SWTAFE’s graduating students recognised

More than 400 people attended the ceremony at the Lighthouse Theatre to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of graduating diploma and advanced students from the areas of tourism, events, nursing, community services, early childhood education and care, beauty therapy, remedial massage, arts, agriculture, agronomy, conservation and land management and accounting.

Before the ceremony, students and teachers took part in a procession from South West TAFE to the Lighthouse Theatre which was led by bagpiper Erin Russell.

South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said the awards night was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the success of our students.

He said it was particularly pleasing to congratulate and reward all of the outstanding student award winners for 2018.

Mr Fidge said these students were nominated by their teachers and then interviewed by a panel to decide winners across six categories.

“It is such a huge honour for these students who have all excelled in their studies and have all gone on to be working in their fields and doing amazing things in the community.

Award winners on the night included:

• Youth Student of the Year: Adia Quinlivan
• Koorie Student of the Year: Tanya McDonald
• Koorie Student of the Year (highly commended): Skye Henry-Litster
• Trainee of the Year: Ashlea Bentham
• Apprentice of the Year: Elijah McLeod
• Apprentice of the Year (highly commended): Liam Ryan
• Vocational Student of the Year: Rosemary Wilson
• Community Achiever of the Year: Susan Tate
• Deakin University Pathways Award: Rebecca Cameron

Mr Fidge said it was wonderful to hear so many of our graduating students now in employment in their chosen fields or going on to further study.

“It’s great that South West TAFE can play a part in changing people’s lives and leading them on to further study or employment,” he said.

View the full gallery of images from the 2018 Graduation & Awards Ceremony.