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State Medal Award Winners

Sally Andrews

Sally Andrews TAFE NSW State Medal winner, Sydney Institute
Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy, Sutherland College – Gymea Campus
State Medal winner

Initially studying a Bachelor of Education at university, Sally realised this wasn’t the path for her and embarked on an apprenticeship at her local beauty salon. After being recommended to study at Gymea College by her colleagues, Sally enrolled in the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy.

“In my career, I have clients who ask me a variety of health and beauty related questions. TAFE provided me with the most up to date knowledge on health and beauty practices and I can now confidently relay this technical information back to my clients and give them advice.”

Arman Hossain

Photograph of Arman Hossain, Diploma of IT (Project Management) TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Information Technology (Project Management), St. George College
State Medal winner


Arman chose to study the Diploma in IT Project Management to formalise his industry knowledge and skills and he topped the state in the course.

“Previously I hadn’t had much exposure to the methodology of IT project management. I had experience in the workplace but no formal qualification.”

He’s already found his studies to be helpful in job interviews and they helped him to win his current role as a solution designer. In the future he’d like to become a senior solutions architect in a networking company.

Gemma E. Davis

Photograph of Gemma E. Davis, Advanced Diploma Fashion Design, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Gemma had always enjoyed arts, crafts and sewing, so studying fashion was a natural step for her. Her research found that Ultimo had the most highly recognised course in Australia.

“It was a very intense course – it took over my whole life for three years. You really had to push yourself – but you learnt so much because of that.”

“Now I’m working for Dion Lee – I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It came about through TAFE – Dion emailed the pattern-making teachers and asked for someone to work on a part-time basis.” Gemma’s ultimate goal is to become head designer of an Australian fashion label.

Han Yu

Photograph of Han Yu, Diploma of Lab Technology (Pathology) TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology), Ultimo College
State Medal Winner


Yu enrolled at TAFE in 2007 after arriving in Australia from China. He found the course provided the theory and practical skills essential in the workplace.

“In my class I learnt a lot of theories about pathology testing as well as technical skills in different areas such as histology, microbiology, clinical chemistry and haematology. This equipped me with both knowledge and hands-on skills which were valued by employers. The practical classes were very useful – it’s a technical job so we need to practise the skills. I learnt a lot this way. I’d like to thank my teachers and the technical staff – I couldn’t have done it without them!”

Yu was offered a trainee position at St George Hospital at the end of semester 3 and he now works as a technical officer in the histology laboratory at the Department of Forensic Medicine.

Alana Emblen

Photograph of Alana Emblen, Diploma of Events, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Events, Sutherland College – Loftus Campus
State Medal winner


After speaking to several Loftus graduates and the event management teachers, Alana decided the Diploma of Events course was for her. Alana started her studies while working full time. Initially starting as a coordinator and was quickly promoted to Events Marketing Manager. Alana attributes her career success to her time at TAFE:

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without studying the Diploma of Events course. It has led me to a fantastic job, where I get to set up events in Sydney and abroad. It’s wonderful to be part of such a creative industry.”

James Eagle

Photograph of James Eagle, Diploma HVAC Refrigeration Engineering, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of HVAC – Refrigeration Engineering, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Having already completed a Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, , James enrolled in the Diploma of HVAC – Refrigeration course at Ultimo College after hearing it was the best in the country from industry contacts.

“I found studying at TAFE an excellent experience. Our instructor provided a very effective, practical and engaging course and the fact that it is delivered online is world class.”

“The success of my training can be attributed to the extensive industry knowledge of my teacher as well as the time and effort he put into the delivery of the course. The course has already advanced my career exponentially.”

Apple Lee

Photograph of Apple Lee, Diploma of Ceramics, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Ceramics, Sutherland College – Gymea
State Medal winner


Apple has always been interested in design and moving from Hong Kong to Australia gave her the impetus to follow her passion. After encouragement from her husband and plenty of research, Apple enrolled in the Diploma of Ceramics at Sutherland College, Gymea Campus.

“I loved the creative environment of the classroom where teachers and students worked closely together, sharing ideas and problem-solving.”

“We spent a lot of time learning how to manage our projects and time independently. It was very challenging but rewarding to know you can succeed on your own.”

Paula Borges

Photograph of Paula Borges, Diploma of Interior Design & Decoration, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration, Design Centre Enmore
State Medal winner


Ever since she was a teenager Paula knew she wanted to do design but was nervous about leaving her high-flying job in the corporate world.

“I went to the end-of-year exhibition, which blew me away, and read about the long list of successful graduates and the teachers’ industry experience. In the end it was the knowledge that I would be studying at one of the very best design centres in Australia that made me decide to take a huge risk and leave work for fulltime study.”

“Completing the interior design course has completely changed my professional and personal life. It has given me the opportunity to make lasting friendships with like-minded people which means that I have a network I can call on in the future.”

