The Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE has been honoured with two significant accolades at the Victorian Training Awards, securing the titles of Large Training Provider of the Year and Teacher/Trainer of the Year for 2025. The announcement was made during a visit by Gayle Tierney, the Minister for Skills and TAFE, to the institute’s Echuca campus, where she celebrated its contributions to vocational education and training.
Bendigo Kangan Institute, which combines the resources of Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute, was awarded for demonstrating exceptional performance in delivering vocational education. Serving over 37,000 students annually across nine campuses and four Centres of Excellence, the institute has established more than 450 active industry partnerships. Among its notable programs is a course in battery electric bus safety, part of the Labour Government’s $20 million Zero Emission Bus Trial, which has already trained 1,350 students in electric vehicle skills.
The awards ceremony also recognised Margaret O’Rourke OAM, former Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE, who received the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector award for her dedication to vocational education.
Tarmi A’Vard, a community and justice teacher at the institute, was named Teacher/Trainer of the Year for her innovative initiatives that have improved student outcomes and created new career pathways in the justice sector. Additionally, engineering apprentice Zac Dudderidge was a finalist for the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year, further showcasing the talent nurtured at the institute.
Bendigo Kangan Institute stands out as one of Victoria’s largest training providers, offering a diverse range of courses including English, Indigenous and general education, community services, health and wellbeing, and sustainability at its Echuca campus. Recently, the institute launched a new Learning Hub in Castlemaine, a collaborative effort with local service provider Dhelkaya Health. This facility has been renovated to provide dedicated learning spaces for nursing, aged care, and homecare students.
The institute is also expanding with the development of two new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury, backed by a commitment of $80 million from the Allan Labor Government, slated for completion in 2028.
Minister Tierney emphasised the importance of regional TAFEs in providing accessible vocational education, stating, “Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE is a shining example of Victoria’s world-class TAFEs. We are proud to back regional TAFEs to deliver vocational education across the state, ensuring that all Victorians can access high-quality training close to home.”
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes echoed these sentiments, highlighting the institute’s contributions to local education and career pathways. She remarked, “Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE is a great example of what regional training can achieve – world-class education, passionate teachers, and real pathways for local students.”
The Chair of the Bendigo Kangan Institute Board, Sharan Burrow AC, noted the significance of the award in reflecting the institute’s strategic ambitions and leadership in the sector. “Winning Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year is a powerful endorsement of our scale, innovation, and impact across Victoria,” Burrow stated.
Interim CEO Janelle Arena celebrated the recognition of the institute’s educators and staff, affirming that the award signifies their commitment to delivering inclusive and future-ready training. Arena expressed pride in the achievements of both A’Vard and Dudderidge, stating, “Their accomplishments represent the highest recognition in vocational education, showcasing the excellence of our teaching.”
Overall, the awards reflect Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving workforce.
