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Championing sustainability and equality
Before Karen Dickinson became the General Manager of TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast, she started her professional journey as a nurse. It was in this role that she developed a deep sense of care—not just for her patients, but for the communities and environments in which we live.
This early experience shaped Ms Dickinson’s dedication to helping others and deepened her understanding of the importance of sustainability, a commitment that now drives her leadership at TAFE Queensland.
Under her guidance, the Robina campus on the Gold Coast has become a leader in environmental responsibility, earning accolades including prestigious Green Gown Awards Australasia in 2023 and 2024.
“We’re not just educating students for careers; we’re teaching them to care for the world they’ll inherit,” she said.
“Sustainability isn’t an add-on—it’s a responsibility we all share, especially as leaders.”
Ms Dickinson has been instrumental in positioning TAFE Queensland as a leader in green practices, embedding sustainability into the core of the institution’s ethos.
Her leadership at the Robina campus has been key to the introduction of sustainable initiatives, including renewable energy sources, waste reduction programs, and eco-friendly building practices.
The campus itself serves as a living example of how education facilities can integrate environmental stewardship into everyday operations, all while providing students with hands-on experiences in sustainable practices.
Sustainable practices extend to the on-campus outlets venues, such as Green Fields Bar + Restaurant and the Robina Events Centre (REC) that are open to the public.
Green Fields is celebrated for its focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and minimising waste through innovative kitchen practices.
Similarly, REC integrates sustainability into every event it hosts, with eco-friendly catering options, energy-efficient facilities, and a strong commitment to reducing single-use plastics.
These initiatives reflect Ms Dickinson’s dedication to embedding sustainability into all aspects of campus life, creating a real-world learning environment for students while promoting environmental responsibility.
“At TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus, sustainability is a mindset which is shaping the future of young Gold Coasters studying with us,” she said.
But her impact goes beyond environmental efforts, she believes in empowering equality, especially young women in male dominated industries.
“It is important to implement initiatives that actively encourage more women to enter traditional male-dominated fields and to pursue leadership roles to drive change in their communities,” said Ms Dickinson.
“Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the trade industry, and we need to ensure they have the support to thrive,” she said.
Under her leadership, TAFE Queensland has created pathways and opportunities for women to break barriers in fields like construction, automotive, marine and electrical trades.
Ms Dickinson’s leadership and vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and empowered workforce will continue to shape TAFE Queensland long after her tenure.
By fostering a culture of care, Karen has ensured her legacy isn’t just one of innovation, but of lasting change that will ripple through the lives of students, staff, and the Gold Coast community for years to come.