Marking its 20th year of operation, today the Hunter TAFE Foundation granted 23 deserving students $17,500 worth of awards and scholarships in a formal ceremony at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri.

Attended by more than 70 members of the Hunter business community, students and their families, the event celebrated the recipients’ resilience, determination and commitment to further education.

All students study at TAFE NSW facilities in the Hunter or Central Coast region and applied to the Foundation for financial assistance to help them achieve their study goals. Their courses range from Certificates to Diplomas.

Hunter TAFE Foundation president Gary Webb said, “Over the past 20 years the Hunter TAFE Foundation, through the generosity of our donor partners, has contributed significant financial assistance to local students to assist them with their TAFE NSW studies.”

“We have made the vocational pathway easier for hundreds of people with all manner of occupations in their sight. Many are now key participants in our local workforce, contributing great value to our local economy.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank our donors who have generously contributed over the years and have enabled the Foundation to support hundreds of well-deserving Hunter and Central Coast students.

“Together we are making a tremendously valuable contribution to the lives of many who strive towards career success.”

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Susie George said, “Today’s presentation is a particularly poignant occasion. We have witnessed almost two dozen students who will directly benefit from the generosity of Hunter TAFE Foundation donors and the concerted efforts of the Foundation directors.”

“It is wonderful to hear about what a difference the awards and scholarships will make to these students.

“Being able to access and continue with high quality education and training is a key factor in students securing a solid job and becoming an effective member of today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. Employers look for currency of knowledge and practical, hands-on experience, and that is something I can proudly say TAFE NSW provides.

“On behalf of TAFE NSW, I would like to express our gratitude to all the donors and sponsors of the Hunter TAFE Foundation awards and scholarships. We are looking forward to continuing to work with you to enrich the lives of the students you want to encourage and support.”

Established in 2000, the Hunter TAFE Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organisation working with business, education and community leaders committed to supporting education and training at TAFE NSW by helping students achieve their goals. Last financial year it presented over $75,000 in awards and scholarships.

The full list of winners are:

Scholarships

Bean Counters Higher Education Scholarship (valued at $2,400)

• Leandro Bertero, Lakelands - Diploma of Applied Commerce at TAFE NSW Newcastle

Mining Electrical and Mining Mechanical Engineering Society Scholarship (valued at $2,000 each)

• Krystal Hickey, Paxton - TAFE NSW Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology at TAFE NSW Muswellbrook

• Oliver Davidson, Mount Hutton - TAFE NSW Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Glendale

Sonia Walkom Memorial Scholarship (valued at $1,500)

• Leon Ryder, Mayfield - Certificate IV in Property Management Services at TAFE NSW Newcastle

City of Newcastle Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship (valued at $500)

• Lynelle Elliott, Woy Woy - Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW Newcastle

Study Assistance Scholarships (valued at $500 each)

• Caroline Ball, Metford - Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Megan Burley, Waratah - Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Macayla Conners, Aberglasslyn - Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at TAFE NSW Scone

• Alexandra Pearce, Kurri Kurri - Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Michelle Schlig, Niagara Park - Certificate IV in Laboratory Technologies at TAFE NSW Ourimbah

Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle Scholarship (valued at $500)

• Jennifer Eze, Maryland - Certificate IV in Ageing Support at TAFE NSW Glendale

Awards

Bean Counters Achievement Award (valued at $500)

• Renda Mruwey, Waratah - Certificate IV in Accounting or Bookkeeping at TAFE NSW Newcastle

Foundation Encouragement Award (valued at $500 each)

• Amina Bi, San Remo - Diploma of Community Services at TAFE NSW Ourimbah

• Nicole Ramsay, Adamstown Heights - Certificate IV in Marketing and Communications at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Anna Bailey, Aberglasslyn - Certificate III in Travel from TAFE NSW Hamilton

• Ellen Starrett, Merewether - Diploma of Marketing and Communications at TAFE NSW Hamilton

• Chantelle Thomas, Morriset - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at TAFE NSW Wyong

• Isobel Heffernan, Hamlyn Terrace - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at TAFE NSW Wyong

• Brenna Smith, Bolton Point - Diploma of Marketing and Communications at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Ashlee Vernon, The Entrance North - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at TAFE NSW Wyong

• Lily Rees, Islington - Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Bianca Racsits, Caves Beach - Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle

• Jye Fawaz, Wattanobbi - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation at TAFE NSW Wyong

Australia’s largest training provider, TAFE NSW offers over 1200 courses, from certificates to degrees. Many can be studied online via TAFE Digital, when and where it suits students. Visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.