Community Education Student of the Year Awards 2023
Community Colleges Australia is pleased to announce the finalists and winners for the Community Education Student of the Year Awards 2023.
Student of the Year 2023
Veniana Tarovia, nominated by Western Riverina Community College
Veniana studied Certificate III in Individual Support – Aged Care Specialisation and is currently undertaking the Disability skillset. She moved to Australia in 2013 and focused on raising her four daughters before moving into paid work. Veniana always had the desire to do more with her life and began to look for a study opportunity she could do outside of her working hours and chose the community college because previous students had told her it had small class groups, good student support and an onsite trainer. Veniana was dedicated to her studies and exhibited outstanding aptitude, time management and punctuality. She valued her learning community and the opportunity she was provided with. Despite many personal challenges, she completed her Certificate Ill in under a year. She displayed exemplary determination and fortitude to overcome financial, family and personal health obstacles. Vaniana obtained a new job as a Disability Support Worker and continues to work night shifts at pioneers Lodge Aged Care. The level of resident care she demonstrates in her work has been described as examplary. She remains a core part of her Fijian Griffith community, constantly serving others when she is not working at one of her two jobs or taking care of her immediate and extended family.
Future Leader Award
Madison Sims, nominated by WEA Illawarra
Madison studied as an existing worker traineee completing the Certificate II in Retail. Her journey to working in retail began when she independently enquired about the possibility of work experience with The Starfish Store in Shellharbour City, an educational, sensory and specialised retail store. Madi enrolled in the retail course with WEA Illawarra and although it wasn’t easy, she systematically and persistently worked through her modules with dedication. She worked closely with her trainer to incorporate all her skills and knowledge from her workplace into her course assignments. Completing her studies was a significant achievement, and it has helped her further develop skills and add a whole new level of customer care to her role, including Facebook live sessions. She gained the confidence to be nominated as Illawarra Women In Business 2023 - Most Outstanding Employee, which she won. Madi was recently invited to speak at the UOW Neurodivergence 2023 Conference Dinner, is considering taking on another certificate of study with WEA and is now working towards independent living.
Leadership and Mentoring Award
Graeme Elms, nominated by Tamworth Community College
Graeme studied a Diploma of Vocational Education and Training and a Diploma of Training Design and Development. He quickly grasped the theoretical aspects of his courses and applied the knowledge in his job, including being part of the development of the Certificate III in Public Safety (Emergency Communications Centre Operations) for the NSW Police Force. Graeme has excellent leadership skills, which he demonstrates with flair across work and community settings. He inspires and mentors others and actively advocates for the value of VET training. He contributes to the community through his involvement in the Gravesend Progress Association, First Nations children’s programs in Moree and by facilitating programs for disengaged youth. Recently, Graeme was honoured with the Vocational Student of the Year Award at the 2023 NSW Training Awards for the New England Region. He has a 33-year career with the NSW Police and has recently become a Trainer and Assessor at Tamworth Community College.
Finalist, Skills for Study and Life Award - Highly Commended
Louise Kelly, nominated by Central Coast Community College
Louise studied a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. Louise navigated a large transition from being a full-time Mum to studying full-time. While it was challenging at times, it also provided for the development of her time management skills and learning to maintain a good work, life, and study balance. Louise encountered barriers with literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, so she also undertook studying of other practical and personal skills, including computers. This enabled her to practice her skills through theory-based tasks and assessments. Louise often went out of her way to help other students and always attended each class with an infectious positivity and excitement. Her growing confidence and passion for her work and study has also allowed Louise to have increased involvement with the community, such as fundraising for cancer. She has become an ambassador for the College and for vocational education and training, encouraging others to pursue a vocational course and achieve their personal or career goals.
Finalist, Skills for Study and Life Award - Highly Commended
Erin Webb, nominated by Community College Northern Inland
Erin studied Certificate II in Workplace Skills. The course is aimed at preparing students for a career through development of soft skills required for a variety of entry- level Business Services job roles. Erin has improved her core skills for life and work, and advanced her digital skills. With the team activities and group discussion, Erin often led her peers in the activities and troubleshooting. Erin has been generous with her assistance to others in her class and began volunteering at ICYouth Centre to encourage member participation and to help out in the kitchen. Completing her certificate at CCNI has rekindled her passion for study. Erin has already enrolled in a New England University Pathway enabling course, and in 2024 plans to enrol in a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biochemistry or Microbiology.
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Elan Bacas, nominated by Bankstown Community College
Elan studied Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and is now in the process of completing the Diploma course in Early Education. He is an accomplished international student and highly experienced educator with more than 17 years of teaching expertise. Throughout his studies, Elan consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment, achieving outstanding academic results, illustrating his deep understanding of the subjects. He embraced the challenges that come with studying in a foreign country and navigating a different cultural and educational system and has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. He has taken leadership roles in student organizations, participated in community service initiatives, and promoted cultural exchange. Elan supports his fellow students through mentoring roles and has contributed to the supportive and collaborative learning environment at Bankstown Community College.
