Carinity Education Glendyne began in 1998 as a grassroots mentoring initiative for five teenage boys facing significant life challenges.
Classes took place beneath the house on a pineapple farm, with lessons focused on friendship, food, and hands-on activities like farm work and welding.
From these humble beginnings, the program grew into a thriving Special Assistance School - shaped in large part by the leadership of Dale Hansen.
Dale joined Glendyne in 2005, when the education program was still finding its feet. With a background in engineering, vocational training, business and IT, he brought practical expertise and a heart for mentoring. Within months, he stepped into a deputy leadership role and went on to serve as Principal for 14 years.
"We were designing programs and buildings from scratch," Dale said. "There were many challenges, but we had a team willing to roll up their sleeves and figure it out."
Under Dale's guidance, Glendyne transitioned to a co-educational model in 2006 and gained Registered Training Organisation (RTO) status in 2007. By 2013, the school had expanded to include middle years, and in 2014 it was formally recognised under a new framework for Special Assistance Schools.
"The first five years were a steep learning curve," Dale said. "With a lot of faith, teamwork and determination, we built something truly special."
From 2007, Dale and his family lived onsite for seven years, caring for the property and its goats, sheep and cattle. During this time, he continued to grow both the physical infrastructure and the spirit of the school community.
Dale said his Christian faith was central to his work. "God's grace is the power behind everything I do. I was never equipped to do all of it - God brought me into the school, and gave me the courage to keep going."
What motivated Dale each day was seeing the transformation in learners - those who arrived disengaged and left with confidence, purpose and qualifications.
"Not every day is a great day. But what brought me back every year is seeing students change, develop and grow into mature young people with some fantastic goals," he said.
"Graduation day is my favourite day of the year. These are students who gave up on education, who never thought they were going to achieve anything - and they're graduating with QCEs, apprenticeships or pathways to university."
One of Dale's greatest joys has been seeing former students thrive.
"One of the great joys I have is walking around the local community here and seeing students who graduated and are now working. Just having a conversation with them years after they've left and seeing that their lives are still on a path of success - that's a testimony to the program's effectiveness."
Some graduates, now in their 30s, still stay in touch. One recent encounter stood out.
"My son and I went fishing one Sunday afternoon, and there was a man there – one of my former students – with his own son. He's now a father, doing things he never had growing up. Breaking the cycle. That's success. That's why we do what we do."
Dale said Glendyne's impact stems from its clear sense of purpose, God's many blessings, and the strength of its staff.
"We're a team that works hard together, supports one another and sees students as real people, not as failures. We want to walk with them, break down barriers and help them reach their hopes and dreams."
Looking back, Dale said he is proud of what the school has become, and humbled to have played a role in its growth.
After nearly two decades of service, Dale has recently finished up in his role as Principal. While it's a significant change, he feels peace about the decision and gratitude for the journey.
"Whether you've been here two days or 20 years, every person has played a role in what Glendyne has become. It's never just one person - it's the whole team working together that makes the difference."
As he finishes his time at Glendyne, Dale is looking forward to a new season - one filled with rest, family time and spiritual renewal. He leaves confident that the passionate and capable team will continue to see the school flourish.
