Wednesday, 30 August 2023

Barbara Muller

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (09:39): Last week I was thrilled to see the success of Barb Muller, the 2023 Victorian Vocational Student of the Year. Barb has always said that age should be no barrier, and she is living proof of that. At 50 years old, a single mum raising three kids, she has shown you can follow your dreams no matter what your age. I have known Barb for a number of years, from when I was a teacher. I have taught her kids, and I know that she is a very hard worker and a studious person. She is always kind and generous and is known for that in the community. That is the reason why Barb was acknowledged as Victorian Vocational Student of the Year.

During her course, particularly in her final year, she mentored second- and first-year students when one of the teachers left the course for about three or four months. She stepped into the void and helped them out by mentoring them, training them and ensuring that they got through their assessment tasks. Apart from being the 2023 Vocational Student of the Year, Barb also received the People’s Choice Award and Federation TAFE’s EJT Tippett Outstanding Achievement Award, which was amazing as well.

I know that Barb has had a very difficult journey to get to this point, and I want to acknowledge that, despite all the challenges, she has got through that. She is wanting to start her own business – she has just finished her course in design. I cannot wait to see Barb out there drafting buildings, seeing what they look like and contributing to the community. Well done, Barb. We acknowledge you and your hard work. Congratulations and well done.