31 October 2019

Marking its 20th year of operation, the Hunter TAFE Foundation granted 32 deserving students $42,200 worth of awards and scholarships in a formal ceremony at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri yesterday.

Attended by more than 70 members of the Hunter business community, students and their families, the event celebrated the recipients’ resilience, determination and commitment to further education.

All students study at TAFE NSW facilities in the Central Coast, Newcastle, or Hunter region and applied to the Foundation for financial assistance to help them achieve their study goals. Their courses range from certificates to degrees.

Hunter TAFE Foundation president Gary Webb said, “Over the past 20 years the Hunter TAFE Foundation, through the generosity of our donor partners, has helped hundreds of local students to assist them with their TAFE NSW studies.”

“We have made the vocational pathway easier for people no matter what occupation they have in their sights. Many are now key participants in our local workforce, contributing great value to our local economy.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank our donors who have generously contributed over the years and have enabled the Foundation to support hundreds of well-deserving Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast students.

“Together we are making a tremendously valuable contribution to the lives of many who strive towards career success.”

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Marie Larkings said, “Today’s presentation is an exciting and significant occasion with more than 30 students directly benefitting from the generosity of Hunter TAFE Foundation donors and the concerted efforts of the Foundation directors.”

“Being able to access and continue with high quality education and training is a key factor in students securing the job they want and in becoming an active member of the workforce into the future.

Employers look for currency of knowledge and practical, hands-on experience, and that is something I can proudly say TAFE NSW provides.

Established in 2000, the Hunter TAFE Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organisation working with business, education and community leaders committed to supporting education and training at TAFE NSW by helping students achieve their goals. Last financial year it presented over $75,000 in awards and scholarships.

The full list of Semester 2 2019 winners are:

Scholarships

Barker Maritime Scholarship (valued at $10,000)

• Kevin Lambooy – intends to study a Diploma of Maritime Operations at TAFE NSW Newcastle.

Bean Counters Higher Education Scholarship (valued at $2,400)

• Tori Pearson, Belmont, studying a Diploma of Applied Commerce at TAFE NSW Newcastle.

City of Newcastle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship (valued at $500 each)

• Kathleen Avery, Highfields, studying a Certificate III Hospitality at TAFE NSW Hamilton.

• Timothy Pager, Berkeley Vale, studying a Certificate III Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts, TAFE NSW Hunter Street.

Crowne Plaza Scholarship (valued at $1,500)

• Samantha Sims, Cliftleigh, studying a Diploma of Hospitality Management at TAFE NSW Hamilton.

Neville Sawyer Scholarship (valued at $5,000)

• Campbell Scott, Merewether, intends to study Diploma of Project Management, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

Cultural Diversity Scholarship (valued at $500 each)

• Xifeng Wang, Woy Woy, studying Certificate III Individual Support, TAFE NSW Gosford.

• Anna Rankmore, Muswellbrook, studying Advanced Diploma Sound Production, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

• Helen Manour, Raymond Terrace, studying Preliminary spoken and written English, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

• Kyoung Mi Cho, East Gosford, studying Certificate III Individual Support, TAFE NSW Gosford.

• Bec Acopio, Wallsend, studying Certificate III English for further studies.

Sonia Walkom Memorial Scholarship (valued at $1,500)

• Sarah Ralston, Halloran, studying Certificate IV Property Management Services, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

Study Assistance Scholarships (valued at $500 each)

• Pauline Wilson, Lemon Tree Passage, studying Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts, TAFE NSW Hunter Street.

• Grainne Skerritt, Broadmeadow, studying Certificate III in Nail Technology, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

• Fern Martins, Swansea, studying Diploma in Before and After School Care Education, TAFE NSW Glendale.

• Ellie Graham, Edgeworth, studying Certificate II Animal Studies, TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri.

• Olivia Hurstfield, Karuah, studying Certificate III in Event Management, TAFE NSW Hamilton.

• Taylor Forsythe, Killarney Vale, studying Certificate III Business Administration (Medical), TAFE NSW Wyong.

• Thong Dennis, Singleton, studying Certificate III Education Support, TAFE NSW Singleton.

• Karen Adler, Cooks Hill, studying Diploma Visual Arts, TAFE NSW Ourimbah.

Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle Scholarship (valued at $1,000)

• Rhiannon Varley, East Maitland, studying Certificate IV in Disability, TAFE NSW Glendale.
   

Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle Scholarship Highly Commended (valued at $500)

• Nicole Mortimer, Heddon Greta, studying Certificate IV in Disability, TAFE NSW Glendale.

Awards

Bean Counters Achievement Award (valued at $2,900 each)

• Amy Austin, Gwandalan, studying Certificate IV Accounting, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

• Katrina Rees, Ourimbah, studying Certificate IV Accounting, TAFE NSW Ourimbah.

Central Coast Campus Friends Award (valued at $500)

• Tara Duffy, The Entrance, studying Certificate IV Community Services, TAFE NSW Ourimbah.

  Together Today Award (valued at $4,000)

• Brian Kosgei, Jesmond, studying Associate Degree of Applied Engineering (Renewable Energy Technologies), TAFE NSW Newcastle.

Josh Woolfson Memorial Encouragement Award (valued at $500)

• Ben Croaker, Kars Springs, studying Certificate IV Industrial Electronics and Control, TAFE NSW Newcastle.

Foundation Encouragement Award (valued at $500 each)

Adult:

• Lisa Farmer, Umina Beach, studying Diploma of Nursing, TAFE NSW Wyong.

• Jessica Stuart, Narara, studying certificate IV Community Services, TAFE NSW Ourimbah.

Kaiyu:

• Katie Stuart, Green Point, studying Certificate IV Community Services, TAFE NSW Ourimbah.

Youth:

• Rose Antony, Gorokan, studying Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Certificate, TAFE NSW Wyong.

• Enya Savory, Wangi Wangi, studying Certificate IV Preparation certificate, TAFE NSW Wyong.

  Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW offers over 1200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many can be studied online via TAFE Digital, when and where it suits students. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Janelle Kelly, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 4923 7784 or 0417 439 392.