2024 Winners and finalists
About the awards
The 10th annual Chisholm Education Awards celebrate and recognise our inspiring students, dedicated educators, and collaborative industry partners.
Nominations are submitted by Chisholm staff, and judging is conducted by independent, objective adjudicators.
The 2024 Chisholm Education Awards were announced at the gala event held on Tuesday, 25 June 2024 at Hotel Chadstone. All finalists and winners received a certificate of recognition and a small financial gift.
For more information about the Chisholm Education Awards, please contact the Chisholm Awards team - chisholmawards@chisholm.edu.au.
- Apprentice of the year
WINNER
Bonnie Inkster
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Bonnie Inkster has excelled in her apprenticeship with leading motorsports team, Walkinshaw Andretti United, pursuing her passion for welding and fabrication.
Having leapt into the male dominated motor sports industry, Bonnie is now a pivotal part of the team, travelling to races throughout the country.
Due to a hearing impairment, she has developed unique skills to improve her communication with teammates and adapt her welding techniques to achieve flawless results.
Read more about Bonnie's story.
WINNER
Callum Robertson
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
Callum consistently shone as the top student within his Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade Apprenticeship class, showcasing exceptional quality of work.
This was acknowledged when he was awarded a bronze medal in the National WorldSkills Championships in 2023.
As an apprentice at Steg Engineering, Callum is eager to continue learning; and is now pursuing a Certificate IV in Engineering (CNC Programming).
Callum’s journey highlights the enormous potential vocational education offers to passionate individuals.
Read more about Callum's story.
WINNER - Bill Norling Outstanding Automotive Apprentice Award
Mitchell Ward
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Working in his family’s automotive business, Mitchell has a natural talent for all things mechanical, and is popular with customers who admire his work ethic.
At TAFE, Mitchell excelled in all 36 study units and was always keen to learn as much as possible. He came fourth in the National WorldSkills Championships. Mitchell is a true team player in the classroom and the workplace, willingly sharing knowledge and skills.
Read more about Mitchell's story.
Lee-Ann Thesiera
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Lee-Ann Thesiera is a true styling creative – not only did she finish her Certificate III In Hairdressing at Mornington Peninsula campus, she also completed the Develop Web Presence Using Social Media course. At first Lee-Ann found study hard. It was her perseverance and creativity that has made her a leader among her peers, and popular among salon clients.
- Educator of the year
WINNER
Georgina Hubbard
Higher Education College
Georgina was a key driver in developing TAFE’s Undergraduate Certificate In Community Mental Health, Alcohol And Other Drugs , a pathway program into the Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs and the Graduate Certificate of Family Violence.
With a background in social work and ESL, Georgina’s empathy responds to diverse needs across all students. With her team, she encourages skills development and innovation, and champions individual successes as contributing to the team effort.
Read more about Georgina's story.
David Salisbury
Plumbing and Safety Training
Diligent and meticulous in planning his professional and vocational activities, he is a lead educator in Chisholm’s Safety Training Team, delivering most courses and mentoring upcoming trainers. His core focus is always promoting compliance to individuals and teams, ensuring they stay safe.
David trains many students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and enjoys the challenge of creating safety course content that can be understood by all participants.
Read more about David's story.
Karen Savage
Higher Education, Psychology and Community Mental Health
Karen is an innovative educator who recognises that every student prefers a different learning style; some prefer oral, rather than written information, as it’s easier to understand for those who struggle with reading.
She has been an early adopter of technology in her teaching and assessments, using video and AI to help her students improve their academic writing and collaborate with her peers.
Read more about Karen's story.
Michael Oldham
Building and Construction
Michael takes a flexible approach to teaching, that ensures the diverse needs of every learner are met. He recognises that every learner has their own unique strengths and challenges.
He incorporates traditional classroom teaching with online options and real-world case studies to prepare students for the challenges of the profession.
