Northern Beaches Mayor and ICMS President Connect on Ways to Support Northern Beaches Community

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins recently visited the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) to meet with ICMS President and Managing Director Rowan Courtney-O’Connor. 

The meeting marked an exciting milestone for ICMS as they discussed the launch of the college’s new Master and Bachelor of Information Technology degrees and what these courses mean for the Northern Beaches community.  

These programs are designed to not only equip students with in-demand IT skills, but also strengthen the connection between education and community growth. 

Growing Domestic Students, Growing the Community

The Information Technology degrees are an importantpiece of ICMS’s long-term strategic vision to become a university college on the Northern Beaches.  

The decision to offer these programs in Manly is a clear demonstration of the college’s commitment to investing in the region. 

“Many of our students are domestic so we’re not just launching courses; we’re investing in the future of our community,” Courtney-O’Connor said. “These degrees will equip students with skills that meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.” 

The degrees, which also include specialisations in Cyber Security and Big Data and Analytics, aim to build a robust pool of local IT talent, in turn helping local businesses adapt in an increasingly digital world. 

The Economic Ripple Effect

Education is a powerful driver of economic growth. 

ICMS achieves a remarkable 96% graduate employability rate (as of November 2024), demonstrating the college’s commitment to producing capable and industry-ready professionals. 

ICMS alumni play a key role in stimulating the local economy.  

Graduates have gone on to launch thriving local businesses such as Ask Marketing, Budgy Smuggler, Black and White Waiters, Fish Face, Kontrak Social, Motti & Smith, and 210 Specialty Coffee.  

These ventures not only create jobs but also drive innovation and vitality in the area. 

Investing in Student Wellness

ICMS also understands the importance of supporting its students beyond the classroom.  

Initiatives like StudyTok address the growing issue of study stress among young people, providing valuable tools to enhance student wellness.  

By focusing on mental health and wellbeing, ICMS ensures its students thrive both academically and personally. 

This approach aligns with the Northern Beaches Council’s focus on wellness as a key part of building a healthy, strong community.  

A Legacy of Giving Back

The meeting between Mayor Heins and Courtney-O’Connor also highlighted ICMS’s long-standing dedication to community outreach.  

Over the years, the college has built numerous partnerships to support initiatives that uplift the Northern Beaches community. 

These include collaborations with Brookvale Art District, Bear Cottage, the Cancer Council, Clean Ocean, and Country Education Foundation (CEF), among others.  

ICMS has also had a longstanding partnership with Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, helping to keep the beaches safe for locals and visitors. 

The college’s relationship with local groups like the Manly Business Chamber and the Northern Beaches Business and Industry Stakeholder Committee reflects its strong commitment to civic leadership through active engagement and meaningful collaborations. 

Education Rooted in the Northern Beaches

It’s clear that ICMS is more than just an educational institution – it’s a community-driven force for positive change.  

The conversation between Mayor Heins and Rowan Courtney-O’Connor highlighted shared goals of building a thriving Northern Beaches community, where education, business, and civic programs seamlessly work together to drive progress.  

“It’s about improving lives, developing strong connections with our community, and building a better future for everyone,” said Courtney-O’Connor. 

With its iconic ‘castle on the hill‘ campus overlooking the Northern Beaches, ICMS is deeply rooted in the community, offering innovative degrees that empower students while supporting growth and contributing to the community.