In an era where everything can be bought from big name homeware stores, there is a real demand from regional communities for bespoke goods. TAFE NSW students are ensuring they will be equipped to fill this demand by getting experience producing one-of-a-kind designs and developing a point of difference in the production of highly skilled digital and creative works.

More than 80 TAFE NSW students from Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Macksville and Wauchope showcased their end-of-year works in a combined exhibition at the TAFE NSW Port Macquarie Graduates Restaurant last night.

The exhibition included works from Digital and Interactive Games Design, Graphic Design, Screen and Media, Photography and Photo Imaging, Applied Fashion Design and Technology, Aboriginal Headstone programs and Design Fundamentals students.

TAFE NSW Port Macquarie hair and beauty students also showcased their skills at the event by styling models who donned outfits designed by students studying Applied Fashion Design and Technology as part of the practical experience and training their course provides them.

TAFE NSW student Bree Parker is studying a Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design and Technology and designed matching outfits for herself and her service dog to display last night.

“We were tasked with creating an outfit which represents the Great Barrier Reef and I designed bright colourful trousers to wear with a grey blazer along with my dog’s colourful coat which has grey pockets to symbolise the loss of the reef in recent years.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Creative Industries, Lorrae O’Brien said the students were excited to showcase the best of their artistic, technical and creative skills.

“This exhibition is one of the biggest of the year for TAFE NSW creative industries students in the Mid North Coast. It is an opportunity to celebrate what they have achieved from the many hours of hard work, focus and fun throughout their studies.

“Our students come from all walks of life. Some are straight out of school and looking to start a business, others know they need to upskill to keep pace with their peers, and some are looking to reskill and change careers.

“One common thread is that they followed their desire into studying with TAFE NSW to develop their practical skills and knowledge in the industries they are most passionate about.”

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au