Celebrating Excellence - Highlights from Wodonga TAFE’s Celebration of Achievement Awards 2024

Thursday, 28 November 2024

Celebrating Excellence - Highlights from Wodonga TAFE’s Celebration of Achievement Awards 2024

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, The Hangar was transformed, and Wodonga TAFE came alive with celebration as we hosted our Annual Celebration of Achievement Awards. This inspiring event recognised the outstanding contributions of our students, staff, and industry partners, shining a spotlight on the heart of our mission - empowering individuals and industries through exceptional education and training.

With over 80 nominations this year, the Awards demonstrated the depth of talent, dedication, and innovation within our TAFE community. These achievements are a testament to Wodonga TAFE’s commitment to delivering education that transforms lives, supports workforce development, and strengthens the social fabric of our region.

A WorldSkills medal presentation was also included within the proceedings and a number of our students receiving gold, silver and bronze medals including the WorldSkills Jack Bird Trophy.

The night reflected our culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation, which drives us to meet the dynamic needs of industries and communities. As the #1 ranked TAFE for student and staff satisfaction in Victoria, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.

Congratulations to all those who were nominated, became finalists, and won awards! Your success inspires us and reinforces the incredible impact of vocational education.

As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building opportunities, celebrating achievements, and driving excellence for years to come. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students, the success of our industries, and the strength of our communities.

Wodonga TAFE congratulates the following Award finalists and winners:

Employer Recognition Award:

Bright Brewery
Blacklocks Albury Wodonga

Industry Collaboration Award:

KDEC Electrical and Solar
Mawsons Concrete and Quarries
Uniting

Student Experience Award:

Emma O’Donovan, Environmental Strategic Project Lead – (WINNER)

Uncle Wayne Carroll, Elder in Residence – (FINALIST)

Damien Bell, Blended Learning Developer– (FINALIST)

Trainer of the Year Award:

Kevin McKenzie, DMPT Driver Instructor (WINNER)
Andrew Bensch, Military Driver Trainer (FINALIST)

Madison Hastie, DMPT Driver Instructor (FINALIST)

Teacher of the Year Award:

Tilly Waite, Allied health Assistance Teacher (WINNER)
Morgan Sgro, Automotive Teacher for Defence (FINALIST)

Susan Toohey, Health Teacher (FINALIST)

Zoe Wilde, Hairdressing Teacher (FINALIST)

School-based Apprentice of Trainee of the Year Award:

Jorja Duffy – Certificate III Agriculture (WINNER)
Darcy Cross – Certificate III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (FINALIST)

Eli Beach – Certificate III Agriculture (FINALIST)

Trainee of the Year Award:

Patrick Broughton – Certificate III Arboriculture (WINNER)
Lucy Molnar – Diploma of Early Childhood Education (FINALIST)

Young Achiever of the Year Award:

Madelyn Boyd – Diploma of Interior Design (WINNER)
Theophile Kizungu – Certificate III English as an Additional Language and Certificate II Electrotechnology (FINALIST)

James Wornes – Certificate III Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (FINALIST)

Koorie Student of the Year Award:

Noah Dargin – Diploma of Nursing (WINNER)
Casey Carpenter – Diploma of Community Services (FINALIST)

Jonte Giles – Certificate III Engineering, Mechanical Trade (FINALIST)

Vocational Student of the Year Award:

Timothy Pates – Certificate IV Photography and Digital Imaging (WINNER)

Brittany Burgess – Certificate III Hairdressing (FINALIST)

Danielle Howell – Certificate IV Allied Health Assistance (FINALIST)

Defence Apprentice of the Year Award:

Liam Reynolds – Defence Vehicle Technician Trade (WINNER)
Lawrence Drinkwater – Defence Vehicle Technician Trade (FINALIST)

Katerina Feoktistov – Defence Vehicle Technician Trade (FINALIST)

Apprentice of the Year Award:

Isaac Pronk – Certificate III Hairdressing (WINNER)
Adam Chandler – Certificate III Sports Turf Management (FINALIST)

Kelsey Scholz– Certificate III Engineering – Mechanical Trade (WINNER)

Peter-John Simmonds – Certificate III Baking (FINALIST)

Wodonga TAFE extends heartfelt congratulations to all finalists and winners, whose dedication inspires others to strive for their best. Wodonga TAFE remains committed to supporting regional growth and empowering individuals to succeed in their chosen pathways.