support and a commitment to nurturing each student’s passions and talents. Kahlie’s work spans curriculum design and professional development, and she is a frequent speaker and writer and a proud Maronite Catholic who embodies servant leadership. Her passion for teaching and learning helps build a culture of growth and excellence across the college.

Leader of Learning and Pedagogy

Kahlie Taouk

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Paul Newman

Leader of Student Wellbeing and Houses

Paul Newman has been at Southern Cross since joining the college in its foundation year of 2010. He has held various roles in the college and is currently the leader of student wellbeing and houses, a position he has held for the last five years. Paul moved into teaching following a previously successful 10-year career in the advertising industry in both Sydney and London. He is passionate about nurturing the wellbeing of young people to assist them in achieving success in their chosen careers and life pathways. He is a believer in media education and the role this plays in contemporary society, enabling his students to become both informed consumers and producers of digital media.

Leader of Student Wellbeing and Houses

Paul Newman

Paul Arundel

Leader of Strategic Improvement and Culture

Paul Arundel joined Southern Cross in 2025, bringing with him 28 years of dedicated service to Catholic education. Beginning as a passionate PDHPE teacher, he has grown into a respected leader whose influence spans across administration, wellbeing and curriculum. Now leading strategic improvement and culture, Paul draws on a wealth of experience, a master’s degree in educational leadership and ongoing study in a master’s of religious education. His calm presence, deep commitment to students and love of learning continue to shape a school culture grounded in faith, growth and authentic community.

Leader of Strategic Improvement and Culture

Paul Arundel

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

Phil Ruxton

Leader of VET and Innovation

Matthew Westwood-Hill

Chief Information Security Officer

Kathy Pallasis

Manager, Human Resources

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Phil Ruxton joined Southern Cross in 2024 as leader of VET and innovation, bringing 26 years of experience in systemic schools across Sydney. His expertise spans curriculum development, student wellbeing and operational leadership. Phil currently serves as the leader of vocational education and training (VET) coordinator, where he promotes industry-aligned learning pathways and practical skill development. Holding a postgraduate certificate in pastoral care leadership, he is committed to relational leadership, fostering high expectations and integrating technology to support emerging opportunities for youth. Ruxton’s work reflects a deep dedication to holistic education and future-focused student growth.

Leader of VET and Innovation

Phil Ruxton

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.

Read on

IB Top Brokerages

Award Winner

Southern Cross Catholic College

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Read on

Award Winner

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Read on

Award Winner

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Medal

Strata cover

Brokers’ Pick

Broker's Pick – Personal Accident and Illness Insurance

Turnaround time – claims

BDM support

Broker communication, training and development

Overall service level

BDM support

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

xxxxxxxxx

XXXXX,Kingswood College

xxxxxxxxx

XXXXX,Kingswood College

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

Southern Cross Catholic College is a coeducational school for Years 10–12. With a culture deeply rooted in its motto – Head, Heart and Hands – the college has forged a unique identity that places students’ passions and future ambitions at the centre of its mission. This student-focused ethos is embedded in college life, particularly through the seamless integration of vocational education and training (VET) alongside the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Its innovative model yields tangible results as students collectively complete: over 26,000 hours of work placement annually with nearly 800 employer partners Apprenticeship and traineeship success, along with the college’s dual-qualification pathway, ensures that students leave qualified and work-ready. The college’s culture is characterised by empowerment, flexibility and a commitment to hands-on learning. Students are encouraged to pursue their interests through a blend of academic excellence and practical application, supported through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. This school enables students to graduate with multiple Certificate II and III qualifications, alongside their HSC. Another distinguishing factor is the innovative approach to curriculum design and delivery. This is underpinned by a blend of traditional educators and trade trainers, ensuring that VET learning is delivered to the highest industry standards. The college’s vision is driven by strategic priorities such as: acceleration of the HSC curriculum, inviting Year 10 students to begin VET HSC courses early and giving them more opportunities in Year 12 to deepen workplace skills and pursue their passion areas a custom-designed Year 10 Financial Success course that explores taxation, superannuation and credit weekly, equipping students with essential financial literacy block delivery of course content, enabling three- to four-hour learning sessions where students can explore concepts in depth and demonstrate their skills access to more than 30 vocational qualifications, supported by industry-level facilities unique to each course setting course packaging, where complementary courses are grouped to build both specialised knowledge and aligned practical skills the Southern Cross Advantage pathway, allowing students to complete two full HSC subjects by the end of Year 11, freeing 40% of their final-year schedule to invest in workplace skills and industry partnerships a non-traditional timetable, giving students flexible learning hours between 7:30 am and 5:10 pm across four days, with the fifth day dedicated to industry employment Looking ahead, Southern Cross Catholic College is committed to expanding its VET offerings, such as the addition of certificate qualifications in fitness, sports coaching, plumbing, barbering and electrotechnology. There is also significant investment in VET areas to maximise industry-level resources, ensuring students always train with the most up-to-date, industry-standard equipment. The college inspires students to be ambitious in their careers, empowering them to transform their achievements into lifelong confidence and success.

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.”

Medal

Recruitment Solutions Software

Benefits

Compensation

Culture

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Innovation

Reputation

Sustainable programs

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.