MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education)
Last Friday was the Australian Training Awards.
I’m constantly impressed by the calibre of talent and achievement in Victoria, and this was very much on display at the national awards.
And for the fifth year in a row, Victoria has taken out the Large Training Provider of the Year award.
This year, the winner is South West TAFE.
South West TAFE does an incredible job, working closely with industry to meet the skills needs of the regions it serves.
As a member for Western Victoria and the Minister for Training and Skills, I have visited South West TAFE many times. Each time I see just how committed the staff are to delivering relevant, high-quality training and support for students.
This award is well deserved and means a lot to everybody in Western Victoria. Congratulations to Mark Fidge and the team.
I also want to acknowledge the winner of the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year—Kevin Nunn from TAFE Gippsland.
Kevin teaches at the Forestec campus in East Gippsland, and has been involved in timber training for over 25 years.
Kevin also played an important role during the summer bushfires and subsequent recovery activities.
Kevin embodies everything that is outstanding about TAFE teachers.
I also want to acknowledge Builders Academy Australia, who have been recognised as the Small Training Provider of the Year.
Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of this year’s awards.