Community Colleges Australia is pleased to announce the Winners for the 2023 Community Education Student of the Year Awards. These awards are sponsored each year by our key funder, the NSW Department of Education. This year for the first time, the ceremony was held at the home of our National Sponsor, Coverforce Insurance at their Barangaroo offices.
Congratulations to the Winners of the Community Education Student of the Year Awards:
Student of The Year 2023: Veniana Tarovia from Western Riverina Community College.
Veniana’s capability and compassion deeply impressed the Awards judging panel. Veniana demonstrated tremendous capacity to overcome adversity, blending work, study as well as significant and complex family primary carer responsobilities. Veniana was nominated by Western Riverina Community College, and CEO David Martin accepted her award on her behalf noting “Veniana is deeply committed to her primary carer work, and responsibilities to self-improvement via her enrolment at our College. Veniana is a positive, optimistic and growth mindset role model for all of us at WRCC and beyond.”
Graeme Elms, nominated by Tamworth Community College, received the Leadership and Mentoring Award. Graeme’s ability to motivate, mentor and guide those in his work in the public safety arena and with youth at risk in community settings is a testament to his commitment and skill.
Madison Sims, nominated by WEA Illawarra. Madison received the Student of the Year Future Leader Award for her capacity to shine and to inspire all of those around her - in both work and life settings.
For the first time in 2023, CCA awarded a Skills for Study & Life Award:
Two Highly Commended awards were given out in this category. Congratulations to:
Louise Kelly from Central Coast Community College, who showcased a transition from a full-time Mum to full-time student while pursuing a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, overcoming barriers in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills while supporting classmates with humour and help.
Erin Webb from Community College Northern Inland who undertook a Certificate II in Workplace Skills, transforming her own life trajectory while demonstrating leadership and generosity. Erin now volunteers at a youth centre and is planning to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry or Microbiology.
Winners were announced by David Collins PSM, Executive Director at Training Services NSW, NSW Department of Education. CCA would like to congratulate all the finalists for the award who demonstrated high level achievement across their work and study lives.
