Media releases

Federation TAFE’s best and brightest students have been honoured at the 2023 Federation TAFE Awards for Excellence with 20 awards presented to 27 students for demonstrated excellence in their chosen area of study.

The Awards were presented in front of an audience of over 200 at a gala evening at The Mining Exchange, Ballarat, on Thursday 16 February. Guest speakers included Mayor, City of Ballarat, Des Hudson, and President of the Rotary Club of Ballarat, Warren Payne.

Certificate III in Plumbing student Aidan Murphy was named Federation University Australia Apprentice of the Year while Federation University Australia Trainee of the Year was awarded to Ashlee Colquhoun who is undertaking a Certificate III in Education Support.

The prestigious EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Barbara Muller, an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) student. Barbara, a strong advocate for the program, was nominated for her dedication to her studies, passion, and high academic achievement and was described as ‘a model student’.

Federation TAFE engineering teacher, Justin Bisson won VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year which recognises innovation, excellence, learner needs, commitment to VET teaching and learning and links with community and industry.

Liam Proctor and Alyssa Longridge were both awarded the Federation TAFE Growth Award which goes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who demonstrate growth and commitment to their studies and their community.

The evening also incorporated the Craftsperson Awards which date back to 1956. The Awards acknowledged local employers who participate in the apprenticeship scheme as well as the over 300 Federation TAFE students who successfully completed their apprenticeship training in 2022 and 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.

Quote attributable to Federation University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive TAFE, Mr Liam Sloan

“Congratulations to all the recipients. These awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Federation TAFE’s students, apprentices, trainees, and teachers as well as acknowledge the support of our local employers. The award winners have shown a great attitude and approach to their studies which reflect the qualities industry are seeking.”

Quote attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson

"The City of Ballarat is proud to have had such a long association with the Federation TAFE Excellence Awards."

"These awards recognise how important the acquisition of skills is towards both personal growth and in the positive contribution they make to our community’s workplace."

"The City of Ballarat has been recognising young people who successfully completed an apprenticeship with a Craftsperson certificate since 1956." 

"This event reminds us of the ancient traditions of the crafts and the contribution, made by an unbroken line of craftspeople, to our community wellbeing."

Quote attributable to President, Rotary Club of Ballarat, Mr Warren Payne

“Rotary Club of Ballarat has a long connection to the Craftsperson’s and Federation TAFE Awards for Excellence. We are pleased to be acknowledging and rewarding those students who have excelled in their vocational training and will make a continuing contribution to their trade and the Ballarat community.”

Quote attributable to EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award recipient, Barbara Muller

“I am extremely humbled to have been nominated for the EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award. To be the recipient of this award is the pinnacle of my time at Federation University. I have always been a strong advocate for the building design department and the university and will continue to be. My time studying at Federation TAFE has been one of the most enjoyable of my life, so much so that I am continuing with studies to one day return as a teacher and share my passion with others.”