2025 STAR Award Nominees

Kaine is a fourth year Electrotechnology apprentice who has been studying at Chisholm since 2020. He originally completed a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), before starting his Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician in 2022.

Kaine is well known for his technical expertise, his role modelling and his ability to engage with people at all levels. Throughout his time at Chisholm, Kaine has demonstrated not only exceptional student talent, but also provided fantastic support and mentorship to other peers. During class, Kaine is supportive and trustworthy, often helping and supporting other apprentices who may be struggling in their trade work.

Kaine thrives in a team environment and genuinely enjoys helping others succeed. As a result, he’s seen as a ‘mini’ teacher. Kaine wants people to feel comfortable coming to him with questions and has become a trusted go-to figure among his fellow apprentices.

He shows no hesitation in sharing his knowledge and skills with others, which in turn has boosted his confidence. He’s quickly becoming a standout leader in his field and it’s no surprise that people naturally gravitate towards him. Kaine is also an excellent team player and gives due credence to his peers for their contribution.

As a mentor, he gives feedback in a way that boosts confidence and inspires his peers to do better. His positive attitude is contagious, energising and uplifting those around him.

Beyond technical support, Kaine has helped peers develop effective study habits. Noticing that some classmates struggled with exam preparation, he shared his approach to organising notes, including colour-coding and summarising only the essential information. His methods have helped others feel less overwhelmed and improved their performance significantly.

Faye, 45, became connected with the Loaves and Fishes adult education program through a traineeship opportunity after she had volunteered at the social enterprise for six years.

Loaves and Fishes is dedicated to fighting hunger and strengthening food systems, providing jobs and ensuring every Tasmanian can easily access, cook and eat a nutritious meal every single day.

This opportunity was a turning point in Faye’s journey. She successfully completed a Certificate III in Business through the program, which enabled her to transition into paid employment as an administrative assistant. Faye has since advanced to the role of Warehouse and Logistics Manager, where she oversees operations across Tasmania.

In her managerial role, Faye directly supervises and guides our young trainees as they work toward their own qualifications. She provides hands-on support, helping them develop workplace skills, build confidence, and overcome challenges.

Faye now plays a vital role in mentoring young people in the Loaves and Fishes trainee program. She is an outstanding role model for trainees as they work toward their own qualifications, drawing on her personal journey to inspire and encourage.

Faye is not only a strong leader but also a compassionate and supportive presence in their lives, offering guidance across both professional and personal challenges. She also volunteers with local charities and still gives her time twice a week to Gran’s Van, mentoring others and helping deliver food services to people in need.

Faye’s story powerfully demonstrates the life-changing impact of education, opportunities for leadership, and community support.

Ashlee is a TAFE QLD student currently enrolled in the SEE programme who spends as much time studying as she does mentoring fellow learners.

Ashlee’s commitment to supporting and assisting learners who are new to study and Australia has particularly impressed her teachers. Ashlee has taken new students under her wing, providing them with ongoing mentoring support. Her willingness to share her knowledge and experiences has greatly eased their transition and integration into the learning community.

Ashlee offers personalised guidance, helping new learners navigate challenges and encouraging them to achieve their full potential.

She also actively promotes the value of adult learning, emphasising how it can lead to personal and professional growth. Her enthusiasm and belief in lifelong learning motivate her peers to pursue their educational goals with determination.

Ashlee has faced significant challenges in her own life, having chosen pathways that required her to push herself to change direction. Since joining the SEE program, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in transforming her life.

Her journey of self-improvement and dedication to personal growth serves as a powerful example to her peers, showing that it is never too late to change one’s path and achieve success.

Studying for a Certificate III in Individual Support, Steffi-Lee has been described by her trainers as someone who brings warmth, initiative, and a genuine willingness to support others both in the classroom and during on-the-job training.

Steffi-Lee decided to pursue a career in aged care after her aunt and grandmother had been residents in aged care. Feeling drawn to support others in similar circumstances, she started work in the field and then formalised her skills by completing the Certificate III in Individual Support.

With previous hands-on experience in care work, Steffi-Lee generously shares her knowledge with classmates—guiding them through clinical skills, and manual handling techniques.

Her mentoring of a younger student has led to that learner growing in confidence, stepping outside her comfort zone and now actively pursuing roles in the care sector. Another classmate from a CALD background found in Steffi-Lee a patient and approachable peer who took the time to explain things in a way that made them feel comfortable—a way that made sense. This ultimately supported the student’s transition into employment at Steffi-Lee’s own workplace.

Whether she’s participating in group discussions, lightening the mood as the class ‘icebreaker’ or quietly modelling what dedication looks like by catching up after a missed class, Steffi-Lee consistently lifts the learning experience for others.

Throughout her time studying for a Certificate II in English as an Additional Language (EAL), Liyan has been actively volunteering in Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) classrooms, providing support to both learners and teachers.

Liyan demonstrates exceptional initiative, empathy, and a strong commitment to the success of her peers. Her natural ability to mentor others has made her a trusted and respected figure among learners. She not only assists in the classroom but also takes the time to encourage and guide others outside of scheduled activities.

Her positive attitude and willingness to help have inspired a more collaborative learning environment. Most notably, her leadership has motivated several fellow students to volunteer as well, amplifying her impact well beyond her individual contribution. She has played a key role in building a culture of peer support and engagement within our program.

Dianne joined The Zahra Foundation’s Pathways to Empowerment programs in Term 4 last year. The Zahra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports women impacted by domestic abuse through education. 

Dianne’s lived experience, combined with her respectful and inclusive communication style, creates a safe and inspiring space for other women to grow. Dianne naturally steps into a mentoring role, offering guidance, sharing knowledge, and uplifting those around her, making her a valued and trusted presence in our learning community. 

Dianne’s impact as a mentor is evident in the way other participants gravitate towards her for support, encouragement, and reassurance. She fosters connection and confidence in group settings, often helping quieter participants find their voice and feel seen.  

Her willingness to share her learning journey openly and without judgment, creates a ripple effect, motivating others to pursue their own goals. Dianne’s presence uplifts the group dynamic, and her consistent support of her peers has helped build a strong sense of trust, safety, and shared growth within the learning space. 

While studying library services, Isabella is helping other learners – particularly those who are older or from CALD backgrounds to improve their digital literacy.

Isabella goes above and beyond to help them with freeing up space on their devices, improving their digital security, help navigating government websites, completing online forms, updating their resumes/cover letters and using common online platforms for making life easier.

In doing so, she is always kind, patient and genuinely caring about the digital inclusion of these learners.

If she isn’t familiar with the device or software a learner is using, Isabella will do research to find the best solution and then help the participant solve their own tech issue – encouraging lifelong upskilling.

Studying for a Certificate III in English as an Additional Language (EAL),  Rushaniia is a committed and dependable mentor who leads by example.

Rushaniia is proactive, respectful, and highly supportive, often stepping in to explain concepts or tasks in ways that are clear and accessible to her peers. Her calm demeanour and encouragement put other learners at ease, making her an approachable and trusted mentor.

Rushaniia’s involvement has significantly improved learner confidence and participation, particularly among students who are new to the classroom environment. Teachers have reported that her presence positively influences class dynamics, creating a more inclusive and motivating space for learning.