Media releases

Federation TAFE’s outstanding achievers were celebrated at the 2025 Federation TAFE Awards for Excellence with 42 award winners announced at a gala event at The Mining Exchange, Ballarat, on Thursday 27 February.

Recipients across 30 categories were recognised for excellence in their chosen areas of study and presented with certificates by industry sponsors and community leaders including Mayor, City of Ballarat, Councillor Tracey Hargreaves.

The Federation TAFE Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by The Rotary Club of Ballarat South, went to Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician student Lachlan McKenzie, while Diploma of Nursing student Cathrin Logan was awarded the City of Ballarat sponsored Federation TAFE Trainee of the Year award for her work with Grampians Health.

Owen Pugh, a Diploma of Engineering - Technical student received the prestigious EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in and dedication to his studies.
Owen originally began studying engineering within the higher education environment, however he soon changed to study the Diploma qualification at Federation TAFE for its practical and valuable hands-on experience. Owen is now enrolled to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at Federation University while working as an assistant draftsperson.

Two new awards sponsored by the Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) recognising excellence in vocational education and training delivered to secondary school (VETDSS) students were presented for the first time this year.

The Highlands LLEN VET Cluster VETDSS Award for Excellence was awarded to Piper Burzacott, Jordan Canavan, Noah McLelland, and Molly Skoblar while the Highlands LLEN Vocational Major award was presented to Federation College student, Giaan Watts.

Certificate III in Engineering Composites Trade student, Eden Row was awarded The Rotary Club of Ballarat Endeavour Award while Chris Britten, Azlan Harris, and Alexander Radoll all received a Federation TAFE Growth Award awarded to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander First Nations People students who demonstrate significant commitment to their studies.

Wimmera Federation TAFE Diploma of Nursing teacher, Gabrielle McCulloch was awarded VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year in recognition of her strong focus on bridging the gap between theory and practical application and ensuring students are well prepared for the nursing workforce.

The Federation TAFE Awards for Excellence incorporated the Craftsperson Awards where 150 students who successfully completed their apprenticeship training in 2024 were welcomed with the honorary title of “Craftsperson of the City of Ballarat” by Federation University, the City of Ballarat and the Rotary Club of Ballarat. Dating back to 1956, the Craftsperson Awards also acknowledge the region’s businesses who participate in the apprenticeship scheme.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor VET & Pathways and Chief Executive TAFE, Mr Darren Gray

“Congratulations to all the 2025 Federation TAFE Awards for Excellence winners and nominees. These awards celebrate the outstanding achievements, determination, and enterprise of our students, apprentices, trainees, and teachers, as well as the support of local employers and industry.”

“The award winners have shown excellence in pursuit of their studies and chosen careers, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make within their communities and industries.”

Quotes attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves

“The City of Ballarat’s association with Federation University Australia’s TAFE Awards for Excellence goes back almost 70 years and we are proud to continue supporting the prestigious event.”

“It is critical that we teach people the importance of using their skills and knowledge to obtain gainful employment, self-esteem and make a positive contribution to our community and economy.”

Quotes attributable to President of the Rotary Club of Ballarat, Jan Davidson

“As President of the Rotary Club of Ballarat, I am both humbled and inspired by the number of students showcased within the Federation TAFE Awards for Excellence, incorporating the Craftsperson Awards which have been in existence since 1956.”

“The Rotary Club of Ballarat Endeavour Award honours the student’s tenacity and devotion to their studies, and I am honoured to be a member of an organisation that continues to support such a brilliant award. I know these inspirational people will go on to greater success, and I look forward to seeing where their journeys lead them.”

Quotes attributable to EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award recipient, Owen Pugh

"Receiving the EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award was a welcome surprise. I'm honoured and flattered to be recognised.”

“Studying with Federation TAFE has been a great experience for me. The Diploma of Engineering – Technical course content, my teacher, Justin Bisson, who had a real impact on me, and working with all the students from different employment and learning backgrounds really gave me a new perspective on things. The hands-on nature of the course required you to think in practical terms, such as application and outcome of engineering, practical design, and working as a part of a team, and was something I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere else.”

“My experience at Federation TAFE has given me the confidence to go into the workforce as a Draftsperson and begin studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with Federation University.”