About us

An Overview

EQUALS was founded over 30 years ago, with the dream of promoting and developing human potential. Today we are an independent tertiary education provider offering nationally recognised and accredited courses to local and international students.

Our diverse students enjoy a holistic approach to adult education and are supported by transformational learning principles within an enriching environment. With a range of courses and microcredentials across areas in Health and Nursing, Human Services, Integrative Health, Aged and Community Services, Mental Health, Disability, Leadership and Management, Early Childhood Education and Care, we deliver high quality learning experiences for our students, who in turn enjoy high rates of graduate employment and further study pathways.

Throughout our history we have been involved in philanthropic projects and initiatives that promote equity, access and human rights within the local and wider community.  As our capacity has grown, so has our ability to meet the needs of a changing world.  We nurture meaningful collaborations with government, industry and the not-for-profit sector and offer flexible and innovative approaches that contribute towards social advancement.

EQUALS’ organisational structure can be viewed here.

Founder's Welcome

The concept of EQUALS was inspired by the beauty of the spiritual principles and writings of the Bahá’í Faith. Today, those spiritual principles are firmly embedded in our DNA.

EQUALS is a values based, mission focussed tertiary education institute that has provided meaningful education for people all over the world for over 30 years. At EQUALS, we offer a different perspective to traditional learning – we are driven by a unique set of values and look to cultivate these within our students.

We believe in the uniqueness and inherent nobility of each student who enters our doors and regard them “as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value.  Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.” (Baháʼu’lláh) We believe all human beings are endowed to fulfill their latent potentialities and at the same time, contribute to the development of society. We give equal emphasis to spiritual and intellectual progress and strive to cultivate and prepare students to maximize their opportunity for professional, personal and community fulfillment.

When you are accepted to study at EQUALS, you will join an institute where the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your life are valued and supported. At the same time, flexible, integrated learning options, industry connections and personalized student support will assist you to achieve your vocational, personal and professional goals.

Our commitment is to ensure that you receive an integrated learning experience that nurtures the highest standards of intellect and spiritual development, in a safe, harmonious, nurturing environment.

The EQUALS community offers a rich tapestry of culturally diverse people working and learning together, in a spirit of unity and fellowship

We look forward to welcoming you to the EQUALS community.

We are here for you.

Blessings,

Katina Jones

Founder & Chair of the Board of Directors

Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value.

Education can, alone cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable humankind to benefit therefrom.

Bahá’u’lláh

Our Vision

EQUALS has a vision of a new world based on universal spiritual principles. A prerequisite to this is the equality of women and men.

The world of humanity has two wings…
one is women, the other men.
Not until both wings are equally
developed can the bird fly.
Abdu’l-Bahá

Our Mission

EQUALS’ mission is to:

  • Empower individuals and organisations to realise their potential and maximise their capacity.
  • Recognise, value and promote gender equality and cultural diversity.
  • Promote education as a means to achieve universal peace and unity.

Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value.
Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.
Baha’u’llah

Spiritual Values & Principles

  • Equality of Women and Men
  • Unity in Diversity
  • Development of Human & Spiritual Potential
  • Service
  • Decision Making through Consultation
  • Ethical Business Practice
  • Promoting Human Rights
  • Social Responsibility
  • Sustainable Growth & Development
  • Values Based Leadership

EQUALS is a registered service provider to the United Nations Procurement Division and a supporter of the UN Global Compact principles, Women’s Empowerment principles Business for Peace. To learn more about the Global Compact and the UN please visit www.un.org.

Registration and Accreditation

EQUALS International (Aust) Pty Ltd (EQUALS, ABN 81 078 991 858, CRICOS 02804C) is an independent dual sector provider offering higher education and vocational education and training qualifications. We operate from our South Australian campus, located in Adelaide’s CBD at 54 and 81 Currie Street, Adelaide SA 5000.

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Leadership Team

The face of EQUALS is rich in diversity and professional expertise. Our accredited and industry experienced people come from a range of professional and cultural backgrounds, all of whom are here for you, our students and clients.

