Gillian Hunter

Year 12 Nickname: Boss Hog
House Group: Cottee
Favourite subjects: Art and History

Gillian (HSC 2008) has recently returned to Coffs Harbour to head up the local office of law firm, Farrar Gesini Dunn of which she is also a Director.

The firm recently extended its offering of top-tier legal services to the Coffs Coast region with the opening of its new office at Suite 2/29-33 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour. Gil is strongly invested in the local community and is here to stay!

I had the pleasure of teaching Gil Ancient History in Years 11 and 12. Self-described as “a firecracker” and easily distracted by her peers, she explained that she ‘came good’ with the help of the likes of Mick Klipin, Sue O’Connor, Sandra James and – of course – me (Barb Kiemski)! Gillian is incredibly grateful for the school and formed special bonds with her teachers and lifelong friendships with her peers.

After finishing her HSC with impressive marks, Gillian persevered through a double degree of Law and Arts at Griffith University. She graduated at a time when warnings of a shortage of legal jobs were resounding across the nation and she worked her way to the top from an (unpaid) internship in Sydney.

Gillian specialises in estates and family law. She brings innovation to her practice and is focused on preserving relations in the resolution of disputes, where possible. She is empathetic but assertive.

As a former member of the Elder Law and Succession Committee for the ACT Law Society, Gil contributed to the development of legislation and education to protect elderly and vulnerable members of the community. She finds satisfaction in harnessing her acute knowledge of the applicable legislation and case law to procure good outcomes for her clients.

As an experienced mentor to budding lawyers, including for the Women’s Lawyers Association, Gillian extends a warm welcome to any BDC students who might be considering a career in law to drop by the office and pick her brain over a coffee.

Gillian’s daughter, Lucy, has recently started her schooling at BDC, entering Kindergarten in early 2025.

- Barb Kiemski

Spotlight on Alumni Students who are now BDC Staff

Kayla Baker attended BDC from Year 6 to Year 12 (2012 to 2018).

Kayla began working at OSHC in 2016. She pursued a a Bachelor of Marine Science and Management. Kayla joined the AISNSW Teaching School Hubs program and was placed at BDC for this program. From 2025 Kayla has accepted a teaching position at BDC.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: I never really left hehehehe and now I work at BDC as a Science teacher!

Zara Baldwin attended BDC from Kindergarten to Year 10 (2006–2016). She moved to Newcastle for Years 11-12. Zara started as a PDHPE teacher and basketball academy administrator/coach in Term 4, 2022. She was lucky enough to a full time job at BDC during her fourth-year university internship. Zara moved back to Coffs Harbour during the Term 3 break and started work right away.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: I’ve always liked BDC since the beginning, but when I started high school, I instantly loved PDHPE and the incredible faculty. Even back then, I knew I wanted to return one day. All through university, my dream job was to be a PDHPE teacher here, so landing the role straight out of university was surreal. We were always told that getting into private schools straight away was tough, so this opportunity meant everything. (It’s still hard to put into words just how much it meant to me).

Coming back has been such a full-circle moment. Walking into classrooms where I once sat as a student, working alongside the teachers who inspired me, and now having the chance to make the same impact on students. It’s incredibly rewarding every day.

Imogen Daymond attended BDC from 2012 (Year 2) through to when she graduated in 2022. She started working at BDC in August of 2024 as a casual teacher’s aide for K-12. This year she has taken on a part-time role in the Secondary LSC while she studies for her teaching degree.

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: At first I was really nervous to come back because I didn't know what to expect being on the "other-side". However, it has been the most amazing opportunity to be able to work alongside the people who taught me all that I know. I found it's really helped me with settling into my role and being able to find my fit in a new work environment. Everyone has been so welcoming and I am learning more everyday. I am fortunate for all the connections that I still have at BDC and being able to find a true sense of belonging here.

Zara Hawkes attended BDC from 1995- 2004. She started working at BDC in 2019 as a casual teacher and has been a Drama/Music classroom teacher since 2024

Describe your experience of returning to BDC as a staff member: It's honestly been such a joy to be welcomed back to BDC, it’s a familiar environment that still feels like home. I'm utterly shocked that it's been 20 years (but somehow Mr Klipin still looks the same) and now I'm teaching my teachers children! It highlights the strength of the evolving community. I've been blessed to watch the college grow from humble beginnings with only 100-200 students attending BDC in 1995.