Congratulations to the Tropical North Queensland region's 2024 regional winners and finalists.
The regional final was held on 13 July 2024 at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas.
Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Terrence Casey-Douglas
Qualification: Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Employer: Outdoor Solutions Queensland
Terrence moved from Normanton to Cairns to pursue his passion of creating outdoor spaces that inspire, while playing for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Rugby League. With support from his trainer and employer he has developed his skills and worked as the second-in-charge of a major project in Gordonvale. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, he aims to inspire other through his academic achievements, mentoring, coaching rugby league and roles in community outreach initiatives.
Finalists
Amy Davidson, Certificate III in Hairdressing
Emily Izzard, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
Winner: Georgia Simpson
Qualification: Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care
Training provider: Careers Training Centre
Employer: Rainforestation Nature Park
Georgia moved north to complete a Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, after starting a Bachelors degree in animal science in South Australia, to gain more practical skills as she followed her passion. At Rainforestation, an Indigenous culture and tourism centre, Georgia gained expertise in husbandry and ethical management and developed a new dietary program for the centre's dingoes. Georgia is committed to making a meaningful impact on preserving the planet's biodiversity.
Finalists
Lekoa Richardson, Certificate III in Business
Abbigail Woodfield, Certificate III in Business
Vocational Student of the Year
Winner: Holly Sullivan
Qualification: Certificate III in Carpentry
Training provider: Building Industry Training
Employer: Sullivan Building & Renovation / Creative Design Gardens
At 14, Holly started a school-based landscaping apprenticeship as the first step in a dynamic career. She excelled in her trades and has since completed multiple qualifications including a Certificate IV in Building and Construction where she was the only female in the course. Now a qualified builder after finishing her Certificate III in Carpentry, Holly brought, renovated and sold her first house at just 21 years of age. Holly leads by example and shows the value of forging your own path.
Finalists
Amura Blair, Diploma of Nursing
Ely Simmons, Certificate IV in Fitness
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Winner: Rhonda Woolla
Qualification: Certificate IV in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Response
Training provider: First Response Australia
Employer: Rio Tinto Weipa
From the remote community of Aurukun, Rhonda completed an 18-month emergency support officer traineeship early, moving into a permanent role with Rio Tinto after 9 months. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic and energy earnt recognition in the 2023 Western Cape Training Awards. Rhonda is a Wik and Wik Waya woman and facilitates cultural awareness inductions for new employees on Glencore's Aurukun lease. She is passionate about community engagement and a role model for her community.
Finalists
Terrence Casey-Douglas, Certificate III in Landscape Construction
Chasten Hunter, Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
Winner: Sean Slack
Qualification: Certificate II in Engineering
School: Western Cape College Weipa
Training provider: TAFE Queensland
Group training organisation: MRAEL Limited
Host employer: Rio Tinto Weipa
An ability to overcome challenges, demonstrate initiative, and find excitement in new learning experiences has shaped Sean's journey to a promising future in diesel fitting. The Year 12 student is set to complete a school-based traineeship with Rio Tinto Weipa this year. He has gained hands-on experience with various machinery, mastering maintenance and safety tasks. Sean balances his traineeship, academic commitments, work in his family business, and his personal wellbeing.
Finalists
Tulliah Slater, Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Elyse Van der Reijden, Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Equity Student of the Year
Winner: Leah Garling
Qualification: Certificate I in Workplace Skills
Training provider: Major Training Group
Employer: Centracare FNQ
Leah saw her training pathway as an opportunity to improve her skills and support her community's development. She had to balance the full-time care for her grandchildren with her studies and working at Park Hub Cairns West Community Centre. After completing her traineeship Leah secured a role as a community connect worker at Manoora Neighbourhood Centre and aspires to further her students to build a long term, impactful career in the community service sector.
Finalists
Kyle Lucas, Certificate II in Hospitality
Loretta Seriat, Certificate III in Individual Support
VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year
Winner: Andrew Boothroyd
Employer: TAFE Queensland
With over 30 years experience in design and manufacturing, Andy relied on training to develop his career and now shares his passion for advanced manufacturing with students. Since joining TAFE Queensland in 2021, Andy has incorporated computer-aided technologies into the curriculum and developed content and assessments for a range of engineering qualifications. He helped established the Advanced Manufacturing Centre in Cairns, set up remote access training, and delivers excellent student outcomes.
Finalists
Peter Meyer, TAFE Queensland
Stacy Walters, TAFE Queensland
Community Training Initiative of the Year
Winner: Centacare FNQ
Program name: UpCyclinc
UpCyclinc supports vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised people in Cairns and the wider region. With a focus on inclusivity, it empowers participants to secure jobs and build sustainable careers. More than 400 migrants, refugees, and First Nations job seekers, have been assisted to train and work in sectors such as construction, retail, early childhood and aged care. UpCyclinc's success is evident in its state and national awards and its positive impact on the community.
Finalists
Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation – GMY Ranger Program
Vocational Partnerships Group – Work Skills
Large Employer of the Year
Winner: Quicksilver Group
Founded in 1979, this pioneering Great Barrier Reef tourism operator is one of the region's largest private employers with around 500 employees. Supporting staff training in areas such as diving, engineering, accounting and management, the company is dedicated to fostering a proactive workforce that enhances productivity and improves client relationships. This contributes to Quicksilver's goal of sustainable environmental practices and ongoing conservation for future generations.
Finalist
Rio Tinto Weipa
Medium Employer of the Year
Winner: Mount Peter Early Learning
This boutique long day and education service based in Mount Peter, south of Cairns, supports staff to deliver innovative programs for children and their families through its commitment to professional learning. Along with trainees studying certificate and diploma qualifications and staff completing other required courses, the business organises tailored in-house training with early education specialists and personal learning plans to continue improving the care provided to local children.
Finalists
Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation
Koppens Development
Small Employer of the Year
Winner: Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation
Based in Yarrabah, this registered charity and not-for-profit organisation has grown from one part-time employee in 2016 to 15 people. It's Indigenous ranger program provides meaningful employment with dedicated training and mentoring to grow the community's skills base and empower individuals. Working with TAFE Queensland and other partners, staff and trainee rangers complete a range of qualifications, diver and other training, to care for land and sea country.
Finalists
JAI-MEC Rural Contracting
Outdoor Solutions Queensland
Last updated 13 July 2024
