All the2025 TAFE Gippsland Education Award winners.
Friday 1 August 2025 night marked our first-ever Education Awards – a fantastic evening recognising the achievements, dedication and passion of our students, trainers and industry partners.
The foyer of the Wedge in Sale was buzzing thanks to an array of vibrant performers including Karina Flow dazzling with LED artistry and fire twirling, Becky Bubble and Mr Marmalade adding a touch of magic, who all set the scene for a fun, relaxed night of celebrations. Inside, the laughs kept coming thanks to legendary comedian Dave O’Neil, whose laid-back humour perfectly matched the upbeat tone of the evening.
Congratulations goes to the following 2025 award winners:
Teacher/Trainer of the Year
- Kellie Smith
- Luke Copland
- Brad Lancaster
School Based Apprenticeship Award
- Zac Mcrae
Koorie Students of the Year
- Ric Harrison
- Sione Tuiono
Student Pathways Award
- Alexis Just
Vocational Student of the Year Awards
- Horticulture & Agriculture – Leanne Farley
- Animal Studies – Bianca McCrea
- Business Services – Julie Watson
- Community Services – Zhanna Voronkova
- Education – Charlotte Pors
- Hair & Beauty – Ruby Adams
- Nursing – Adam Horn
- Health – Charlee Jinnette
- Alcohol & Other Drugs, Disability, Mental Health – Kelly-Anne O'Connell
- Senior Secondary – Lexi Markwell-O'Neill
Apprentice of the Year Awards
- Electrotechnology – Darcy Paul
- Plumbing – Paul Atkinson
- Hairdressing – Emily Armistead
- Cookery – Carmelle Larsen
- Food & Fibre – Cameron Leadoux
- Animal Sciences – Jack Wyllie
- Painting & Decorating – Callum Buckland
- Carpentry – Tate Chisholm
- Engineering – Mechanical Trade – Spencer Lambert
- Engineering – Fabrication Trade – Reuben Pinkerton
- Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology – Michael Franghis
Community Impact Award
- Amber Leyshan (Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Apprentice)
Amber Leyshan collecting her Community Impact Award from sponsors, Zenviron.
Thank you to our staff behind the scenes who pulled together this milestone event, which was a true celebration of the talent and dedication within our TAFE Gippsland community. Thanks to those staff members who attended, helping make the night even more special. Enjoy the photos, courtesy of Lauren Murphy Photography.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s Education Awards!