Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (12:30): In Victoria we recognise and celebrate vocational education and training. Each year we acknowledge the excellence in our world-class system with the Victorian Training Awards, the Learn Local Awards and the Wurreker Awards, all held recently. The Victorian Training Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of apprentices, students, teachers, employers and training providers in Victoria’s vocational education and training system. It was inspirational to hear their stories and to acknowledge the people who support them. The Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector award went to Margaret O’Rourke OAM, who has demonstrated excellence in leadership in her 15 years in the sector, including as board chair at Bendigo Kangan Institute. BKI had a great night, winning the Large Training Provider of the Year award, and BKI teacher Tarmi won Teacher/Trainer of the Year. The Learn Local Awards are 19 years strong, recognising the adult community education sector’s contribution to alternative education pathways. Learn Locals operate out of not-for-profit community organisations right across Victoria. Every day they give the community a leg-up by providing low-cost literacy and numeracy and employment pathway courses close to home. I was also proud to attend the 20th annual Wurreker Awards night recently that celebrates First Nations training and the people and organisations who contribute to it. This night highlights how high-quality skills and training can open new pathways for Koori people. I would like to congratulate every winner and finalist for their hard work and thank all the teachers, trainers and supporters who have helped in making their achievements possible.