- Foundation of the year
WINNER
Zahra Haidari
EAL student
Removed from school in Afghanistan at age 12 to work, Zahra was desperate to keep learning. Now in Australia, she is a full-time EAL student, eagerly absorbing as much education as possible.
Her new life focus is about giving generations of Afghan women a voice. Chisholm encouraged Zahra to use her talents and bravely share her voice via poetry on social and traditional media.
Read more about Zahra's story.
Chau Thi Bao Nguyen
Certificate III in EAL (Access)
In Vietnam, Chau Nguyen was an experienced accountant. On moving to Australia, she discovered that her qualifications were not recognised.
Determined to start over, she enrolled in English at Chisholm, and then joined the Western Bulldogs footy team fan club.
The Certificate III In EAL (Access) has given her confidence, new friendships, drive and a thirst to learn more.
Kylie Wilson
Certificate II in General Education for Adults
Kylie is a warm, engaging leader who brought out the best in her fellow students in the Certificate II in General Education for Adults by always putting them first. Initially, she was filled with doubt about her studies but thanks to her perseverance and continual encouragement from teachers, she excelled.
Kylie’s commitment resulted in her achieving a sought-after nursing cadetship and a new career pathway.
Read more about Kylie's story.
Thi Thu Hang Huynh
Certificate II in EAL (Access)
Hang is a qualified pediatrician from Vietnam who moved to Australia to start a new life. Shy, withdrawn and unable to communicate with staff and fellow students, she started English classes online amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, while also caring for two young children and extended family.
She completed Certificate II In EAL (Access), and her confidence has blossomed.
- Higher education student of the year
Domestic higher education students
WINNER
Monith Canonigo
Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
Monith Canonigo enrolled in the Bachelor Of Community Mental Health, Alcohol And Other Drugs to channel her lived experience into making a difference for others.
Despite initial doubts, she has given her all to her studies, becoming an inspirational leader among classmates, and surprising herself with her passion and abilities. Her willingness to volunteer in the local community exemplifies Chisholm’s core values.
Read more about Monith's story.
Corey Rischitelli
Graduate Certificate in Family Violence
Corey is an engaging, compassionate, and resilient individual who has translated personal experiences into a powerful force for positive change.
By being open and vulnerable, he has created a sense of camaraderie among classmates, encouraging a culture of empathy and understanding.
He is committed to making a real impact in family violence support services.
Read more about Corey's story.
Jessica Giovinnazo
Graduate Certificate in Family Violence
Jessica Giovinnazo has triumphed over the cynics of her youth who said she would never be smart enough to study.
A testament to her resilience, Jessica has emerged as an outstanding student and a natural leader.
By channeling her lived experiences of family violence, her goal is to create major change in the family violence sector. Her commitment to making a difference is inspirational.
Read more about Jessica's story.
International higher education students
WINNER
Karan Grover
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Karan Grover has excelled as an International Student at the Bachelor Of Engineering Technology course at Dandenong. Already an ambassador for Chisholm TAFE through his drive to turn challenges into opportunities, Karan has overcome shyness to become a leader among his peers. Work and study commitments have prevented him from returning to India for many important family events – cementing his determination to excel and make his family proud.
Read more about Karan's story.
Alejandra Lopez Silva
Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
Teachers described Alejandra as hard working and committed to her studies while empowering her fellow students to do their best. The co-winner of Chisholm’s major international student scholarship in 2023, Alejandra achieved high distinctions for most of her subjects, despite COVID lockdowns preventing in-person classes during 2021 and 2022.
A role model for International Students, she always aimed to bring classmates from all nations together.
Read more about Alejandra's story.
Gurjot Kaur
Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs
Gurjot originally studied nursing at university but, like many, turned to TAFE for a more targeted and applied degree. A debilitating workplace accident left her temporarily unable to move, suffering depression and unable to attend class. She is grateful Chisholm staff never gave up on her. She returned to study with a renewed passion to make a difference in the mental health sector.
