Can you believe we have reached the end of 2025 already? Wow, time flies! 

As we get ready to sign off for the year, we invite you to look back at some of the highlights of our year. 

Join us in celebrating the moments that made us smile, moments that made us proud, moments that made a real impact on our students, staff, partners, and our community. 

Bendigo East Precinct Master Plan

The Bendigo East Precinct Master Plan has progressed. We’ve started planning, and stakeholder engagement is underway to shape the precinct vision.

Carpentry teacher wins big

Apprentice turned Carpentry teacher, Torin Coakley, won Carpentry Educator of the Year at the Victorian Masterbuilders Awards!

Tarmi A'Vard takes Victoria by storm

Community and justice teacher, Tarmi A’Vard won Teacher/Trainer of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards! She was also recognised as runner-up at the Australian Training Awards in Darwin.

Nursing graduate, Taylah Firmer, continues to be a huge inspiration

Diploma of Nursing graduate, Taylah Firmer, was recognised as a finalist at the 7News Young Achiever Awards for Inspirational Student of the Year – having previously won Student of the Year at the Bendigo TAFE Industry Excellence Awards.

Cooking up excellence

Bendigo continues to prove itself as the country’s city of gastronomy with rising stars like Matilda Payne. When she isn’t cooking up excellence at Ms Batterhams, or refining her skills at Bendigo TAFE, she’s off winning medals at the AUS TAFE cooking competition.

Cybersecurity launches in Bendigo

We expanded our cyber and digital offerings, bringing future-ready training to more communities across Victoria. The Certificate III in Cybersecurity was launched this year at our Bendigo city campus, with an influx of talented students who will shake up the tech industry upon completion.

50 years of hairdressing celebrated

We brought the glitz, glamour, red carpet, and spotlights came on for the celebration of 50 years of hairdressing at Bendigo TAFE. Bendigo city campus came alive as we showcased decades of iconic hairstyles, live music, Bendigo stars, and successful alumni – all coming together to celebrate a community of innovative hairdressers and the power of education. 

More women in trades

Through strategic partnerships, we are seeing more women in trades. These projects aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create meaningful, long-term opportunities for women in industries critical to Australia’s future.

Huge partnership helps the Castlemaine community

We launched our brand-new health training facility at Castlemaine Hospital. The Dhelkaya Health and Learning Hub, in partnership with Dhelkaya Health, is being used by Bendigo TAFE students and Dhelkaya Health staff alike, supporting training delivery, graduate nurse development, and will create clear pathways to employment through direct access to placements and jobs in the region’s health sector.

Bendigo TAFE takes the top honour

To wrap it all up in a big bow, Bendigo TAFE was named Australia’s Large Training Provider of the Year at the Australian Training Awards! This award is an amalgamation of all the hard work our students, staff, partners and community have done over the year. 

To our students, thank you for choosing us as your training provider for your skills and career development. To our staff, thank you for your passion and dedication as we embark on this journey. To our partners, thank you for your collaboration, commitment, and expertise in helping deliver high-quality training. To our community, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you, as we continue to drive impact for all of you.

Quotes attributable to Bendigo TAFE CEO Laura Macpherson:

" These initiatives were possible because of the incredible collaboration with our partners, the unwavering support of our community and the dedication of our staff and students.”

“Together, we’re shaping a future where education and skills are accessible, inclusive and changing lives.”