Just rewards for limitless learners

OUTSTANDING students from varying walks of life have been recognised at this year’s Bendigo TAFE Industry Excellence Awards.

Highlights included former police officer and Certificate III in Commercial Cookery graduate Campbell McNair being named Student of the Year, while Certificate IV and Diploma of Community Services student KJ Avers was presented with the Inclusivity and Accessibility Award.

Mr McNair said when he started his course at the age of 50, he was looking for something that would get him back into the community and give him a purpose again.

“Cooking has always been that thing for me,” he reflected.

“What began as a personal healing journey soon became a professional transformation.”

He quickly found himself thriving in the TAFE’s Hargreaves Street commercial kitchens and while the facilities impressed him, it was the people who made the difference.

“The staff were amazing,” he said.

“The teachers brought real industry experience into the classroom, and that made all the difference.”

Now qualified, Mr McNair’s ambitions stretch far beyond Australia’s borders, with the ultimate goal to use his cooking skills to support displaced communities overseas.

“Sometimes there are tens of thousands of people who need food,” he said.

“With my police background and my cookery qualification, I feel I could really contribute if I was deployed into those environments.”

KJ Avers, who initially left school in Year 9, said returning to study at TAFE has been a turning point.

With educators who understood that learning looks different for everyone, she found a place where she could thrive.

“With the correct support in place, I (could) study and reignite that love for learning,” she said.

“Just because it didn’t work the way it does for most people, doesn’t mean I can’t get to where I want to go.

“I just have to go a different way.”

Being recognised for the Inclusivity and Accessibility Award is something she still finds surreal.

“High school me would never believe it,” she reflected.

“It feels like climbing Mount Everest from where I was – going to TAFE has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”