Media releases

Federation TAFE Wimmera Diploma of Nursing student, Sarah Marchesini, has received a Nursing Achievement Award from Horsham Rural City Council under its Community Development Grants Program. 

The 25-year-old was nominated by her teachers for her high standard of work academically and in practical settings.  

The award was presented by Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Robyn Gulline at a ceremony at Federation TAFE’s Wimmera Campus on Tuesday 9 November. The $300 award recognises students who have shown excellence in their studies and their contribution to the community.  

Sarah is undertaking her final two weeks of placement in Orthopedics at Ballarat Health Services. Prior to this, she had placements in Horsham, Ararat and Hamilton in an acute ward, emergency department, aged care facility and in a surgical unit.  

Sarah said she appreciated the diverse experience she gained during these placements; amazed by the amount that she was able to see and do during her training. 

She enjoyed her time shadowing a Medical Emergency Team call nurse in the emergency room in Hamilton, where she experienced how fast-paced and intense the job can be, but also the way staff worked as a team to care for patients. This solidified her interest and passion for wanting to be a nurse. 

Sarah stressed the need to have local access to good education pathways to keep young and skilled people in regional areas. 

Learning on the job appealed to Sarah, as did the opportunity to study in her hometown of Horsham, where she could continue her part-time work and be close to her support network. 

Quotes attributable to Federation Head of Campus, Wimmera, Geoffrey Lord 

“We are so proud of Sarah and all she has achieved in the past two years with Federation TAFE. We’re really excited to see what she does next.” 

“The local Wimmera community needs nurses, and we will continue to ensure that local people have access to quality training so they can stay in the region.” 

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE Student, Sarah Marchesini 

“Having the opportunity to study locally is important. It keeps people here in the Wimmera. It is good to have people with local knowledge stay here to look after their community.” 

“I really thought qualified nurses in this course worked in nursing homes, but there is so much an enrolled nurse can do that I didn’t realise. Studying has opened my eyes.” 

“I feel nervous as I don’t usually win awards, but I am incredibly grateful, and I feel appreciated. It is a nice feeling that it is not often felt.”