Celebrating vocational excellence at Swinburne’s 2024 VET Staff Recognition Awards

The inaugural 2024 VET Staff Recognition Awards celebrated the exceptional contributions of Swinburne’s vocational education staff, who have gone above and beyond to deliver industry-relevant training, support student success and embody Swinburne’s values.

Staff from across departments were recognised for their innovative approaches, commitment to student outcomes, and efforts to foster strong community and industry connections, ensuring that Swinburne’s VET programs continue to lead the way in preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

“Our VET staff are a driving force behind Swinburne’s commitment to innovative, industry-connected education. These awards celebrate their dedication, passion, and the incredible impact they have on our students and communities,” said Madelyn Bolch, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Vocational Education.

Swinburne Values and Behaviours VET Director’s Choice Awards

The Swinburne Values and Behaviours VET Director’s Choice Award recognises individuals from each portfolio who consistently demonstrate Swinburne’s values and behaviours in a positive manner, build trust, enhance collaboration, and create a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovation and excellence within their teams.

(L-R) Michael Watchhorn, Athula Embuldeniya and Madelyn Bolch

Department of Business Design Media and ICT

Athula Embuldeniya, Teaching and Learning Officer 
Athula was recognised for consistently demonstrating Swinburne’s values through his dedication to improving team collaboration and fostering innovation. His achievements include mentoring team members, providing solutions to challenges and building meaningful connections with students and staff.

(L-R) Debbie McLaughlin, Allison Geissel and Madelyn Bolch

Department of Health, Science and Community 

Allison Geissel, Teacher, Early Childhood and Education 
Allison was recognised for developing an innovative delivery model for working learners. Her commitment to building strong sector relationships and supporting traineeships embodies Swinburne’s focus on being future-focused, engaged and empowered.

(L-R) Caryn Phillips, Danielle Ruscitti and Madelyn Bolch

VET Operations 

Danielle Ruscitti, Coordinator, VE Quality and Policy 
Danielle was recognised for her student-focused and collaborative approach. She consistently supports colleagues and exemplifies the values of accountable, empowered and engaged.

(L-R) Louisa Ellum, Jack Blyth and Madelyn Bolch

Pathways and Engagement 

Jack Blyth, Community Inclusion and Pathways Officer 
Jack was recognised for breaking down silos across Swinburne, building connections with industry and communities, and fostering future-focused collaborations. His ability to honour individual contributions and drive meaningful change stood out.

(L-R) Bryan Ornsby, Zbigniew Zablocki and Madelyn Bolch

Department of Trades and Engineering Technologies

Zbigniew Zablocki, Teacher, Advanced Engineering 
Zbigniew was recognised for prioritising student welfare and success by bringing industry connections into the classroom. He continues to drive innovation and build partnerships that benefit students and Swinburne.

(L-R) Peter Sells, Madelyn Bolch, Ninna Calvert, Joanna Humphries, Caitlin Porter and Jack Blyth 

Engagement Award - Community

Empowering School Student Decision Making in Post-Secondary Learning and Career Opportunities  

Ninna Calvert, Caitlin Porter, Olivia McDougall, Jack Blyth, Joanna Humphries​ 
This project was recognised for broadening the horizons of local school students by showcasing Swinburne’s VET programs and campuses. Led by a dedicated team, the initiative inspired young learners to make informed decisions about their education and careers while promoting lifelong learning.

(L-R) Nicholas Monaco, Leanne Caira, Madelyn Bolch, Kulari Lokuge Dona, Lisa Williams, Mahid Rezaie, Samantha Burchett, Dhivyaa Ambikavathi and Simone Berger

Engagement Award - Industry

Global Design Challenge – Learning Across Borders 

KIOSC: Leanne Caira, Thelma-Jean Spence, Dhivyaa Ambikavathi, Simone Berger, Stanley Low, Samantha Burchett, Lisa Williams, Mahdi Rezaie-System, Nicholas Monaco, Shalom Cormaty, Kulari Lokuge Dona, Raunak Oberai 

IT: Lukas Gehrig, John Rankin, Stacey Waters, Pragash Manoharan, Manu Sharma  
The Global Design Challenge was recognised for bringing together 300 students from Victoria and overseas to tackle global challenges through STEM. This innovative program combined theory and hands-on learning, empowering participants to collaborate and develop solutions while advancing professional development for educators.

(L-R) Leanne Caira, Madelyn Bolch, Kulari Lokuge Dona, Lisa Williams, Mahdi Rezaie, Nicholas Monaco, Samantha Burchett, Dhivyaa Ambikavathi and Simone Berger

Engagement Award - Inclusion and Diversity Award

Empowering Indigenous Students with Digital Tools for Regenerative Farming Success

Leanne Caira, Thelma-Jean Spence, Dhivyaa Ambikavathi, Simone Berger, Stanley Low, Samantha Burchett, Lisa Williams, Mahdi Rezaie, Nicholas Monaco, Shalom Cormaty, Kulari Lokuge Dona, Raunak Oberai, (KIOSC), Miranda Madgwick (Moondani Toombadool Centre) Lukas Gehrig, John Rankin, Stacey Waters, Manu Sharma (IT), Pragash Manoharan (LDI) 
This initiative was recognised for its profound impact on over 70 Indigenous learners and their communities. By equipping participants with digital farming skills, the program blended cultural practices with innovation, fostering a new generation of land custodians.

(L-R) Ann Baxter, Louisa Ellum, Madelyn Bolch and Laura Wilkinson

Innovation Excellence – New Program, Initiative

VET Stretch Grants 

Louisa Ellum​, Diana Swift​, Laura Wilkinson 

The VET Stretch Grants were recognised for empowering staff to enhance programs and engage with industry, resulting in improved student outcomes. Over 100 staff participated, leading to more than 500 students benefiting from workshops, career events and revitalised course materials.

(L-R) Roh Singh, Daniel Miller, Alex Welch, Madelyn Bolch, Gino Feola and Ash Reid

Student First Mindset Award 

Electrotechnology VDSS Teaching Team  

Alex Welch, Ash Reid, Daniel Miller, Michael O’Connell, Steven Oldman, Gino Feola 

Certificate II in Electrotechnology is a pre-apprenticeship program that is part of Vocational Education and Training Delivered to School Children (VDSS). The Electrotechnology VDSS Teaching Team was recognised for prioritising student success through initiatives such as peer mentoring for new staff, introducing real-time feedback systems and enhancing communication with schools. These efforts led to significant improvements in retention and completion rates.

(L-R) Kulari Lokuge Dona, Ash Reid and Madelyn Bolch

Teaching Excellence – Emerging Practitioner Award 

Ash Reid, Electrical Teacher, Trades and Engineering Technologies (TET) 

Ash was recognised for his innovative approach to teaching and commitment to professional growth. His efforts to develop new-starter inductions and establish industry connections have enriched Swinburne’s electrical programs.

(L-R) Joanna Humphries, Melinda Jeffery and Madelyn Bolch

VET Leadership Award 

Melinda Jeffery, Senior Educator, Electrical (TET) 
Melinda was recognised for her exceptional leadership in improving operational efficiency and embedding a student-first mindset. Her initiatives include tracking student progress, automating processes and contributing to the development of modern learning spaces.