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We believe there are no boundries

Just possibilities.

About us

Who we are

ACE is a community college redefining careers, changing outlooks and empowering positive futures.

Our missions is to help you get to where you want to go – it’s your success we care about.

We work on this every day, designing and delivering nationally recognised qualifications and skill set courses in areas of high industry demand which are pathways to employment and career advancement. Along the way ACE has developed strong industry networks and partnerships in our signature specialisations of early childhood education and care, community care, business administration and life skills.

We invest in building community resilience and social capacity.

Through a truly unique range of short courses and workshops, from the artistic and creative to the practical and informative.

Award winning outreach programmes popping up in townships & Indigenous communities across country NSW are an important component of our annual program & underscore our commitment to regional resilience.

Changing lives
since 1977

ACE Community Colleges, established in 1977, is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 90032) with services delivered in an ever expanding footprint across the Northern Rivers NSW and Southeast QLD.

Our colleges are located in Lismore, Murwillumbah, Burleigh Waters and coomera.

“At our core we believe in the life changing significance of choice, that everyone can achieve, that we each learn differently; and that there are many powerful alternative pathways to career development. Your success is what we care about.“

Kerry Johnson

PRINCIPAL

Our Team

Endlessly positive and intensely energetic the ACE team of professional trainers, community board, executive group and customer care crew share a belief in the power of you and your life resolutions. Can’t wait to say hello!

Our Trainers
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Our Management Team
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Our Board
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Allan Ellis

DIRECTOR
LISMORE

Being a Director on the College Board is a way I have been able to contribute to the ongoing development and sustainability of adult education provision in this region. ACE Community Colleges, like many other adult education providers, is a Not for Profit organisation and relies on the voluntary input of appropriately skilled community members for high level oversight and strategic direction. With Colleges often relying on income from fee paying vocational education and training programs to help support their general class programs the need for sound management is vital.

Allan Ellis

Allan Ellis

DIRECTOR
LISMORE

Andrew Tucker

DIRECTOR
LISMORE

Andrew has extensive experience in senior leadership roles across a range of corporate and community sectors. Born and raised in the Northern Rivers, he feels strongly about contributing back to the local community in which he lives, holding positions in various boards and committees including NSW Business Chamber, Northern Rivers Co-operatives Alliance, Lismore City Council, Northern Rivers Golf Club + more. “These experiences have enriched my understanding of the local region and how to serve the diverse needs of individuals within it.”

Andrew Tucker

Andrew Tucker

DIRECTOR
LISMORE

Ann Dwyer

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Ann comes to ACE with 10+ years experience working as a support worker in community settings and in facilities throughout the Gold Coast. She believes that people are born to transform, achieving the very best through sharing knowledge and skills in training. Passionate about making a positive change in the next generation of support workers, her goal is to assist individuals to become the best they can be in the field.

Ann Dwyer

Ann Dwyer

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Ashley Iliffe

EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Ashley is committed to bringing her knowledge to the industry, and helping guide students to be the best they can possibly be. She has 12+ years experience in the sector, with credentials in ECEC & Training & Assessment. “Ultimately, I would like to create a fun, creative & supportive learning environment for my students in their important goal to nurture the future of our children.”

Ashley Iliffe

Ashley Iliffe

EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Cassandra Pattinson

FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
LISMORE

Cass assists ACE students learn road rules in a fun, interactive way with activities, class discussions and plenty of online practice to build confidence and capabilities. She has a brilliant teaching style and says “knowing the rules and why they apply makes our students safer drivers and really helps when we meet at the local Transport for NSW Office (TfNSW) to attempt the TfNSW Driver Knowledge Test”.

Cassandra Pattinson

Cassandra Pattinson

FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
LISMORE

Cheryl Amor

DIRECTOR
LISMORE

A passionate advocate for life-long learning, that’s me. A teacher in fashion for over 35 years at TAFE and involved in the delivering of accredited and non-accredited training over this period across our region and on Norfolk Island. Volunteering is my other love, I’m a keen supporter of Lismore Basketball and have been on the Management Committee there since 1985.

Cheryl Amor

Cheryl Amor

DIRECTOR
LISMORE

Denise Blizzard

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

I am passionate about lifting the bar of education in aged care and disability which will result in excellent care of our most vulnerable citizens. Over 15 years in the industry I have seen changes in legislation and workplace policies which have greatly improved the space. I am committed to implement these changes and give our students a fantastic experience in the classroom which will make them stand out as dedicated and well-trained health care workers.

Denise Blizzard

Denise Blizzard

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Erin Hutchinson

OPERATIONS MANAGER
LISMORE

After working in public practice as a company auditor for 6 years, plus time spent in Western Sydney with a major Construction company in finance and human resource management, Erin came to ACE Community Colleges for a change of pace and enter the Not for Profit sector. She says the job is so rewarding. “Every-day I get to support the development and growth of the ACE business which empowers so many people to reach their full potential through education. I love using my numbers for good”. When Erin is not crunching the numbers, you can find her at the training studio crunching her abs, trying to keep her physical condition as sharp as her finance mind! When she gets the opportunity, she also loves to explore new countries and the culture, food and experiences they have to offer.