Existing students can locate contact details of our team in EQOnline or by phoning + 61 (8) 8110 1200.

Executive Team

Mariē Chittleborough

Chief Executive Officer

Mariē has over 20 years experience in the independent education and training sector, the last 12 in senior leadership roles. She has developed substantial expertise and skills in human resource management, operations management and in the oversight of organisational risk and compliance requirements.

Prior to returning to Australia in 2011, Mariē held a consultancy role with the Cayman Islands Government, where she was responsible for the design and delivery of education projects for indigenous communities in the British Virgin Islands and Caribbean nations. Mariē has also held roles in the banking and finance sector (Macquarie Bank); local government (South Australia) and in commercial property management (Coles Myer Group).

Jeff Jones

Chief Financial Officer

Jeffrey brings over fifty years of experience in finance and human resources. Having worked across the banking and finance sector, government and private enterprise, Jeffrey’s years of experience bring both wisdom and expertise to the senior leadership team at EQUALS. Responsible for the effective oversight of EQUALS’ financial performance, Jeffrey is focused on supporting EQUALS towards achieving its strategic and operational objectives through sound financial management and oversight.

Vahid Chittleborough

Chief Quality & Risk Officer

Vahid is an accomplished Executive and Non-Executive Director who brings a unique blend of legal expertise and strategic insight. With over two decades of experience as a solicitor and barrister specialising in dispute resolution and corporate litigation, Vahid has a deep understanding of navigating complex regulations and legal frameworks. What distinguishes Vahid is a dedication to fostering innovation and growth, particularly within the education, health, and human services sectors. He is passionate about solving complex problems and building meaningful relationships that drive progress and transformation. Vahid thrives in public speaking and stakeholder engagement, believing strongly in the power of collaboration to effect real change.

Melissa Slattery

Academic Director

Melissa Slattery is the Academic Director at EQUALS International. Melissa is a proud EQUALS graduate, and qualified Critical Care Registered Nurse. Her passion for quality training delivery, diverse industry partnerships and lifelong learning resonate within her role at EQUALS. Melissa is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of South Australia, exploring the qualities, behaviours and attributes required by future Nurse Disciplinary Leads.

Khyati Gajjar

Business Development Manager

Born in Gujarat, India, Khyati’s Australian journey started some fifteen years ago when she and her family migrated to Australia. With a professional background in finance and accounting and a passion for building long term partnerships, Khyati has worked with thousands of students and alumni over her many years with EQUALS, developing expertise in both the international education sector and provision of overseas student support services. Supported by a caring team of Admissions Advisors, Khyati enjoys seeing students achieve their goals with the help of considered course counselling, career pathway planning and pastoral care and empowering our quality network of international education agents to achieve quality outcomes.

Corporate Governance

EQUALS International (Aust) Pty Ltd (EQUALS) is governed by a Board of Directors that includes independent members and a representative of the owners of the Institute. The independence of the Board of Directors provides a mechanism to separate the ownership and governance of the Company from the management of the Institute and to provide independent business, financial and higher education expertise and advice at the highest level of decision-making.

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Academic Governance

In order to provide a framework whereby EQUALS International (Aust) Pty Ltd (EQUALS) is provided with independent academic advice, EQUALS’ Board of Directors delegates the academic governance of the Institute to the Academic Board.

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Careers

EQUALS International, which is part of the EQUALS Group of organisations, is an internationally recognised vocational education provider.  We engage professional educators, academics and facilitators, administrative and support related staff who support and value our philosophy and principles. While our journey began over 30 years ago, it is the opportunities ahead that excite us the most. If you are interested in working with EQUALS, please contact us.

Please check Seek for current vacancies.

P:  + 61 8 8110 1200
E:  careers@equals.edu.au

Working with the United Nations

Valuing the United Nations – Our Commitment to Justice

EQUALS is a registered supplier with the United Nations Procurement Division. ID no. 14797.

Learn more about the Global Compact

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EQUALS Interact

EQUALS Interact is a social and personal development network focused on supporting students, graduates and industry partners.

Industry Partnerships

JFA Purple Orange
(Julia Farr Association)

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