The Gordon TAFE has taken out two gongs at the 2025 Victorian Training Awards.
Training and assessment student Shirley Darcy won the Koorie Student of the Year award, while the tertiary institution’s Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) Program received the Industry Collaboration Award.
The Gordon also had two teachers in the running for awards, Chris Dickeson (construction pathways) and Ben Pratt (barbering), both finalists in the Teacher/Trainer of the Year.
Chief executive Joe Ormeno said having two educators finalist for Teacher/Trainer of the Year was “outstanding”, while winning two awards was “an extraordinary achievement for The Gordon and a proud moment for our entire community”.
“(The wins) show the life-changing power of vocational education, from giving students the confidence to reclaim their voice, to shaping the next generation of industry leaders, to building partnerships that transform entire communities,” he said.
“Our winners embody everything The Gordon is about; opportunity, inclusion, and excellence.”
Ms Darcy, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said winning a Victorian Training Award was “incredibly humbling”.
“This journey has been about more than study, it’s been about reclaiming knowledge, building confidence, and giving back to community,” she said.
“I’m proud to represent my mob and inspire others to walk their own path through education.”
Mr Ormeno said the Industry Collaboration Award win highlighted the strength of The Gordon’s partnerships.
“This project shows what can be achieved when TAFE, industry and community organisations come together with purpose,” he said.
“The collaboration is creating genuine pathways for local people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to access training and employment opportunities linked to major infrastructure projects. It’s an example of vocational education at its very best; opening doors and changing lives.”
