TAFE NSW Bathurst student Kirsten Fitzpatrick has been recognised for her academic achievement and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards in Dubbo this week.

Ms Fitzpatrick, who completed a Certificate III in Community Services at TAFE NSW Dubbo in 2018, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year and VET in Schools Student of the Year at a gala awards ceremony at Lazy River Estate.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Kate Baxter, commended the winners for the commitment and dedication they have shown to their studies.

“Kirsten is a positive role model for Aboriginal people and her community,” Ms Baxter said.

“Kirsten demonstrates maturity above and beyond her age and was the first student to complete work experience in a Police Station.

“The awards emphasise TAFE NSW’s commitment to training the workforce leaders of the future when, where and how it suits them.”

TAFE NSW Aboriginal Engagement Officer, Lisa Crawford, said Kirsten was passionate about becoming a police officer.

“As a result of the course, Kirsten has made strong contacts within the police force community and her class mates who are also working towards the same career path.

“Kirsten is now looking to continue her studies in criminal justice and I wish her all the best in achieving her career goals.”

Kirsten said that she was proud to receive the award and encouraged school students who want to get a head start in their careers to consider studying at TAFE NSW.

Students from Orange, Gunnedah, Armidale, Parkes, Bathurst, Lithgow and Dubbo shared the 13 awards that were presented at the ceremony.

TAFE NSW Excellence Award Winners:

• Student of the Year – Holly Bartram, TAFE NSW Armidale

• Agribusiness Student of the Year – Emily Southey, TAFE NSW Armidale

• Apprentice of the Year – Clinton Larkings, TAFE NSW Orange

• Trainee of the Year – Claire Bignell, TAFE NSW Parkes

• Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year – Kirsten Fitzpatrick, TAFE NSW Bathurst

• Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year –Jeremy Kenny, TAFE NSW Lithgow

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award – Holly Bartram, TAFE NSW Armidale

• Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science Student of the Year – Clinton Larkings, TAFE NSW Orange

• Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year – Mark Woodhead, TAFE NSW Dubbo

• Technology and Business Services Student of the Year – Holly Bartram, TAFE NSW Armidale

• Tourism and Experience Services Student of the Year –Lucy Schillert, TAFE NSW Gunnedah

• VET in Schools Student of the Year – Kirsten Fitzpatrick, TAFE NSW Bathurst

• SBATS Student of the Year – Lachlan Carpenter, TAFE NSW Orange

Media contact: Emma Curtis, TAFE NSW Media Officer, (02) 6338 2509, mobile 0427 901 515