After fifteen years at the helm of the Kiama Community College, Helen Zwicker has decided to move on from a role she sees as a privilege to have held.

“I know it is time for a change, however sometimes I don’t know why I am leaving,” she says.

“It is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. It has been the best job and a real privilege to make such an impact.

“But it is time for new leadership and energy to take the organisation to its next stage of growth.”

Ms Zwicker explains the importance of social impact is embedded in the College’s growth strategy, “It has never been about growth for growth’s sake, it has been about wanting to be of the very best value we can be for the community.”

Having said that, during her time there the community-owned and managed college has grown fivefold. It now employs 80 people, offers adult education in Kiama and the Nowra, and operates a  small alternative high school, Shoalhaven River College.

While many will know the College as a place for adult learning, whether vocational or recreational, Ms Zwicker says its real role much more than that.

“We work with a very broad range of people experiencing disadvantage – including those with a disability, First Nations community members, those experiencing a mental health condition, long term job seekers, youth at risk – and we really support them to lift themselves up in their lives for greater social and economic inclusion.”

This involves the College working with agencies to design courses to meet specific needs.

“We provide great experiences for people attending mainstream courses, but what we do that is incredibly unique is sensitively and flexibly design something that is exactly what a particular cohort that experiences some sort of disadvantage needs,” says Ms Zwicker.

“You get to see the impact that we make every day.

“That means a lot to the whole team is full of like-minded people, who really love making a positive difference.”

Find out more about the role: Kiama Community College:Chief Executive Officer.