Meet our Teachers
Kazi Salah Uddin
Business, management, finance & accounting teacher
What do you teach?
My expertise is in business, management, finance and accounting.
What's your background in the industry?
I have provided financial and accounting support for a number of businesses including the Stamford Grand Hotel (North Ryde) and George Education Group. More recently, I have also successfully run my own business.
How long have you been at Martin College?
I have been teaching at Martin College for nearly six months.
What do you like most about Martin College?
The great thing about Martin College is that it offers a wonderful multicultural environment.
What is your approach to teaching?
I am passionate about creating an engaging and interactive teaching environment for students to share their ideas and knowledge in class.
Joanne Noonan
Business, Marketing & Events Facilitator
How long have you been at Martin College?
I have been a teacher with Martin College for nearly three years.
What's your background in the industry?
I have a Degree in Marketing Management and Business and a Diploma in Graphic Design. I have also been teaching Business and Marketing in the TAFE system for the past seven years. I have worked in the Events and Exhibitions industry for three years and have also been running a Graphic Design business from home for the last five years.
What is your approach to teaching?
I look forward to bringing my current industry knowledge and experience to you through the online and face to face environment in Study Smart and on Campus and hope that you will be able to learn from my skills and dedication to your learning experience.
Conrad Palmer
Business & Finance Management Teacher
How long have you been at Martin College?
Though new to Martin College, I have been teaching Business Management since arriving in Australia six years ago.
What's your background in the industry?
For a number of years I worked in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector culminating in a role as VP Operations with Planet Hollywood's (International Restaurant Chain). This led to me becoming CEO of a small hotel/restaurant group in the UK, which resulted in me establishing my own Bar/Restaurant group of Progress bars, sold subsequently to migrating to Australia.
Aside from teaching, I also work as an Executive Business Coach and I consult to Business Operators looking to create change in their business environment.
My educational qualifications extend from Hospitality to Business and management.
What is your approach to teaching?
I am passionate and dedicated towards educating our students in a fun and focussed environment and love the friendly atmosphere we all share at the Gold Coast Campus.
Ward Simm
IT Facilitator
What's your background in the industry?
I've been involved in IT since 1985. My background is in customer service with a large interest in Information Technology. I began with Apricot computers and Basic and ended in doing a Diploma of Information Technology (PC Network Support).
After completing the diploma, I also studied some business certifications and a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training and started a Bachelor of Information Technology and MSCA which I will finish soon.
What inspired you to start teaching?
I love learning and I am passionate about continuous education and professional development.
What do you teach?
In my role at Martin College, I teach various IT subjects from Microsoft Word applications to more advanced level subjects in Network and Systems Administration such as Linux administration.
What do you like most about Martin College?
I enjoy the environment of Martin College and the variety of students we encourage and teach. It is good to see a student start to comprehend some area of knowledge they were unfamiliar with and see the light come on, especially that they can see a use for the knowledge they are gaining.
Paul Taylor
Business & Finance Management Teacher
What's your background in the industry?
For many years I have run my own successful group of retail shops, a finance brokerage, and more recently, a migration agency. My educational qualifications extend from Small Business, Financial services, Migration and Law to a Bachelor of Commerce.
How long have you been at Martin College?
I have been teaching at Martin College for two years and love sharing my knowledge, skills and business experience with our keen students.
What is your approach to teaching?
I am passionate and dedicated towards educating our students in a fun and focussed environment and love the friendly atmosphere we all share at the Gold Coast Campus.
It is a delight to experience the personal and professional growth our students show during their studies with us and so rewarding to hear of their successes in their chosen careers.
Fredro Harjanto
IT Facilitator
What do you teach?
- Web Server Systems Implementation and Testing
- IT Workplace Skills
- IT Work Environment
- Systems Security
- Workplace Safety
- Project Management
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Web Page Authoring
What's your background in the industry?
I started teaching in higher education sector since January 1995 and in vet sector from February 2011. I have taught at least in 14 different institutions and 3 different countries (Australia, USA and Indonesia) covering a wide range of topics, such as IT, investment, science, sport and management.
