Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

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Wodonga TAFE has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support and raise awareness of those living with a hidden disability that may not be so obvious to the casual observer. In Australia and New Zealand 1 in 5 people are said to have a disability, 80% of these are hidden.

What is a hidden disability?

Hidden disabilities can sometimes be difficult for others to recognise, some examples of disabilities that may not be immediately obvious include autism, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia or learning difficulties.

Students studying at Wodonga TAFE can choose to wear the Sunflower in the form of a lanyard or wristband to discreetly indicate to teachers and staff that they need additional support, help, understanding or even a little more time.

As part of the Wodonga TAFE's involvement with the Hidden Disability Sunflower initiative, all staff are undertaking training to learn how to recognise the Sunflower, gain a deeper understanding of what non-visible disabilities are, and learn how to approach and support colleagues and students that are living with a hidden disability.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

Building Her Future: Maeve Receives 2026 Downer Construction Scholarship

Friday, 6 March 2026

A huge congratulations to Maeve, who has been announced as one of the recipients of the 2026 Downer Building and Construction Scholarship at Wodonga TAFE.

The $6,000 scholarship was available exclusively to female students enrolled in the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management) at Wodonga TAFE, with the aim of supporting women from the Albury/Wodonga region to pursue leadership pathways within the building and construction industry.

For Maeve, the scholarship is both financial support and recognition of her dedication to building a career in the cabinet making/construction industries, areas where increasing female representation remains a key focus for the industry.

“I’m truly honoured to receive the 2026 Downer Building and Construction Scholarship. This support not only reduces the financial pressure of studying, but also highlights the vital and expanding role women play in the building and construction industry.

Through completing my Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management), I am developing the technical knowledge and confidence needed to pursue leadership roles and manage projects in the future. I hope my journey inspires more women in the Albury/Wodonga region to believe in themselves and explore careers in trades and construction.” – Maeve

Applicants were required to submit a written response or short video outlining their career goals, personal strengths and any barriers they had experienced along their journey, along with a resume. The selection process highlighted not only academic commitment, but passion, resilience and a clear vision for the future.

“We are delighted to congratulate Maeve on being awarded the 2026 Downer Building and Construction Scholarship. At Wodonga TAFE, we are committed to creating clear and supported pathways for women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Scholarships like this are vital in removing barriers and recognising not only academic achievement, but determination, resilience and leadership potential. Maeve’s success reflects the positive shift we are seeing, with more women stepping confidently into building and construction and shaping the future of the industry.” Janelle Cretney, Director – Education & Training

Maeve’s achievement reflects the growing number of women stepping into trades roles, challenging traditional industry norms and helping to create more diverse worksites. Through the Certificate IV program, she is developing technical knowledge, leadership capability and practical skills needed to confidently manage projects and teams for her future career.

“Downer has a long‑standing presence in the Albury/Wodonga region, and we’re proud to be deeply embedded in the local community.

Supporting women like Maeve through this scholarship reflects our commitment to creating meaningful local employment pathways and backing the next generation of women in construction. By investing in local women, we’re helping build a stronger, more diverse workforce and delivering lasting benefits for the region.” Georgia Fugler, Design Director at Downer.

At Wodonga TAFE, we are proud to support and celebrate women like Maeve who are shaping the future of building and construction. Scholarships such as this play an important role in removing barriers and ensuring more women can access training, advance their skills and step into leadership positions across the industry.