2019 winners

Tyrone Hughes

Certificate IV in Work, Health and Safety
Trained by SG Learning and Development Pty Ltd
Employed by Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

Tyrone is a proud Yorta Yorta man who is currently leading positive change towards a safer environment for all in the role of Safety Advisor for the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure. His love for the construction industry grew the moment he first began a traineeship in Civil Construction and Plant Operation in 2015. Tyrone’s goal is to help the broader community in any way possible and continue on his vocational pathway.

Kate Jansen

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery - Cook
Trained by TAFE SA
Employed by Windy Point Restaurant

At the time of her win, Kate was the Head Chef at Windy Point Restaurant/Café. She says it was hard work and determination that helped her to achieve her goal of becoming a leader in the food industry - something she worked towards from the beginning of her apprenticeship. Having set goals ensured that whatever opportunity or difficulty arose, Kate was always working with a purpose and to the best of her ability. She has always been passionate about food and the way it brings people together, and says becoming a chef is the best choice she’s ever made.

Sophie Nuske

Certificate lll in Agriculture
Attends Cleve Area School
Trained by TAFE SA
Employed by Jennifer Anne & William Robert Nosworthy

A future farmer from the South Australian community of Sheringa, Sophie was a border at Cleve Area School undertaking the Certificate in Agriculture course at the time of her win. Sophie demonstrated a passion for the Merino wool industry and took on a school-based apprenticeship to work alongside experts in the field. Sophie comes from a long line of South Australian farmers and takes the legacy seriously — showing sheep at the Royal Adelaide Show, classing hoggets and helping manage her school’s flock.

Sarah Mills

Certificate III in Beauty Services
Trained by TAFE SA
Employed by Brazilian Beauty North Adelaide

Sarah completed a Certificate III in Beauty Services with TAFE SA and is now working full time at Brazilian Beauty in North Adelaide. Her focus is making people feel confident in their own skin. Sarah sees this work as a stepping stone to her ultimate goal of becoming a dermatologist, a dream she’s had ever since experiencing skin problems of her own as a teenager. She would like to help people cope with similar conditions and come up with solutions that aren’t too complex or harsh on her patients’ skin.

Shaona Imaru

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Trained by TAFE SA
Employed by Uniting SA

Shaona was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania before her family was granted a visa to Australia when she was 11 years of age. One of eight children, she helped care for younger siblings while completing her school studies and working a part time retail job. Shaona enrolled in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance with TAFE SA, believing the course would give her real insight into a career in the health industry. She’s since commenced a Bachelor of Nursing, which will allow her to achieve her goal of caring for people and working all around the world.

Gina Dal Santo

Employed by TAFE SA

Gina teaches a range of subjects in her roles as a lecturer with TAFE SA, but her main discipline and passion is cheese making. A passion for learning about food, cheese, and her Italian background inspired Gina to become a Food Technologist. She’s now managing the Artisan Cheese Making Academy and travels the world judging international cheese competitions and furthering her expertise. She received the Dairy Industry Association Manufacturing Scholarship in 2011 and Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2015.

Australian Nursing & Midwifery Education Centre

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Education Centre is a leading education provider for people seeking a career in nursing, health, aged or community care.

As the education division of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (SA branch) —the peak professional and industry body for nurses, midwives and personal care workers —the Education Centre is underpinned by an educator workforce of practising clinicians and a direct relationship with the health care industry. An exclusive alignment with research partners ensures its curriculum remains at the forefront of evidence-based industry best practice.

Vincent Painting Services

Vincent Painting Services is a proud family run and award-winning business, with the principal painter having spent some 25 years experience in the trade. The business offers quality workmanship and service for painting jobs of all sizes - including restorations and new builds. Its motto is: Show us your vision and we will show you how to achieve it.

Ngopamuldi Aboriginal Corporation

Ngopamuldi Aboriginal Corporation’s mission is to alleviate disadvantage among the local Aboriginal and broader community. This involves providing community development services, support, and employment and training opportunities. The Working on Country program employs Indigenous rangers and coordinators to undertake environmental activities in the Lower River Murray, Lakes and Coorong region.

Activities include maintenance of a native plant nursery, rehabilitation of wetlands, habitat restoration, monitoring and protection of threatened plant and animal species, weed and pest control and cultural site protection. The Raukkan Aboriginal Learning On Country program provides employment and training to Aboriginal community members.

OTR

OTR is proudly South Australian owned and operated. Parent company, Peregrine Corporation, is the state’s largest private employer, employing more than 4000 Australians. As South Australia’s most innovative and leading convenience retailer, OTR has more than 145 petrol and convenience stores across metropolitan and regional South Australia and two stores in regional Victoria.

Evolving from a traditional model of a fuel store, OTR has become a world-class 24/7 retail convenience store that provides customers with an extensive range of products and services around the clock.

Edward John Eyre High School

Edward John Eyre High School offers students the chance to connect with industry through quality VET programs, helping school graduates prepare for the demands of the workplace in an ever-changing and globally competitive economic environment.

In partnership with TAFE SA, the school delivers 18 courses across Certificate II and III, allowing students to explore a variety of industries and careers.

To help students keep up to date with their VET and other school studies, the school has developed an innovative week-block delivery model. It has also appointed a support teacher for each course to provide students with weekly support sessions.