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Lachlan Beukers, nominated by Central Coast Community College
Lachlan is completing a Certificate III Engineering - Mechanical Trade with the Central Coast Community College Rutherford Campus as part of an apprenticeship with HVTC. He also participated in their Work Readiness Program – a trade skills programs designed for first year apprentices. Lachlan produced two outstanding projects as part of this program; a piston pump and vice, and received the Leadership Award, acknowledging his consistent efforts in working with his peers providing assistance, support, and guidance. Lachlan’s trade and leadership skills are evident in his initiative and ability to design and re-design functional tools for increased efficacy. He is also a fantastic safety ambassador and sets a great example, always challenging potentially unsafe practices and adhering to safety procedures. Lachlan secured his apprenticeship role due to his dedication and work ethic, and has proven he is an effective worker and an asset to his host employer. Lachlan is a standout student with a great work ethic as well as communication and leadership qualities.
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Holly Lee Boniface, nominated by TLK Community College
Holly studied Certificate III in Business at TLK Community College and is in the process of completing Certificate III in School Based Education Support, which will include a work placement at TLK Youth College. Holly is a proud TLK Youth College graduate who completed her studies at TLK Community College whilst also a carering for her grandmother and her 15-year-old sister. Despite personal challenges, Holly was always diligent in her studies and completed her assessment tasks to a high standard. As a 19-year-old, she was a role model for other students and her trainers were impressed by her capacity, attitude and attention to detail, including her effective oral communication, written communication, self-reliance skills and resilience. Holly has a strong understanding of the value of learning and training – all of which she is applying and integrating into her current studies. She is a true example of student triumph, a polite and respectful student who has overcome personal challenges over time and attained educational success with the support of a Community College.
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Simone Cunningham, nominated by Macquarie Community College
Simone has studied Employment Pathways to Aged and Disability Care and Community Services, Pathways Career Support for Community Services and Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability). Simone came to Macquarie Community College through a joint program with the college and Baptist Care Hope St. The program focussed on individuals wanting to leave behind their current trauma-based lives and work in the aged/disability sector. Simone started her journey in October 2022, initially joining the pathways program and then returning to join the Certificate III in Individual Support at the Mount Druitt campus. The pathway course gave Simone the courage to complete her full qualification and also to do so in an unfamiliar environment. Simone has persevered throughout her studies to remove herself completely from an abusive home environment and since completing her studies, Simone has attained employment with a local aged care provider.
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Eddie Easton, nominated by Community College Northern Inland
Eddie studied Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the delivery of his classes moved to an online format, Eddie quickly realized his need for a different training provider to ensure he could successfully complete his studies. He took the initiative to move to a more supportive training provider and was welcomed to CCNI’s Gunnedah Campus halfway through his apprenticeship in 2022. Eddie took on the challenge of an apprenticeship at a very young age and has grown into a confident young man who displays motivation and resilience both inside and outside of the workplace. His leadership skills are evident in the classroom and workplace where he assists other apprentices when required. Eddie will mark four years’ employment with Stripes Engineering at the completion of his Engineering Apprenticeship in December 2023. Eddie understands the importance of education and hard work to achieve his goals. He comments: “Completing this trade qualification will give me options in my professional life and the ability to follow my career dreams.”
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Michelle Podmore, nominated by Atwea College
Michelle studied a Diploma of Beauty Therapy. She is a devoted mother of three children who embarked on a journey of career transformation after a successful background in Aged Care. Michelle displayed unwavering commitment, organisation and enthusiasm for all facets of the beauty industry. She has exemplified the highest standards of integrity by being early and organized in classes, offering assistance to class members who were behind in their work and meticulously organizing treatment areas, setting the tone for productive collaboration. Michelle faced a number of challenges while studying including, dealing with a very ill family member, whilst also running a busy household, volunteering at her children’s school and sports canteen and ensuring her children participate fully in school life. It is through her dedication, passion, and commitment that she has successfully forged a path into employment, where she is fostering a culture of positivity in her new part-time role at Endota Spa.
Finalist, Student of the Year Award
Kieran Trippis, nominated by Macarthur Community College
Kieran studied Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and then the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care which he will complete this year. Kieran found his love of early childhood education through his work in before and after school care. Kieran has implemented the skills he has developed over time in his traineeships, always going above and beyond for the children and his team. He is a mentor for his team and takes this role with all the responsibility it requires. He has weekly check-in sessions to critically reflect on the curriculum, the children’s learning and any concerns, challenges, or achievements. Kieran is purposeful, respectful and has a passion for advocating for children, their families and local community. He has demonstrated a positive impact on the work environment with newly enrolled children exhibiting reduced separation anxiety from their parents. Keiran has developed self-confidence and has recently played a lead role in the childcare provider Assessment and Rating.
