THE spotlight was on SuniTAFE students on Tuesday at the annual graduation and awards ceremony for the Swan Hill campus.
Students, their families, staff, and industry partners filled Swan Hill Town Hall to celebrate the graduating class of 2023.
The event was expanded this year and students completing a Certificate III or Certificate IV qualification were invited to cross the stage, meaning more students than ever were in attendance.
Across all campuses in 2023, SuniTAFE produced 426 graduates ranging from Certificate I courses through to Advanced Diplomas.
A further 171 apprentices and 40 trainees also completed their studies.
Student awards were presented to eight students who had achieved outstanding results or who had overcome significant barriers during their time at SuniTAFE.
Automotive apprentice Jamie Matthews received triple recognition for his hard work and perseverance.
He was named Apprentice of the Year – Second Year and was presented with both the David Beames Memorial Encouragement Award and the Garry Thompson Memorial Achievement Award.
It was also a big night for Diploma of Nursing graduate Teagan Jones who, in addition to graduating, was named Student of the Year – Academic (Diploma/Advanced Diploma) and received the Board Excellence Award for her exceptional work during her studies.
SuniTAFE chief executive Brett Millington was proud to see so many Swan Hill-based students cross the stage to receive recognition for their hard work.
“It was fantastic to welcome both local students and students from surrounds to Swan Hill to celebrate their great achievements and the completion of their studies,” Mr Millington said.
“We were also proud to celebrate the contribution of the campus to the Swan Hill area, and we hope to see more students enrolling and graduating into the community.”
Full list of award winners:
Student Awards
Apprentice of the Year (First Year): Sophie Kemp – Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Apprentice of the Year (Second Year): Jamie Matthews – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Apprentice of the Year (Third Year): Tristan Bulger – Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
First Nations Student of the Year: Emily Behrendt – Diploma of Nursing
Health High Achiever: Natalie Hodgson – Diploma of Nursing
Trainee of the Year: Skye Elliott – Certificate III in Business (Trainee – School Based)
Student of the Year – Certificate III or IV (non-trade): Ai Le – Certificate III in Individual Support
Student of the Year – Academic (Diploma/Advanced Diploma): Teagan Jones – Diploma of Nursing
David Beames Memorial Encouragement Award: Jamie Matthews – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Garry Thompson Memorial Achievement Award: Jamie Matthews – Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Board Excellence Award: Teagan Jones – Diploma of Nursing
Scholarships
The Sunraysia Institute of TAFE and Chances for Children Scholarship: Emily Behrendt – Diploma of Nursing
Destination Australia: Emily Behrendt – Diploma of Nursing, Natalie Hodgson – Diploma of Nursing, Teagan Jones – Diploma of Nursing and Meagan Kelly – Diploma of Nursing