- Koorie student of the year
WINNER
Samantha Edwards
Graduate Certificate in Family Violence
Samantha is a proud Worimi/Biripi woman with a passion for cultural therapeutic ways of practice, addressing cycles of family violence and child protection for Aboriginal people, as well as reducing their overrepresentation within statutory systems.
A contributor to eight Indigenous community organisations, Samantha brought her passion into the classroom. She keenly shared Indigenous culture with students and lecturers, contributing to class content, and exemplifying Chisholm values.
Read more about Samantha's story.
Kalidjah Walsh
Certificate III in Barbering
A proud Gunai/Kurnai man, Kalidjah Walsh has excelled in the Certificate III in Barbering.
While experimenting in barbering through social media tutorials Kalidjah discovered he possessed raw talent and easily secured an apprenticeship at Style & Co barbering in Traralgon.
A quiet achiever, he has excelled in the classroom and workplace, and is now a role model for young men seeking an alternative education pathway.
Read more about Kalidjah's story.
Lisa Wilbraham
Diploma of Nursing
Lisa is a shining example of the success that comes when you identify a goal and are supported to achieve it. Lisa not only achieved her goal, she smashed it. Already working casually at the Bunurong Health Service in Dandenong, she is trying for a position at Eastern Health’s Koori graduate nurse program. She credits her success to the supportive lecturers and staff at Chisholm.
- Secondary school student of the year
WINNER
Aiden Beckinsale
Certificate II in Engineering Studies
Aiden has represented his school, Flinders Christian College and Chisholm TAFE with pride, earning him the Excellence Award at the Peninsula Applied Learning Awards in 2023. Aiden said he was surprised by his nomination as his attitude has always been to do his best and get on with the job. To his credit, he has been offered a school-based apprenticeship at GT & JA Jones Engineering where he is excelling at fabrication and welding.
Read more about Aiden's story.
Aston Tyro
VCE Vocational Major Year 12
In Year 11, Aston realised the traditional high school pathway was not for him. Instead, he chose a VCE Vocational Major through Chisholm TAFE.
In this education pathway, he thrived, grew in maturity and became a workplace leader.
His nomination is driven by his outstanding work ethic, leadership qualities and ability to immediately use key learnings into his workplace, one of the largest BP Service stations in Australia.
Read more about Aston's story.
Mary-Louise Wakefield
Certificate II in Engineering Studies
A natural leader who has inspired her classmates with her positive attitude, Mary-Louise has excelled in her Engineering Studies course at Dandenong and created a goal to study Mechatronics at university. A leader in her local community through the Mornington Sea Scouts, Mary-Louise's enthusiasm and ‘gotta try’ attitude have brought her class closer together and determined to achieve.
Read more about Mary-Louise's story.
Nick Sampson
VCE Vocational Major Year 12
Nick has an unwavering commitment to education and community service.
He made a conscious decision to shift from a pre-apprenticeship in plumbing to return to Year 12 and complete a business management/event planning course at Chisholm as part of his VCE Vocational Major.
Overcoming personal and medical obstacles, he has demonstrated great persistence in his academic pursuits, and continued to thrive as a volunteer with the Salvation Army.
- Trainee of the year
WINNER
Mollie Testro
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Mollie Testro transformed her part time job at the local dental clinic to a Year 11, school-based traineeship. By November last year Mollie had completed the Certificate III in Dental Assisting at Frankston campus, plus the VCE Vocational Major, plus her dental traineeship and is already one of the lead nurses – General Anesthetics at the clinic.
Read more about Mollie's story.
Anastasia Papageorgiou
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Anastasia has achieved her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education against many odds. She recently moved to Australia with dependent family members from the Ukraine and Germany, determined to use her Chisholm studies to improve her family’s life. For Anastasia, her Chisholm education was a gift, an opportunity to contribute to her new country through employment and be a role model to her own daughter.
Read more about Anastasia's story.