I began working as an IT professional since September 1999. I am a senior software engineer as well as a researcher. My research interests are in pattern recognition and machine learning.
How long have you been at Martin College?
I have been working in Martin College since March 2011.
What do you like most about Martin College?
I like teaching materials, IT facility, online resources and supportive colleagues in Martin College.
What is your advice to students?
Study well, work hard and build your network with classmates, teachers and people around you, so you will be successful in your life.
Dr Sas Mihindu
Business Management & IT TeacherWhat's your background in the industry?
My expertise is in Information Technology and Business Management area. Hence, I teach for a variety of relevant programs.
I have been engaged with the industry on a regular basis, held a number of highly active industrial roles, provided strategic and consultative support, and have been involved in facilitating knowledge transfer to resolve business problems.
How long have you been at Martin College?
My initial appointment with Martin College was in 2000. I provided my services as the Head of Information Technology until the last quarter of 2005 where I acquired an employment and research position in the UK. I worked for the European Commission, one of the leading Universities, private educational providers and established a few business ventures in the UK since the end of 2005.
I also completed my PhD in Collaboration Systems attached to one of the European Commission projects. After gaining six years of vivid international experience, I returned to Martin College to continue my work.
What do you like most about Martin College?
There are many things that I like about Martin College. Some major aspects are the cohesive team spirit of staff members, admiration of student achievements, its less bureaucratic nature, supportive work environment and the diversity of student population.
Danielle Millington
Business, Marketing & Events Facilitator
What's your background in the industry?
My educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in business, events and sports management.
I have enjoyed working in the hospitality, conference and events industries for several years, specialising in logistics, staff management, operations, sales and marketing. I have also been running a small business from home for 2 years.
How long have you been at Martin College?
I have been sharing my passion for events, marketing and business with the students of Martin College for two years.
What is your approach to teaching?
My aim is to bring the real world into the classroom and to give my students the opportunity to organise actual events that are both challenging and rewarding.
What do you like most about Martin College?
Martin College, Gold Coast, is a vibrant hub of cultural diversity. It is a wonderful place to study and I look forward to helping you to work toward your career goals.
Caroline Butterworth
Martin College Facilitator
What's your background in the industry?
My qualifications include a Bachelor Degree in Business and TAA Certificate IV.
I have worked extensively in sales and marketing for 20 years as well as 2 years in recruitment.
Working in management roles in both small and multi-national organisations as well as contract work has given me wide experience and knowledge in areas of marketing, sales and business management.
I entered the VET industry as a facilitator 3 years ago at TAFE in the Business Services area teaching Diploma of Management, which I am still facilitating. I also facilitate traineeships for employees in northern NSW and S-E Queensland.
How long have you been at Martin College?
This is my second year of teaching at Martin College.
What is your approach to teaching?
I love teaching and have had great feedback from my students who finish their studies and have received promotions and found rewarding work. I am here to help you succeed through skills, knowledge and support.
What are your interests?
I migrated to Australia 25 years ago from England and have lived in Northern NSW for the last 22 years.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy travel (just got back from a trip to Cuba and Europe), movies (mostly sci-fi), reading (detective novels), playing tennis, horse riding and watching rugby and cricket!
Tamara Al-Kubaisy
Graphic Design Teacher
Tamara has taught graphic design at Martin College for 3 years. Her top tips for students – do your research and be passionate about your study choices.
"Always research the graphic design market, assess areas of interest and the skills required to gain suitable employment."
"I encourage students and tell them – whatever course of study you undertake, with hard work and dedication you will achieve your dreams."
About teaching...
"My approach is always based on creating a positive learning environment. I also try to highlight the things that each student does well, for example participation or achievement in class. I believe that fosters a more positive attitude and give students a sense of independence."
"A teacher should encourage student development for critical thinking, problem solving and skills, rather than just focusing on finishing tasks and grades."
What can Martin College offer students...
