The Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE has earned significant recognition within the vocational education sector, securing the title of Victoria’s Large Training Provider of the Year and the Teacher/Trainer of the Year awards for 2025. This achievement was celebrated during a visit from the Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, at the institute’s Echuca campus, highlighting its exceptional contributions to the training landscape.
Bendigo Kangan Institute, which comprises Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute, serves over 37,000 students annually across nine campuses and four Centres of Excellence. The institution has established more than 450 active industry partnerships, facilitating various training programs. Notably, it has developed a course in battery electric bus safety to support the Labor Government’s $20 million Zero Emission Bus Trial, having trained 1,350 students in electric vehicle skills.
Recognized for her dedication to vocational education, former Chair Margaret O’Rourke OAM received the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector award. The 2025 Teacher/Trainer of the Year award went to Tarmi A’Vard, whose innovative teaching methods have notably enhanced applied learning and created new career pathways in the justice sector.
Furthermore, engineering apprentice and student Zac Dudderidge was named a finalist for the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. These recognitions underscore the institute’s commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering talent within the community.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE is one of Victoria’s largest training providers, with a broad range of courses available, including English, Indigenous education, community services, health and wellbeing, and sustainability. Recently, the institute launched a new Learning Hub in Castlemaine, a collaboration with local service provider Dhelkaya Health. This facility has been renovated to include dedicated training spaces for nursing, aged care, and homecare students.
The institute is also set to expand further with the development of two new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury. The Allan Labor Government has pledged $80 million for these new facilities, projected to be operational by 2028.
Minister Gayle Tierney praised the institute, stating, “Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE is a shining example of Victoria’s world-class TAFEs, and it is no surprise that it has won the prestigious Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year award for a second time.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting regional TAFEs, ensuring that high-quality training is accessible to all Victorians.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes echoed this sentiment, noting the significant achievements of Bendigo Kangan Institute in delivering world-class education and real pathways for local students.
Bendigo Kangan Institute Board Chair Sharan Burrow AC acknowledged the recognition as a testament to the institute’s strategic ambitions and leadership in the sector. “Winning Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year reflects the scale, innovation, and impact we’ve delivered across Victoria,” Burrow stated.
Interim CEO Janelle Arena expressed pride in the institute’s accomplishments, emphasizing that the awards celebrate the dedication of its educators and staff. She congratulated Tarmi A’Vard for her award and Zac Dudderidge for his recognition as a finalist, noting that their achievements highlight the excellence in vocational education at Bendigo Kangan Institute.
The recognition from the Victorian Training Awards not only affirms the institute’s leadership but also reinforces its commitment to shaping the future of skills and workforce development in the region.