Basirat Alieva
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
In Russia, Basirat yearned for further education. When she migrated to Melbourne, she was overjoyed to undertake the Early Childhood Education Diploma.
Despite limited English, Basirat was never afraid to ask for help and worked doubly hard to understand course content. Her cultural knowledge and language proficiencies are assets in the classroom. By working hard to overcome language barriers, Basirat has proven to be an asset in the workplace.
Read more about Basirat's story.
Geoffrey (Dale) Carroll
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care Traineeship
Dale does not let his age define him. He is a strong example of people discovering their next career path later in life through TAFE. A mature aged student with a wealth of experience to share, he holds multiple degrees, including post qualifications and industry skills.
He’s currently training as a child-care educator. With his classmates, he is a natural mentor.
Sivly Ung
Certificate III in Early Childcare Education and Care
Sivly had worked in the IT industry for more than 20 years but had become unemployed during COVID.
As a single-mother and mature-aged student, she bravely changed direction and enrolled in the Certificate III in Early Childcare Education and is now a passionate advocate for children with high needs.
Sivly demonstrates that age and circumstance don’t have to prevent you from fulfilling your dreams.
Read more about Sivly's story.
Stephanie Watson
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Stephanie came into the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care program as quite a reserved student who was embarking on a big leap in life, from working in fast food jobs.
Through her course, and with mentoring and support, she has transformed her life and is thriving in her ECE work; her employer is amazed by the extent of her growth and success.
- Vocational student of the year
WINNER
Phyu Yi Mon Thant
Certificate III in Make-Up
At Chisholm TAFE, Phyu Yi fulfilled her first dream, leaving her homeland of Burma to further herself through education. With an open heart, she embraced her fellow students also studying far from home, ensuring they were heard and included. She encourages students with ESL to pursue their dreams and never give up.
Thanks to her Chisholm journey, Phyu Yi has already started her second dream – to create a high-end makeup consultancy business.
Amelia Baird
Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
Amelia Baird is a great example of ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’!
Forced to take a break from study to care for her elderly parents and four special-needs children, Amelia returned to study with a goal and the fierce desire to achieve it. With extraordinary determination and resilience, she successfully completed her Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.
Read more about Amelia's story.
Mahbooba Assadi
Certificate III in Patisserie
Mahbooba Assadi has a sweet dream to infuse the flavours of her native Afghanistan into the delicate sweets she creates. She previously tried many courses but was not at peace with her choices until she enrolled in the Certificate III in Patisserie at Dandenong campus. Her skills in sugar art have won her many awards, including first place at the Royal Melbourne Show.
Read more about Mahbooba's story.
Mia Trood
Certificate IV in Youth Work
Mia Trood experienced great personal growth when completing her Certificate IV in Youth Work at Frankston campus. Working hard to overcome gaps in her education, she has transformed into a young, focused leader who has positively influenced her classmates to try harder. Kind, patient and respectful, Mia will be an asset to the Youth Work sector thanks to her drive to make a difference.
Reza Bakhsi
Diploma of Sport
Reza Bakhsi enrolled in Berwick Campus’s Diploma of Sport last year after his family arrived as refugees from Afghanistan, via Indonesia. His dream is to become a sports physio – he is already a champion swimmer - his competitive mindset guaranteed his success during his Diploma. Despite limited English, Reza excelled at his studies and proved invaluable at bringing classmates together.
Scott Bartils
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
While running his roofing business, Scott mentored many young men to reach out to support services for their addiction issues. He became so passionate about helping, he decided to undertake a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs at Chisholm.
He was apprehensive about returning to studying after 25 years and using technology. Instead of seeing that as a barrier, he saw it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Read more about Scott's story.
Sohaila Rahimi
Diploma of Community Services
In less than three years, Sohaila has gone from learning English as a new migrant in Australia, to studying a Diploma of Community Services student, and working in multiple volunteer roles to support other multicultural members of the community to settle and make connections.