Erin Hutchinson

Erin Hutchinson

OPERATIONS MANAGER
LISMORE

Gina Szabo

FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

The brilliant Gina comes to ACE with a background in hospitality, HR and counselling. She has worked with culturally diverse students for a number of years, specialising in RTO resource development, training and support. Gina is known for providing genuine guidance and empathy, to help students navigate unique circumstances and achieve their goals. She is currently completing credentials in community services with a keen interest in mental health and human behaviour.

Gina Szabo

Gina Szabo

FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Heidi Webb

EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINER
MURWILLUMBAH

With over 30 years of experience in the early childhood field, Heidi brings deep knowledge, compassion, and leadership to her role. She spent over 16 years as a Centre Director and has worked across a range of services including Family Day Care, Out of School Hours Care, and mobile occasional care. Heidi’s passion lies in empowering students with hands-on training. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for children with ASD and specialises in supporting trauma-impacted children and families.

Heidi Webb

Heidi Webb

EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINER
MURWILLUMBAH

Jane Wiltshire

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
LISMORE

Jane is a dedicated professional currently working in the disability sector alongside ACE, specialising in complex care for individuals of all ages. She is passionate about empowering others through education. Her areas of interest include autism awareness, functional and executive function training, and psychological positive behaviour supports. By upskilling students, Jane aims to foster an inclusive and supportive community.

Jane Wiltshire

Jane Wiltshire

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
LISMORE

Joanne Heighs

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
MURWILLUMBAH

Joanne brings 30+ years of experience to her role at our Murwillumbah location. Having spent time working as a Teacher Aide Special, Auslan Educational Interpreter, Support Worker and NDIS Support Coordinator, care and communication are her biggest passions. Outside of ACE, she continues to work as a Support Worker and believes Disability Care is a place of heart and soul. “It is a Human Service that I am so proud to be a part of”.

Joanne Heighs

Joanne Heighs

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
MURWILLUMBAH

Josh Livermore

COLLEGE MANAGER
MURWILLUMBAH

After spending time in Productions Management, Manufacturing and Customer Service, Josh settled on a brilliant career in the not-for-profit RTO industry. More than nine years later, he is still absolutely loving it. As a true people-person his biggest motivation is to help people succeed and achieve their biggest goals – whether it be staff, students or strangers. A caring and proactive leader, Josh has an open-door policy in his office. He may even introduce you to his bobble head lookalike and don’t worry, the Dad Jokes are free! Josh is a huge lover of Formula One, stand-up comedy, his family & friends and of course his dog Enzo. On weekends you can find him contemplating the gym but more likely working on restoring Floyd – his 1963 Mini.

Josh Livermore

Josh Livermore

COLLEGE MANAGER
MURWILLUMBAH

Julene Muir

EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINING COORDINATOR
BURLEIGH WATERS

As a former ECEC centre manager on the Gold Coast, Julene has 30+ years’ experience under her belt. Training with ACE is an opportunity to share her abundant knowledge and skills. “Watching the students in my class gain employment in early childhood who I know will have a positive impact on the lives of young children is the greatest reward.”

Julene Muir

Julene Muir

EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAINING COORDINATOR
BURLEIGH WATERS

Justine Lennon

BUSINESS, FOUNDATION SKILLS & RSA TRAINER
MURWILLUMBAH

Justine has over 10 years’ experience within the VET sector which has involved delivery and assessment and designing assessment tools/training programs to suit student needs. She is passionate about providing a safe and supportive training environment for all learners with a professional approach to ensure the educational and training journey is both worthwhile and valuable.

Justine Lennon

Justine Lennon

BUSINESS, FOUNDATION SKILLS & RSA TRAINER
MURWILLUMBAH

Keli Lenfield

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Keli comes to ACE as a trainer and assessor with over 30 years’ experience. She is a current support worker in community (aged care and disability) with experience in student placement, manual handling and first aid. Keli is a passionate teacher who believes everyone has something to contribute and goes above and beyond to make sure each individual student succeeds and finds their true path.

Keli Lenfield

Keli Lenfield

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Kerry Johnson

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LISMORE

A career in primary school teaching went on-hold to follow a big sporting dream. Kerry represented Australia at two Olympic Games in track and field and loved every second of it. Life after sport saw her reconnect with education, whilst deciding not to return to the classroom every job since has had an education component. Kerry says “education can change your world and I have lived that through each of my jobs and I’ve seen it through my years of travelling.” Working for ACE is her best ever job – She gets to be part of life changing moments for students who perhaps haven’t had good experiences with education in their early years but overcome their fears to take on studying for a qualification. Kerry has recently developed what is best described as a healthy devotion to mosaics and photography – you’ll see her at ACE short courses.

