The inaugural Rob Staley Memorial Award
Wodonga TAFE is proud to have introduced the inaugural Rob Staley Memorial Award, a tribute to a teacher whose dedication, integrity, and mentorship shaped generations of carpentry apprentices. Rob Staley was known for his unwavering commitment to his students, his craft, and the values that shape a great tradesperson; reliability, practical skill, perseverance, and genuine character.
Created to recognise apprentices who embody these qualities, the award focuses not on academic ranking, but on the traits Rob championed every day in the workshop.
This year, two apprentices stood out for their consistent effort, strong work ethic, and dedication to learning. The first-ever recipients of the Rob Staley Memorial Award were announced as Ryan Barker (Afonso Building Solutions) and Will Noonan (M. Guest Carpentry), chosen because they exemplify the spirit of the award. Steady, reliable, hardworking, and committed to becoming the best tradespeople they can be.
Each recipient received a certificate of achievement, and their names were engraved onto the newly created Rob Staley Memorial Award Shield, where they will serve as inspiration for future carpentry apprentices for years to come.
A particularly special moment of the evening was the presence of Rob’s family, who joined us to celebrate the beginning of this new tradition. We were especially grateful to Julie, Rob’s wife, who presented the award, an honour that made the moment truly meaningful.
The Rob Staley Memorial Award now stands as an ongoing reminder of Rob’s lasting impact on the carpentry program and the apprentices he inspired. Through this award, his legacy continues to shape the future of the trade he cared so deeply about.
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