Sohaila is a dedicated volunteer with Chisholm’s Student Ambassador program, the Centre for Multicultural Youth, UCan2 and headspace’s Youth Advisory Group.
Read more about Sohaila's story.
Tina Saba
Certificate IV in Visual Arts
Tina is a shining example of how art can be used to tell stories, express values and feelings in a respectful way. During her Certificate IV in Visual Arts studies, she suffered amnesia from a serious car accident, and has had ongoing worry for her family in Palestine.
Through her artwork, Tina wants to inform the public about the Palestine conflict from her perspective.
- Virginia Simmons outstanding contribution award
Ian Predl
Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution Award
Congratulations to Ian Predl, the winner of the inaugural Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution to Chisholm Award.
This award is named in honour of Virginia Simmons – who was an inspirational leader and innovator in vocational and tertiary education and training. She served as CEO of Chisholm for nine years and was responsible for establishing the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation.
With this award, Ian’s esteemed service to education and training has been acknowledged, particularly through his contributions to Chisholm Institute, the establishment of the technical and further education system in Victoria, and to the community.
He has had a long involvement with Chisholm Institute and an esteemed career in tertiary education and training since the 1970s.
In the ‘70s, he held the positions of Vice Principal of Emily McPherson College and then became the Principal of Frankston TAFE College – later to become part of Chisholm Institute.
In the 1980s, he served as CEO of Victoria’s TAFE SYSTEM, Chairperson of the TAFE Board, and Chair of the National TAFE Statistics and Curriculum Committees.
In his retirement, Ian has served on many boards and committees, including the Council of Chisholm Institute from 2002 – 2008, and as a Trustee on the Board of the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation for nearly 10 years.
In 2006, he was awarded a Member of the Order (AM) in the Queen’s birthday Honours, for service to education and training, particularly through contributions to the establishment of the technical and further education system in Victoria, and to the community.
Ian was presented with the inaugural Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution Award at Chisholm’s 10th annual Education Awards gala dinner by Virginia’s brother, Bill Simmons. Ian expressed his appreciation for what he now considers his swansong of 60+ years serving the education community.
- Sponsors
Chisholm would like to thank all our 2024 Chisholm Education Awards sponsors:
Platinum sponsorship
Nationwide Corporate Services
Established in 2013, Nationwide Corporate Services is proud to be an 100% Australian owned and operated business, dedicated to delivering specialised integrated parking and security solutions and services tailored for corporate clients.
Nationwide is a comprehensive end-to-end service provider that delivers customised and integrated solutions to businesses across:
- Car Parking, including management, operations, and equipment
- Security Services, including guarding, patrols, concierge, and monitoring; and
- Security Technology and Electronic solutions, encompassing supply, installation, and maintenance.
Its core mission is to transform challenges and prospects into successful solutions, utilising the prowess of technology, strategic acumen, and innovative business models. Drawing upon specialised expertise, extensive industry experience, and adherence to best practices, Nationwide offers unparalleled value. Its assortment of complementary services is meticulously curated to enhance business performance across diverse sectors, ensuring strategic asset management for esteemed clients and their customers.
The Nationwide Management Team is a dynamic group with a powerful set of complementary skills. The team has an excellent balance of experience, qualifications and leadership qualities, accompanied by strong technical, operational, commercial and management skills.
Nationwide proudly partners with Chisholm Institute to strategically support its security services across its campuses, whilst also assisting with other projects around security systems and car parking.
To contact Nationwide to discuss your own needs, please reach out to info@nationwide.services
Gold sponsorship
TSA Riley
TSA Riley aspires to lead the industry as a global independent project consultancy. Throughout the infrastructure and property sectors, TSA Riley helps clients plan, procure, deliver, optimise, and decarbonise their projects.
We provide expert strategic, commercial and operations advice; project and cost management; carbon advice; and dispute resolution. This uniquely broad range of services - across the project lifecycle - means we understand the interdependencies at every stage.
