WAKEFIELD, Toni

2023 Distinguished Alumna

Toni Wakefield imageDegree

Arts / Business

Toni Wakefield commenced her secondary education at Traralgon High School, then the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education and, some years later, she returned to the same campus after it became Monash University Gippsland.

A lifelong and passionate Gippslander, Toni is committed to raising the profile of the regions' industry, small business sectors as well as education and training opportunities. Being a well respected local business owner she offers a positive and influential voice to industry, government and skills educators, helping create a thriving and sustainable future for the region.

Gippsland has faced many challenges over the last decade.  One of the region’s greatest strengths through these times has been the genuine and quietly persuasive leadership Toni deploys with a calmness and integrity that is unparalleled.

Toni is a great believer in education and training as a key means of accelerating transition and growth in Gippsland and has been an active supporter of Federation University’s education initiatives and activities.

Toni has been a consistent, positive and influential voice to industry, government and skills educators, helping create a thriving and sustainable future for the Gippsland region and is a most worthy candidate for formal recognition of her dedication and achievements.

Toni is the Commercial Manager and co-founder of the 2006 Telstra Business of the Year and 2019 Manufacturer of the year, Safetech Pty Ltd - an award winning business employing more than 120 staff around the country. Toni has been a judge for the Telstra National Business Awards and is a past member of the Victorian Small Business Advisory Council and Regional Development Australian Gippsland Committee.

Toni has been a longstanding Board Director of the Committee for Gippsland and was Chair from 2018 – 2020.  Toni has also held positions of membership on the Regional Development Australia.

Toni also served from 2006 - 2009 as a member of the Monash University Gippsland Advisory Council and continues to support many of Federation Universtiy's education initiatives and activities.

Higher education participation, skills and training are areas that Toni cares deeply about and has committed her time and extensive expertise to helping improve outcomes in Gippsland.  Likewise, Toni’s commitment to mentoring small business owners, particularly women from regional areas is nothing short of inspirational.