TAFE NSW Maitland, joinery, painting, decorating and signage students, have been awarded Best Decoration, Eco-Friendly Design and Most Original Award at the 2019 TAFE NSW Doghouse Challenge.

Now in its fifteenth year, the competition saw seven teams compete against each other and the clock to construct their uniquely designed flat pack doghouses for RSPCA NSW at Bunnings Warehouse Gregory Hills on Friday 15 November.

Using material provided by Bunnings Warehouse, the team of students from TAFE NSW Maitland worked tirelessly in the lead up to the challenge to design, construct and decorate the winning doghouse, which was donated to the RSPCA for the animals in care to enjoy.

Benjamin Mariswamy, who is studying Certificate III in Painting and Decorating at TAFE NSW Maitland, said being a part of the TAFE NSW Doghouse Challenge has been a wonderful experience.

“It’s really rewarding to be able to use the painting skills I’ve been learning at TAFE NSW to create something that is going to help dogs in care at RSPCAs around the state.

“Creating the doghouses really was a team effort, with students studying the Certificate I and II in Joinery putting together the foundations and my fellow painting and decorating students bringing it to life.” said Mr Mariswamy. 

Bunnings Warehouse Gregory Hills Operations Manager, Lisa Block said, “The TAFE NSW Doghouse Challenge was fun for all involved and Bunnings Gregory Hills was pleased to donate materials for the event.

“We hope the lucky recipients of the doghouses enjoy their new homes.”

RSPCA NSW Training and Outreach Officer, Adam Farrugia said the event is a wonderful initiative and the doghouses that the TAFE NSW students created are exceptional.

“The TAFE NSW Doghouse Challenge is a great event we are happy to be involved with and the dogs enjoy the colourful creations that brighten up their time in our care.” said Mr Farrugia.

Full list of winning teams include:

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media Officer, emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au or 0412 478 415