We combine this with hands-on experience and personalised service to drive greater value, impact and certainty for our clients’ projects.
With TSA Riley, clients can have a truly end-to-end view of their projects to help them realise the full value and impact of their built assets.
Having just finished the Frankston Redevelopment Stage 2 project, initiated in March 2021, and completed in early 2024, our ongoing partnership with the Chisholm Institute has led to new projects on both the Dandenong and Frankston campuses.
We are beyond excited to continue fostering our relationship with Chisholm, by delivering the new Frankston Tech School & Frankston Centre of Defense that will inspire STEM learning, and training for the Royal Australian Navy.
Silver sponsorship
Bronze sponsorship
- Industry and community partnerships
We are proud to announce our Industry and Community partnerships for 2024
Industry Partnerships
Bayside Peninsula Integrated FV Partnership
The Bayside Peninsula Integrated Family Violence Partnership (BPIFVP) was established to improve the integration of services, playing a vital role in the transformation of service delivery and community responses to family violence. It plays an important role in increasing the safety of victim survivors and the accountability of perpetrators.
The Bayside Peninsula Integrated FV Partnership has been a key member of the Chisholm Graduate Certificate in FV Industry Advisory Committee since its inception.
Craft Built Homes - Modern Rustic Specialists
Craft Built Homes are an award-winning construction and design team who specialise in modern rustic builds. They pride themselves in creating bespoke, high-quality and energy efficient new homes, extensions, and renovations.
They use natural timber and stone to create thoughtful homes that have a unique and personal feel.
Craft Built Homes employ a dedicated and skilled team, including Chisholm Certificate III in Carpentry apprentice and Master Builders Association of Victoria 2024 Apprentice of the Year award winner, Perin Breakell.
EQUANS AV
EQUANS ANZ is a leading provider of multi-technical building services, including audio visual, mechanical, fire, communication, and electrical solutions, across 17 countries. It provides excellent technical know-how in design, installation and maintenance to support energy, industrial and digital transitions for clients.
Equans supports Chisholm’s ongoing strategy to increase training participation in Melbourne’s south-east and supports career pathways for women (and those who identify as female) in non-traditional occupations.
Jayco Corporation
Jayco Corporation is Australia’s leading RV designer, manufacturer and distributor of RVs, including camper trailers, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Established in 1975, Jayco has multiple facilities, two of which are located in Dandenong South, Victoria, employing more than 1,100 employees.
Chisholm delivers a range of accredited virtual training programs across the Jayco business nationwide. Chisholm also developed a rolling enrolment platform for a leadership and management qualification, which is part of Jayco’s professional development program for business leaders.
South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA)
SEMMA is the peak industry association representing more than 230 leading manufacturing companies located in South East Melbourne. It provides a strong, clear voice for manufacturers, and participates in the ongoing regional and national debate regarding the critical need for an innovative and sustainable manufacturing community.
The two organisations have long worked together to support jobseekers into employment and training through collaboration with Chisholm’s Jobs Victoria Engineering Project.
Community Partnerships
Foundation Learning Centre
The Foundation Learning Centre supports those members of our community who are the most vulnerable, marginalised and educationally disadvantaged. It aims to provide a safe and engaging learning environment that nurtures and supports the individual journey for each participant.
The Learning Centre program, ‘Gaining the Edge’, delivers job-ready skills to Chisholm’s Early Childhood Trainees from the Jobs Victoria, DE Traineeship Project, before they commence employment.
Living and Learning
Living Learning at Pakenham supports those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable to set and achieve realistic career goals. It creates a safe, inclusive space, where individuals feel valued, heard and empowered to explore their career options.
Living Learning works closely with the Chisholm Skills and Jobs Centre to provide quality career counselling to Chisholm students. Through this collaboration, career counselling services help improve the economic social wellbeing of our students.