John Chaplin

Photograph of John Chaplin, Diploma of Screen and Media, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Screen and Media, Randwick College
State Medal winner


John is a musician by trade and he has completed a Bachelor in History and Film Studies at university. However, wanting to gain practical experience that was not part of the course, he enrolled in the Diploma of Screen and Media at Randwick College.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of the networking opportunities given to students at TAFE. We gained practical experience at TV and film production houses which was amazing. Many of us ended up with extra work experience on set and even paid work. These Industry links are invaluable. There is no way I would have ever had the opportunity to meet these professionals on my own. It’s just incredible for your future career prospects.”

William C. Carvalho

Photograph of William Carvalho, Cert III Auto (Vehicle Painting) TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Certificate III Automotive Vehicle Body (Specialising in Vehicle Painting), Ultimo College
State Medal winner


William has always been passionate about cars and motorbikes, so when an opportunity arose to start a mechanics apprenticeship and study at TAFE, he jumped at the chance.

“I really enjoyed my studies at TAFE. The environment was really easy going, the teachers were like one of the boys but still professionals. They knew what they were talking about, were very approachable yet at the same time they instilled discipline to make sure you got the best out of the course.”

“The course provided me with the knowledge and skills to work across the industry – from repairer to custom painter, even an industrial painter working on trains!"

Denise Nath

Photograph of Denise Nath, Diploma Lab technology (Food Testing), TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food Testing), Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Denise came to Australia from Fiji in 2008 specifically to study food testing as there was no specialisation available in Fiji. Denise found the experience of studying challenging but ultimately rewarding, especially when she found out she’d come first in the state.

“It’s helped me to specialise. Before I was just a laboratory technician so it’s allowed me to follow my interest. It’s allowed me to diagnose more problems in the food industry with my analytical skills.”

Anne Robson

Photograph of Ann Robson, Advanced Diploma Sustainable Building Design, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Advanced Diploma of Sustainable Building Design, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Always fascinated by buildings, Anne is now studying architecture at Newcastle University where recognition for her TAFE studies has shortened her degree by a year.

“Studying at TAFE was really good, challenging and fun. You know the knowledge and skills you gain at TAFE are going to better prepare you for the workforce compared to university. And the strong relationship that TAFE has with industry gave students the chance to do work experience with major construction companies leading to employment opportunities.”

“The learning environment at TAFE is more intimate and hands on so you receive so much more knowledge and inspiration from these teachers.”

After graduating from university, Anne plans to travel the world and settle in Hong Kong to work in residential sustainable building design.

Audrey Toth

Photograph of Audrey Toth, Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacturing, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacturing, Design Centre Enmore
State Medal winner


Audrey’s goal was to pursue a career working hands-on. She chose the challenging, typically male-dominated, area of gem setting. As an apprentice, she studied Jewellery Manufacturing, impressing her teachers with her dedication and talents, showcased in hand-crafted pieces that employed new techniques with astounding results.

“My course set me on my way, giving me a sense of direction for my future. The skills and techniques I learnt are the core fundamentals of my trade. They complimented what I wanted to do. I feel they could take me around the world or be used in any environment. My aim is to manage my own business where I can provide the service of exceptional skills to all craft tradesmen and women”

Tao Song

Photograph of Tao Song, Advanced Diploma of Structural Engineering, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Advanced Diploma of Structural Engineering, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Having previously trained in mechanical engineering, Tao moved to Australia from China in 2007 and wanted to find a new career in a similar field. He chose Structural Engineering as a pathway to university, and is now studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering Architecture at UNSW.

“I enjoyed the course and made lots of friends from all ages and backgrounds. I really appreciated the group work and learning opportunities given to us outside of the classroom. The learning environment provided a practical approach and the teachers were very knowledgeable and professional.”

“In the future I would like to work as a structural engineer on large scale projects such as bridges, stadiums and transport networks.”

Kaoru Rogers

Photograph of Kaoru Rogers, Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design, Design Centre Enmore
State Medal winner


Before moving to Australia Kaoru had a successful advertising career in Japan and Hawaii but starting a family prompted her to consider a career change. Initially looking for a textile course to extend her local craft business, she changed direction after attending the Design Centre Enmore open day.

“I was blown away by the jewellery and object design on display and the facilities. “After three years of hard work I have walked away from the course with much more than I ever anticipated.”

“Jewellery making is such an in-depth skill and it takes years to master – the teachers’ encouragement and knowledge is invaluable. I can now combine my marketing background with my new found creative skills to create employment for myself while still being able to focus on my young family.

Kelly Smith-Holbourn

Photograph of Kelly Smith-Holbourn, Diploma of IT(Website Development)TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Information Technology (Website Development), Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Moving to Australia in 2009 and her partner’s encouragement prompted Kelly to return to study at Ultimo College. Combining her interest in websites and her past experience in the not-for-profit sector, she enrolled in the Diploma of Information Technology (Website Development).

