Zoe Rossiter works as Gungahlin College’s Defence School Mentor, though due to her approachability is someone who supports many more students who walk through her door, whatever the cause for their need.
Her office is a safe and welcoming space for young people to privately debrief and find guidance, emotional, and practical supports—things like food packs, transport assistance, vouchers for interview clothing or to purchase essential items. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to provide both social and academic opportunities for all, going above and beyond out of a deep care for her students.
But Zoe has made the most profound impact on the lives of young people with family in the Defence forces. Bringing her lived experience of growing up and still living in a Defence family, Zoe understands the difficulties of relentless change and stress associated with deployments. To empower these young people and enable them to thrive despite the challenges, Zoe provides holistic and tailored supports for Defence students, including a collaborative partnership with Soldier On that offers transition support and career readiness workshops. She also promotes initiatives that assist their families, like networking opportunities for Defence parents.
Part of her work also endeavours to make the school community a more protective space by raising awareness. Zoe regularly fosters understanding and inspires reflection in the wider community about the experiences of those in Defence and their families. This is done through her education around important Defence events like ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and John Monash and is epitomised in the Defence Poppy Mural she commissioned a local Canberra artist to create in the Main Quad.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Zoe has received multiple nominations for various honours, including the Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards (2023, 2024) and the Education Support Staff Award (2024, 2025).
Zoe demonstrates an immense commitment to the wellbeing of young people, one that transforms lives and fosters resilience, confidence, and belonging in the face of challenging circumstances.
