As the 2024 teaching year fast approaches, SuniTAFE would like to reflect on the successes celebrated by the Institute in 2023.  

Each year, SuniTAFE recognises the achievements of students internally with a Graduation and Awards event and a Trades Night, with more than 40 awards given to students across both campuses at these events in 2023 in recognition of their hard work and exceptional outcomes.  

Excitingly, SuniTAFE was also at the forefront of educational outcomes throughout 2023, with several students and staff receiving awards at the local, state, and national levels.

Some of these awards have been earned for academic excellence and technical proficiency, such as the Gold Medals earned at the WorldSkills National Championships by two trades apprentices, while others have been awarded for community involvement or the ability to overcome hardship.

A nursing graduate’s Victorian Training Award win and going on to be a finalist for an Australian Training Award was a clear highlight.  

Some of these awards represent SuniTAFE’s ongoing commitment to excellence. For the second consecutive year, a SuniTAFE student was named International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training at the Victorian International Education Awards.

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington is proud of the recognition that SuniTAFE’s staff and students received last year.  

“We are gearing up for another busy year of helping deliver for our students and employers in the region, but it’s important to reflect and celebrate,” Mr Millington said.

“There are so many great stories in our award winners and it’s fantastic to be able to share those journeys."

Full list of SuniTAFE award recipients in 2023

AUS-TAFE Culinary Trophy State Finals (June 2023)

• Siew Boey Tan (May) – Bronze Medal
• Emma Timpano – Bronze Medal

WorldSkills National Championships (August 2023)

• Tristan Bulger – Plastering and Dry Wall Applications Gold Medal
• Thomas Bevan – Heavy Vehicle Mechanics Gold Medal

Victorian Training Awards (August 2023)

• Pearl Dunn – Koorie Student of the Year

Australian Education Union, Life on Campus Photography Competition (September 2023)

• Khanh Ngan ‘Mei’ Ho – National Winner

Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Wurreker Awards (October 2023)

• Teacher Chris McGinty – Winner, Teacher/Trainer of the Year
• Eilene Mitchell – Public Sector Employee of the Year Finalist

Victorian International Education Awards (October 2023)

• Linda ‘Yuying’ Ding – International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training

Australian Training Awards (November 2023)

• Pearl Dunn – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award, Finalist

VETDSS Excellence Awards (November 2023)

• Casey Skipworth – VCE Vocational Major 3/4
• Jacob Follett – Victorian Pathways Certificate
• Jade Eames – VET Allied Health
• Isabelle Petty – VET Beauty Services
• Brannon Chislett – VET Automotive
• Frankee-Mae Keenan – VET Community Services
• Liam Dowling – VET Conservation and Primary Industries
• Shakiera Faux – VET Early Childhood Services
• Riley Douglas – VET Electrical
• Will Nicholds – VET Plumbing
• Riley McManus – VET Wood Trades

Welding Excellence Awards – Victoria and Tasmania (November 2023)

• Blair Hogan - Young Trades Person of the Year