07 Mar 2025
SuniTAFE celebrated another cohort of graduates on Wednesday night at the annual Mildura campus Graduation and Awards celebration.
The Class of 2024 commemorated the milestone of graduation alongside their families, teachers, and employers at Mildura Arts Centre.
Across all campuses, more than 300 students graduated from 40 different study areas, with an additional 198 apprentices completing their education during the 2024 academic year.
The outstanding achievements of 15 students and staff were also recognised with formal awards, including Apprentice, Student, and Teacher of the Year.
Amongst the recipients this year was Board Excellence Award winner Hsin-Ting Chiang (Sandy), a hard-working Early Childhood Education and Care student who juggled her education with raising a young family.
Foundations Student of the Year was awarded to Indiana Stephen for her ongoing commitment to self-growth, exemplifying the positive impact of SuniTAFE’s work education program.
SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington was proud to present each student with their Certificate of Graduation on the night, acknowledging the immense effort and dedication that goes into every student’s educational journey.
“It is always a proud moment to bear witness to the graduand crossing the stage to collect their certificate,” he said.
“It’s a walk that is supported by hard work and the purpose of wanting to achieve something more, often a driver for their career and life.
“Each student has a story, and we all enjoy being a part of that, but particularly our teachers who have often been the mentor or guide for that journey.”
Apprentice of the Year (First Year) | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Ty Roberts – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Apprentice of the Year (Second Year) | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Madeline Rasmussen – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Apprentice of the Year (Third Year) | Sponsored by SMGT
Nathaniel Allford – Certificate III in Carpentry
International Student of the Year | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Jeric Medina – Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
First Nations Student of the Year | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Peter Pitt – Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
Hospitality Student of the Year | Sponsored by The Grand Hotel Mildura
Siew Boey Tan (May) - Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
VETDSS Student of the Year | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Gianna Gallace – Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Foundations Student of the Year | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Indiana Stephen – Certificate I in Work Education
VCE VM/ VPC Student of the Year | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Shelby Townsend – Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major
Trainee of the Year | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Saroj Khadka – Certificate III in Business
Student of the Year – Certificate III or IV (non-trade) | Sponsored by Mildura Rural City Council
Emma Jolliffe – Certificate IV in Community Services
Student of the Year – Academic (Diploma/Advanced Diploma) | Sponsored by Skills and Jobs Centre
Leonie Carter – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Board Excellence Award | Sponsored by SuniTAFE Board
Hsin-Ting Chiang (Sandy) - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
La Trobe University Scholarship
Makenzie Clarke – Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
Tamrin Lenartowicz-Bates – Diploma of Community Services
Molly Hall – Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Teacher of the Year
Catherine Benchmo – Business Studies
Geoff Dea Values and Leadership Award
Samantha Leersen – Communications Officer