Kerry Johnson

Kerry Johnson

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LISMORE

Liliana E. Correa

FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
LISMORE

Liliana brings a passion for literacy, languages, and the arts, with qualifications in Adult Education and Cultural Studies. She has worked extensively with communities from culturally diverse backgrounds (CALD) and refugee communities. Her delivery style is participatory and from a strength-based approach, with a strong belief in the power of education and creativity as an essential tool to facilitate learning. Working at ACE offers her a fresh opportunity to continue her work in education with peers who share the same values.

Liliana E. Correa

Liliana E. Correa

FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
LISMORE

Maria Vedis

BUSINESS TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Maria is a Business and Corporate professional spanning over 13 years of experience, with a focus on business support, marketing, HR and training. Maria is well known for her dynamic, motivating and energetic style of communicating. Maria has experience working with a wide variety of topics and people and is passionate about assisting them to tap into their own potential to achieve their very best in life. In her spare time, she loves exercising, reading lots of self-development and motivational books, and boating.

Maria Vedis

Maria Vedis

BUSINESS TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Mel Duck

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINING COORDINATOR
BURLEIGH WATERS

Mel is committed to providing overall wellbeing to others out in the field and is passionate about teaching her students to value individual strengths. As a previous employee of over a decade in the leisure and health sector, Mel is highly regarded for her holistic approach. “Working in community care is so rewarding, just knowing you are giving back to the community. We need more of that.”

Mel Duck

Mel Duck

COMMUNITY CARE TRAINING COORDINATOR
BURLEIGH WATERS

Natalie Hannah

COLLEGE MANAGER
LISMORE

Natalie has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the education sector, beginning her career in primary education and finding her passion in adult education. She has worked with ACE Colleges as a trainer, an administrator, as our Community Programs Manager, and is now taking her incredible, diverse skillset to be our amazing Lismore Campus Manager. Her number one goal is to help others discover their potential, wherever they may be in their learning journey. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student have their ‘Aha moment’ when it all starts to come together. I believe in the power of a strong foundation, so students have access to Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills trainers to support their learning”. Having lived in the Northern Rivers for nearly 30 years Natalie is a strong advocate for addressing community based educational needs, supporting locals to meet their potential every day.

Natalie Hannah

Natalie Hannah

COLLEGE MANAGER
LISMORE

Neil Cadlow

COLLEGE MANAGER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Burleigh’s new resident foodie comes to ACE with 27 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. Neil made the switch to the RTO sector just under a decade ago, searching for a better work/life balance while still mentoring future chefs. He began as a commercial cookery trainer before moving onto management roles and is now looking forward to a new chapter with ACE. Training has always been a passion, whether it be personal development, training apprentices in his kitchens or in college setting. “What excites me is delivering quality training to students, but more importantly the joy of them receiving a certificate after putting in the hard yards”. A proud Gold Coast resident for 18 years, Neil is thrilled to support the growth of the Burleigh campus and encourage the community to change their world one step at a time.

Neil Cadlow

Neil Cadlow

COLLEGE MANAGER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Prue Howard

LIFE SKILLS TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Prue’s approach focuses on maximising achievement, from the inside out. Her training is innovative, supporting students to move forward with fresh perspective. “External success is a direct reflection of our internal state of being and skills. Armed with the right internal tools, we can achieve anything”.

Prue Howard

Prue Howard

LIFE SKILLS TRAINER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Robyn Keenan

NATIONAL RTO MANAGER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Robyn is a proud advocate of the power of quality education and the life changing opportunities it provides. As our National RTO Manager she is responsible for scheduling and implementation of training programs, business development initiatives, RTO regulatory compliance and funding contract requirements. Prior to joining ACE Robyn worked in Vocational Education and Training for more than 15 years. She gained a Post Graduate Degree in Business from Melbourne University and holds a Diploma in Vocational Education and Training. When not working you can find Robyn in the shed restoring furniture, sofa so good! You guessed it she also likes a little fun.

Robyn Keenan

Robyn Keenan

NATIONAL RTO MANAGER
BURLEIGH WATERS

Vickie Terry

LEARNER DRIVER & FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
LISMORE

Vickie has worked in various sectors (foundation skills, training design/development & VET) where consultation, training and client support has been the connective factor. “I enjoy helping others achieve their goals, developing personal growth and career opportunity. I enjoy being a team member within the Driver Education Program. I love my work and enjoy seeing others celebrate their achievements.”

Vickie Terry

Vickie Terry

LEARNER DRIVER & FOUNDATION SKILLS TRAINER
LISMORE

You’re in good hands

Training delivered by ACE Community Colleges meets the requirements set by the Australian National Regulator; Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF); the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training.

We are thrilled to be active members and partners in regional, state and national organisations who work collaboratively to advance the continued availability of quality vocational education and training across the nation.

Read more about us

Looking for space to hire?

Our training centres are new, bright and have a brilliant contemporary vibe. You can hire one or more specialist spaces all centrally located, in sought after spots – make you next workshop, meeting or seminar count for more.

Get in touch
Find us

ACE Community Colleges campus near you

Coomera, QLD

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Burleigh Waters, QLD

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Murwillumbah, NSW

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Lismore, NSW

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See all our locations
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