Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
Carla Pantano, the remarkable foundation senior schooling deputy principal, has been a driving force behind the extraordinary journey of Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC). Joining BPSSC in 2019 when the foundation students were in Year 9, she took the helm in crafting the senior phase of learning. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering an environment of growth for students and bolstering the teaching staff.
Pantano’s influence reaches far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on teachers, students and their families. She is a compassionate and effective communicator, always striving to build strong bonds with her students. Her unwavering commitment to each student’s development aligns perfectly with the college’s high expectations and “no excuses” mantra.
In 2022, BPSSC celebrated the graduation of its inaugural Year 12 students. Pantano’s mission was to provide every student, irrespective of their background, with a clear, tailored path towards their future aspirations. The results were beyond remarkable, surpassing community expectations and outperforming similar schools.
Pantano is the heartbeat of Bellbird Park State Secondary College, an asset whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the community’s success and growth.
2 Alesana Dr, Bellbird Park, QLD 4300
07 3819 7222
cpant11@eq.edu.au
linkedin.com/in/carla-pantano-4b292318b
bellbirdparkssc.eq.edu.au
Carla Pantano
Deputy Principal, Senior Schooling
Bellbird Park State Secondary College
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2008–2010
2011–2012
2013–2018
2018–2022
Present
Year Coordinator – Teacher and Year Coordinator at Bundaberg State High School
2008–
2010
Year Coordinator at Beenleigh State High School
2011–
2012
Head of Department, Senior Schooling at Beaudesert State High School
2013–
2018
2018–2019: Deputy Principal, Senior Schooling at Stretton State College
2022: Australian Education Awards Finalist – Australian Secondary School of the Year
2018–
2022
Deputy Principal, Senior Schooling at Bellbird Park State Secondary College since 2019
The Educator’s Hot List 2023
QCT Teach X Awards Shortlist 2023
Ipswich Business Awards finalist for Education, Training and Skilling – Senior Pathways 2023
Australian Education Awards Finalist – Best First Nations Program 2023
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”
2019–2021