South Regional TAFE students recognised for 2021 excellence

Great Southern students have been recognised for their excellence at South Regional TAFE’s annual awards for 2021. Walpole resident Sandamali Cooray was named South Regional TAFE female student of the year and also received the cultural diversity training award. The Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care student said she “couldn’t believe it” and started crying when she found out she had won both awards. “I studied many late nights and early in the morning,” Ms Cooray said. “It is hard with my husband as a FIFO worker, then I become the sole carer for my young children, while studying and working a casual job.” Ms Cooray studied online while working at Walpole Family Centre, where she also completed the practical components of her studies. Originally from Sri Lanka, Ms Cooray migrated to Walpole with her two young sons to join her chef husband in 2019. She had worked as a high school teacher in Sri Lanka for 10 years and welcomed the challenge of learning to work with younger children. “I have the opportunity to become an educator and influence children’s lives and new generations, to make a difference,” Ms Cooray said. “I get to learn to provide a quality educational environment and engage with them to provide quality learning opportunities. “If I can help them, if I can be part of making them different, that is very happy for my life.” Ms Cooray is now working full-time at Walpole Family Centre and is continuing her studies with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Albany man Nigel Eades, a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management student, was named Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander student of the year. Manjimup Certificate III in Engineering student Bridgette Milentis won the overall student of the year award.. South Regional TAFE managing director Darshi Ganeson said the students should be proud of their achievements. “The students receiving awards were selected from thousands of students across South Regional TAFE campuses so simply being nominated for an award is a huge accolade,” she said. “It demonstrates to employers and industry that these students have excellent skills and are dedicated to achieving outstanding results.” GREAT SOUTHERN WINNERS Sandamali Cooray — Female student of the year, cultural diversity training award Nigel Eades — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student of the year Jacob Whitton — Great Southern vocational student of the year Dean Benson, Tyler Alexander, Jasper Lemann, Kobi Williams, Levi Clay — Construction training fund awards Lydia Turnbull — Community health and education portfolio student of the year Nathan Baum — Trades, commerce, and environment portfolio student of the year