“The IT department is close-knit and supportive. I give the teachers a lot of credit for juggling the different experience levels of the students in each class. TAFE can be useful for professionals as well as kids out of high school, and the teachers put in effort to keep all the students interested.”

”The same job ads that were wishful thinking for me two years ago are now a great fit for me."

Corrinne Turton

Photograph of Corrinne Turton, Advanced Diploma of Property (Valuation), TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Advanced Diploma of Property (Valuation), Ultimo College
State Medal winner

After running a successful tourism business in the USA, Corinne decided to change her career and pursue her interest in the property industry when returning home to Australia. For Corrine, the highlight of her studies was her work-experience placement as well as meeting other students who were changing careers or updating their skills in the property industry.

“As a mature age student, returning to study at TAFE provided me with a friendly and stimulating learning environment with responsive, interested teachers. The course has helped me change my direction and given me the foundations to set up a career in the valuation industry.”

Anne Sullivan

Photograph of Anne Sullivan, Diploma of Library and Information Services,TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Library and Information Services, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Anne completed her course while working full-time, so she found the flexible study hours a great advantage. She is now confident of making a career change and looks set to gain her dream job in the industry very soon. Anne has also been accepted into university to study a Bachelor of Information Studies.

“The course confirmed my choice of career. TAFE allowed me to change my career and find my direction. Having completed the diploma and the degree I’ll be much more employable because as well as the theory I’ll have the practical and technical skills required by the industry.”

Funglie Yuliana Sim

Photograph of Funglie Sim,Diploma of Hairdressing Salon Management,  TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Diploma of Hairdressing Salon Management, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Funglie really enjoyed the practical skills she learnt at TAFE and excelled in her course, gaining the top mark in the state for the Diploma of Hairdressing Salon Management. She found the teaching staff encouraged her on her journey to achieve that:

“I enjoyed the way they teach. It was very clear and encouraging, and they guide you to do your own research and help you. I always wanted to do more and the teachers stretch you and help you achieve.”

Chinnawat Pama

Photograph of Chinnawat Pama, Advanced Diploma of Electronic Technology, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Advanced Diploma of Electronic Technology, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Chinnawat was very excited to have topped the state in the Advanced Diploma of Electronic Technology, having only arrived in Australia from Thailand three years ago with limited English:

“I had no idea I’d win – there was such strong competition – my family were quite happy because I’ve only been here three years.”

Encouraged by his excellent results, he now wants to apply to the University of New South Wales to study Telecommunications and Engineering. In future Chinnawat would like to be working in the field of engineering “contributing to Australia – this is my new home.”

Narelda J. Sheehan

Narelda Sheehan, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Certificate IV in Design, Design Centre Enmore
State Medal winner


Narelda decided chose Design Centre Enmore to pursue her creative passions after an unfulfilling career as a veterinary nurse.

“It was a fabulous experience. I was part of a great class of talented and supportive people with whom I have remained friends. DCE is a creative hub with the very best facilities and teachers. There is so much creative stimulation on campus. I feel very lucky to have been part of such a beautiful environment.”

Upon graduation, Narelda was accepted for a course at the National institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), saying she would not have applied “without the encouragement and confidence instilled in me by my teacher.”

Narelda plans to become a costume art finisher for the theatre, opera and ballet and hopes to work all over the world.

Philip Pidgeon

Phillip Pidgeon, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Certificate III in Electotechnology (Systems Electrician), Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Having previously worked in real estate, Philip started an apprenticeship at Energy Australia and studied the Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician) one day a week. He found the atmosphere in class competitive but motivating. Philip is now looking forward to furthering his studies with an Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering and to hopefully specialise in the growing field of renewable energy.

“There’s a lot going on in the industry – there’s lots of innovation happening with climate change, debates about nuclear energy, advances in efficiency, solar energy, renewable energy and so on."

Jsaon Freame

Certificate IV in Electrotechnology (Systems Electrician), Ultimo College
State Medal Winner


Currently working for Energy Australia, returning to study after ten years out of school was a challenge for Jason but he enjoyed the journey so much that he is now aiming towards the Advanced Diploma with the goal of an engineering job at the end of it.

”Winning the State Medal was a bit of a shock. I told my wife and she was very proud.”

Matthew McMartin

Matthew McMartin, TAFE NSW State Medal winner
Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing, Ultimo College
State Medal winner


Matthew found out about the conveyancing course when studying the Diploma of Real Estate and it seemed a natural progression for him. Matthew had been working towards a Distinction but to win the State Medal really exceeded his expectations. He found the teachers a great support in his studies.

“The unique thing about TAFE is that every teacher has their own teaching style. They were really interested in us. They were always available, giving us information and practising what they preach.

“In the future I see myself working in property management or conveyancing. That’s the beauty of my course – it leaves my options open.”

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For media enquiries please contact our Media Officer on phone: (02) 9217 3358 or email si.media (AT) tafensw.edu.au

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