In a large regional hub like Albury-Wodonga, you might expect a bit of a cultural melting pot. Still, you probably wouldn’t expect a grassroots language school to be leading the charge in multicultural connection and employment. Yet that’s exactly what Kristie Ivone, founder of Boas Language Academy, is doing.

Kristie has addressed two big issues faced in regional communities, a lack of language education and high unemployment among migrants and refugees, and turned them into a seriously clever solution.

“When you put these two things together, you get Boas! A language school offering English and other languages to adults and children, taught by native speakers who are already living in the community,” Kristie explains.

A lightbulb moment at the Regional Migration Summit

Boas wasn’t born in a boardroom or brainstorm. It started with a jolt of realisation at the 2024 Regional Migration Summit. Kristie, a lifelong champion of multicultural communities, says she was stunned by the statistics she heard at the event.

“I heard some stats that really shocked me about how high the unemployment rate in my region for people born outside Australia was.”

That moment sparked something deeper. Having worked in migration programs, education, and even in Aussie embassies overseas, Kristie knew firsthand just how much experience and knowledge multicultural communities bring to the table.

“This made me reflect. Where do migrants and refugees have a natural skill advantage over Australian-born people? The answer was obvious, as experts in their languages.”

So, she put two and two together, and Boas was born. Boas is a place where people can learn languages from passionate, native-speaking teachers, many of whom are building new lives in regional Australia.

Breaking the “regional = mono-cultural” myth

One of the first hurdles Kristie faced was proving that regional Aussies do want to learn languages.

“Many assume that people living in regional Australia aren’t interested in learning languages, but Boas has shown the opposite is true and how globally connected our region really is.”

Starting small with a couple of pilot classes, she quickly saw the appetite was there, from school kids to grey nomads, and everyone in between.

“Learning languages brings together people from so many walks of life, business owners, farmers, retirees, young people, busy parents; people who otherwise might not have the chance to meet.”

Building a social enterprise with purpose at its core

Boas is a social enterprise. While that’s common lingo in the city, it’s still a bit of a mystery to many in the bush.

“I started Boas as a social enterprise that puts purpose ahead of profit. I find that social enterprise as a concept is not well understood in regional Australia.

But if there’s one thing regional communities do understand, it’s community spirit and getting stuck in to make things happen.”

Kristie says Boas fits naturally into this ethos. It’s just about communicating that story clearly.

Community connections and cultural celebrations

Education is a big part of Boas’ mandate but it’s not the only thing they do. Boas is quietly shaping how multiculturalism is seen in the local community. From language classes to radio appearances, Boas gives migrants and refugees a platform to share their culture and talents.

“I loved recently having our Arabic teacher play the oud on radio, or seeing our French teacher drawing on lived experience to inform state government. Our multicultural communities have a great deal to offer regional Australia. Boas is just one way to showcase this.”

It’s also helping people reconnect with their roots, plan overseas adventures, or get a professional edge in global-facing industries like agriculture and logistics.

“Sometimes people learn languages out of interest, but often it is driven by an international family, connecting with heritage, future travel or getting a professional edge in sectors that have international links.”

Highs, hurdles and a steep learning curve

Kristie’s proudest moments? She says there are many, and they’re not all headline-grabbers. For her, it’s the magic of the everyday.

“I have proud moments all the time. Seeing a teacher hit their stride, or a student master a new learning. It’s a reminder of why it is all worth it!”

Still, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Kristie is the first to admit she came into this with zero business experience.

“I didn’t see myself ever running a business, even a for-purpose enterprise. It has been one of the best challenges and biggest learning curves of my career.”

The payoff? Seeing people grow in confidence, build community, and fall in love with learning. Not bad for a first-timer.

Keeping it real (and regional)

You won’t find Kristie glued to Instagram reels or TikTok trends. Instead, she’s all about traditional connections and community chats. And the tactic is working.

“I don’t do much on social media. I focus on the interactions I have with customers in the community and traditional media, which still have such resonance and relevance in regional Australia.”

For Boas, word of mouth, school newsletters, and radio still carry serious weight. In fact, it’s these personal touches,  not viral campaigns, that have helped Boas grow its loyal following.

“Being in a regional area is all about relationships… It makes me work hard through lots of conversations within the community to connect Boas into the local ecosystem.”

Backing from local legends

Boas might be Kristie’s brainchild, but she’s quick to suggest that plenty of local legends have helped make it happen.
“I live in a region full of legends! One of the biggest supporters of Boas was Regional Development Australia Murray, which saw language as a key part of the region’s development. Their support has been pivotal.”\

From mentors to community partners, the Boas story is woven with local support and a genuine belief in what regional Australia can achieve.

What’s next for Boas?

Kristie’s not slowing down. She’s currently an AMP Foundation Tomorrow Maker and working through a fellowship that’s opening even more doors.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to learn more about social enterprise and let Boas benefit from the insights of many experienced business people.”

With big plans bubbling away, including new programs and deeper community connections, Kristie’s vision for Boas has no limits.

Regional recognition, global impact

She tells Business Builders that being named a Regional Heroes finalist is more than a feather in the cap. For Kristie, it’s a win for every small-town dreamer who wants to make a difference.

“I am so thrilled — and a big thank you to you all for this recognition!”

And she’s right to be chuffed. Boas is proof that world-changing ideas can start in regional towns — and that language, connection, and community are universal.

So, what’s the final word from Kristie for any aspiring changemaker in the bush?

“Approach your business idea with community benefit in mind, build a foundation of strong relationships, value the local way of doing things, and keep an open mind. Regional communities are built on locals doing things for the community’s benefit.”

And if you’re keen to learn a new language, broaden your horizons or meet some absolute legends, Boas might be the perfect place to start.

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