Wodonga TAFE: A Transformative Year of Growth, Innovation and Student Success in 2025

Sunday, 30 November 2025

2025 was a milestone year for Wodonga TAFE, defined by innovation, growth, and an unwavering commitment to student success, community connection, and industry collaboration. Across our campuses and throughout our region, the year was filled with inspiring achievements, new initiatives, and major developments that continue to shape the future of vocational education for our communities.

Celebrating Student Success

Our students were at the heart of this year’s story, achieving remarkable things across a wide range of disciplines:

• Jorja Duffy, who is presenting the Young Achiever of the Year Award this evening, was named a Victorian Training Awards finalist in the School-based Trainee category.

• Wodonga TAFE proudly sent its largest-ever team to the WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships in Brisbane. Five talented students, Zack Corless, Issac Pronk, Hollee Quinlan-Hope, Ryan Still and Elise Knobel, represented their industries, employers and Wodonga TAFE with exceptional professionalism.

• Visual Arts students shone brightly this year. Nash Holden and Summer Le-Lar, both finalists tonight, had their work exhibited in Albury’s AMP Lane, while Ben Byrnes hosted his own exhibition at Gateway Village. Graduate Ruth Schloss was recognised by the Association of Sculptors Victoria for her outstanding work.

• Three students, Isaac Pronk, Chenika Levett and Caitlin Weppner, earned a place in The Border Mail’s “30 Under 30 and Kicking Goals” feature.

Alongside these achievements, our campuses came alive through a vibrant calendar of student events including Welcome Day, Winter Warmers, Spring Get Together and Youth Fest, strengthening our inclusive and connected learning community.

Strengthening Support for Young People

A major milestone this year was the opening of the Wodonga Education First Youth Foyer in May. This transformative initiative, delivered in partnership with Beyond Housing, Junction Support Services, Brotherhood of St Laurence and Wodonga TAFE, provides young people with more than stable, affordable housing.

The Youth Foyer delivers a holistic program designed to break the cycle of youth homelessness by supporting residents to achieve independence, pursue education and build confident, fulfilling futures.

Showcasing Skills and Industry Engagement

Wodonga TAFE marked National Skills Week with hands-on activities, challenges and showcases across our campuses. These events demonstrated our commitment to industry-focused, practical education, giving students opportunities to refine skills and prepare for competitions such as WorldSkills.

In November, the FUSE 2025 Student Exhibition brought together students across business, creative industries, agriculture, horticulture and more. Their creativity and technical capability were on full display in an energetic celebration of hands-on learning and applied skills.

Progress at the Logic Innovation Precinct

Significant construction progress was made on the Logic Innovation Precinct at our Barnawartha North campus. Set to be completed in mid-2026, this state-of-the-art training hub will support advanced manufacturing, transport and logistics, heavy vehicle driver and mechanical training and Defence-aligned programs. The precinct represents a major investment in the future skills needs of our region and beyond.

A New Era: Wodonga TAFE and GOTAFE Amalgamation

In August, Wodonga TAFE and GOTAFE confirmed an agreement to amalgamate into a single legal entity. This decision strengthens vocational education opportunities across the region by delivering:

• Greater equity of access to training for students across a wider geographic area

• Expanded course offerings and more seamless learning pathways

• Stronger industry partnerships that ensure training remains aligned with workforce needs

This strategic step positions the new entity to serve communities more effectively, providing a united and future-focused TAFE presence in North East Victoria and the broader region.

Transforming Our Campuses: Building A Refurbishment

One of the most significant campus projects of 2025 has been the refurbishment of Building A, our main Student Services and Administration building at the McKoy Street campus.

Once completed, this modernised Student Hub will include:

• A welcoming student information centre

• Catering and self-catering facilities

• Learning pods, quiet study zones and collaborative workspaces

• Relocated library services from La Trobe’s David Mann Library

• Flexible spaces for events, showcases and community engagement

This redevelopment is a key part of our long-term commitment to creating vibrant, supportive and future-ready learning environments.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on 2025, it is clear that this has been a year of progress, meaningful partnerships and outstanding achievements. Wodonga TAFE continues to invest in our students, our communities and our region, ensuring that opportunities continue to grow and that education remains a powerful force for transformation.

With exciting developments on the horizon, we look forward to building on this momentum in 2026 and beyond.