"…it offers a friendly, multicultural and supportive environment for everyone. It prepares students for the work place by providing theory and practical skills, which meet industry requirements and build the foundation they need for further studies."
Like all teachers at Martin, Tamara’s background includes industry and teaching experience…
"I have 3 years teaching experience which includes desktop publishing, multimedia, website design and developing resources and materials. I also have 4 years of graphic design industrial experience as well as working freelance in both multimedia and advertising."
Tamara is currently studying a Masters in Digital Media. Her qualifications include: Postgraduate Diploma in education; Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer and Applied Science major - Design studies; Bachelor in fine Art; Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training; Certificate in Website Design and Multimedia.
Anne Skippington
Business Teacher
Anne’s work involves teaching introductory subjects to business students.
Her golden nugget of advice is that "students take responsibility for any business documents that they produce, and that proofreading is an art which they need to develop."
Anne has been with Martin College for 10 years. Her fields of expertise are in office and campus management and customer service. Anne is also a professionally qualified teacher with 25 years experience.
She says "I value the individuality of each student and build on their past experiences to help develop a sense of belonging to Martin College. I can learn from all the students that I meet during the course of my day."
Graham McHugh
Business Teacher
Graham’s professional career includes 30 years in exports and 7 years as a management consultant. He has been with Martin College for 7 years. What he likes most about working at Martin College is the opportunity to teach and to undertake course development.
His approach to teaching...
“I Try to engage the interest of students by anchoring the content to real life situations.”
And some advice from Graham...
“Management and international business are the basis for work in a globalised marketplace”
“Students usually look for a career in international business and while many companies in Queensland are small, there are some major multinational firms located here and there are opportunities in freight forwarding, banks and many students come from countries with export oriented industries.“
Simon Roadie
Business Teacher
Simon might have panicked the first time he stood up in front of a class to teach, until he realised that his 'real life' experience in business gave him the ammunition to successfully teach budding business people.
With over 30 years of professional experience, Simon is able to introduce real life business situations into the subjects he teaches.
In the classroom...
"As it is workplace learning I endeavor to involve learners in simulated workplace situations where applicable, to enhance their employability. I get great feedback from my students. They seem to enjoy my classes and my approach."
"I love communicating and I really like people, which is a big help in a classroom full of individuals with differing needs and cultures. I enjoy my work. It is also a help to be currently involved in marketing and management."
"...a little enthusiasm in the classroom helps learners to both enjoy classes and the subject matter. I treat all students as adult learners and afford them the respect they deserve."
On Martin College...
"This is the best college I have ever worked in. The atmosphere is positively charged. The level of students is predominantly high and their work ethic is good."
Careers advice...
"A career in marketing or management offers much, depending on the specific area. My recruitment experience allows me to advise jobseeking students to create powerful CV’s and personal profiles and market themselves dynamically – not just apply mechanically for jobs online. Communicating personality is vital as well as a pro-active approach to career development. Memberships of professional bodies (AIM/AIM are important too for the industry information as well as networking opportunities. They should embrace new media/tech areas such as social networking as it has transformed industries and methods of communication."
Interesting teaching experience...
"In one of my classes I had a Columbian student whose family runs an agricultural distribution business. My brother in law is managing director of a global agricultural company. Because of that I was able to connect the two."
Jonathan Lavaro
Information Technology Teacher
"I've been involved in the IT training industry since 1998. I have taught in various colleges and institutions in Australia including lecturing at University both for undergraduate and post-graduate students. I also had the privilege of lecturing in China and the experience taught me a lot about people and cultures different to ours.
I love learning and I am passionate about continuous education and professional development. I am currently completing further studies in education and business management.
In my role at Martin College, I teach various IT subjects from Microsoft Word applications to more advanced level subjects in Network and Systems Administration such as Linux administration.
I love dealing with students coming from various different cultural backgrounds. I believe that in choosing to enrol at Martin College, they put their faith in us to deliver quality education - they will get an educational experience that they will cherish forever."
