3 April 2025
Student talent was in the spotlight at the South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) Student Awards, held on Monday 31 March at The Hub, in Bentley Technology Park.
The energy was electric as almost 100 guests came together on the ‘night of nights’ for students, with seven award category winners recognised, along with our finalists.
"The Student Awards is an absolute highlight on our calendar and being recognised as a finalist in a category is an extraordinary achievement.
"At this event, we hear the stories of our students and pause to reflect on their dedication and passion in their learning journey, paired with excellent results in their chosen field.”
Darshi Ganeson
SM TAFE Managing Director
SM TAFE General Manager of Organisational Services, Jamie Drew, was MC for the evening. A Welcome to Country was delivered by Noongar elder Robyn Collard, accompanied by her grandson Tryse on the didgeridoo.
SM TAFE Managing Director, Darshi Ganeson, said that the event provided an important platform to recognise the incredible achievements of our apprentices, trainees, and vocational students.
“Creating pathways for lifelong learning is at the heart of what we do at SM TAFE. A special thank you to our lecturers, whose mentorship makes a real difference in the success of our students. Last year alone, we delivered more than ten million student curriculum hours of training to more than 31,500 students.
“The Student Awards is an absolute highlight on our calendar and being recognised as a finalist in a category is an extraordinary achievement. At this event, we hear the stories of our students and pause to reflect on their dedication and passion in their learning journey, paired with excellent results in their chosen field,” Ms Ganeson said.
Congratulations to all our winners, finalists and nominees - you should be proud of your achievements!
2025 SM TAFE Student Awards Winners
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Finalist
Elekana Nai | MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT)
Winner
Adrienne Viti | 52880WA Certificate IV in Leadership and Mentoring
(Pictured left to right)
Apprentice of the Year
Finalist
Ellie Bannister | MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/machining)
Finalist
Jonathon Yates | FBP30521 Certificate III in Baking
Winner
Larni Roberts | SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing
(Pictured left to right)
Culturally Diverse Student of the Year
Winner
Siu Yee (Bena) Chan | SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie
(Pictured left to right: South Metropolitan TAFE Managing Director Darshi Ganeson with Bena Chan)
International Student of the Year
Finalist
Elton Goh I SIT30821 Certificate III in Commercial Cookery I SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management I SIT50422 Diploma of Hospitality Management
Winner
Anna Everdell | CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry
(Pictured left to right)
Trainee of the Year
Finalist
Tully Bennett I Defence Industry Pathways Program
Winner
Sharon Tromp I CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Finalist
Mitchell Gregory I Defence Industry Pathways Program
(Pictured left to right)
VET Delivered to Secondary Student of the Year
Finalist
Bailey Stammers I SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality
Winner
Emily Mulcahy I SIT20322 Certificate II in Hospitality
Finalist
Leeshani Colomba Thanthridge I SIT30522 Certificate III in Events
(Pictured left to right)
Vocational Student of the Year
Finalist
Kayla D’Costa I CHC30221 Certificate III in School Based Education Support
Winner
Bradley Innes I SIT30522 Certificate III in Events I SIT50322 Diploma of Event Management
Finalist
Isabella Miller I SIT30522 Certificate III in Events I SIT50322 Diploma of Event Management
Finalist
Kaylee Toop I SIT30522 Certificate III in Events I SIT50322 Diploma of Event Management
(Pictured left to right)
WA Training Awards
Applications for WA Training Awards close on Friday, 11 April 2025. SM TAFE encourages all students, including our winners and finalists, to apply for the individual categories.
Visit the WA Training Awards website(opens in a new tab) to apply and find out information.
Want to train at SM TAFE?
Be more for a brighter future with SM TAFE. Applications for Semester 2, 2025 open on 29 April 2025.