HAD it not been for free TAFE, Elise Neeson would have been left stagnant in her career pursuits.
The Swan Hill nursing graduate was named SuniTAFE Swan Hill’s student of the year at the tertiary education’s recent graduation and awards ceremony at the Swan Hill Town Hall.
The event recognised the hard work and determination of students, during another challenging year. It also acknowledged employers, parents, friends and family who supported and contributed to the students’ individual outcomes.
At the Swan Hill campus in 2021, 28 students completed their studies from three diploma qualifications. Fifteen students from eight traineeships and apprenticeships completed their studies. Eight student awards and six scholarships were presented to deserving students.
Ms Neeson had triple the celebrations, graduating from the Diploma of Nursing and scoop two awards for student of the year (diploma) and health high achiever.
“Nursing wasn’t something I wanted to do after leaving school. I studied environmental science then had my first daughter and needed to find a permanent career path,” she told The Guardian.
“I couldn’t commit myself to uni and with my financial situation … nursing came up, it was free and I enjoyed it a bit more.
“I enjoy the people side of it – dealing with people at their most vulnerable state to make or break their day.
“I enjoy putting a smile back on someone’s face and I can definitely do that in my nursing role.”
Health care is in her family’s blood, so it was only natural to gravitate towards the industry.
“My uncle is a mental health nurse and I have a cousin who is a paramedic and nurse as well,” Ms Neeson said.
Ms Neeson, originally from Melbourne, moved to the region where her partner originated from.
“We moved after my first daughter was born and like I said, I felt stagnant and needed something, and nursing stood out,” she said.
“There was free TAFE from the government and it seemed like the right way to go.
“It’s made a huge difference and I never would have studied if it wasn’t free.”
Ms Neeson agreed it was important to keep local graduates in local positions, with “plenty of opportunities for enrolled nurses at the hospital”.
“I enjoy rural nursing, especially community district nursing and mental health as well, so I’d be happy to stay here and find a job.”
SuniTAFE said Ms Neeson was “focused and committed”, showing her academic ability early on in the program, “displaying a strong study ethic” and achieving great results in her written assessments.
“Elise had a near perfect score with every assessment submitted. She is empathetic, caring and committed to the nursing program.
STUDENT AWARDS
Apprentice of the Year 1st Year | sponsored by Lawrence and Hansen Electrical
Jake Pavlovic – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Apprentice of the Year 2nd Year | sponsored by PDF Accounting
Ethan Isaac – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
Student of the Year – Diploma | sponsored by SuniTAFE Skills and Jobs Centre Mobile Service
Elise Neeson – Diploma of Nursing
Health High Achiever | sponsored by Intereach
Elise Neeson – Diploma of Nursing
Board Excellence | sponsored by SuniTAFE
Emily Grant – Diploma of Nursing
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Sunraysia Institute of TAFE and Chances for Children Scholarships
Emily Behrendt – Diploma of Nursing
VACC and WDEA Outstanding Student of the Year 1st Year | sponsored by WDEA
Joni Grundy – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
VACC Outstanding Student of the Year 2nd Year | sponsored by SuniTAFE Skills and Jobs Centre Mobile Service
Dean Mays – Certificate III in Mobile Plant Mechanical Technology
VACC Outstanding Student of the Year 3rd Year | sponsored by SuniTAFE Skills and Jobs Centre Mobile Service
Beth McLean – Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
David Beames Memorial Encouragement Award | sponsored by SuniTAFE Skills and Jobs Centre Mobile Service
Lachlan Fisher – Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Garry Thompson Memorial Achievement Award | sponsored by Cummins
Patrick Manning – Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Technology
STAFF AWARD
Teacher of the Year | sponsored by SuniTAFE
Natalie Broussard – Nursing
