TAFE justice and community services educator up for top gong

BENDIGO TAFE’s Teacher of the Year, justice and community services educator Tarmi A’Vard, has a chance to go one better in two weeks’ time at the 2025 Victorian Training Awards Gala.

During the event on Friday 19 September it will be revealed whether she takes out the Teacher/Trainer of the Year category, of which she’s one of three finalists.

Student Zac Dudderidge has also been nominated for School-based Apprentice of the Year at the Awards, while Bendigo TAFE has been named a Large Training Provider of the Year finalist.

Ms A’Vard has 20 years of professional experience in roles in adult community corrections, youth justice and Aboriginal co-operatives.

Prior to joining TAFE she taught criminology and criminal justice in the university sector.

She said she believes the success she’s achieved and subsequent finalist nomination stems from the enjoyment she derives from her job.

“I love the team I work with,” she said.

“We go into class and put ourselves out there, especially when we’re talking about some of those real life scenarios that we’ve been in.

“That can take a lot out of us by being there and authentic and showing up, but then we can step back into our team.”

Ms A’Vard said being named Bendigo TAFE’s Teacher of the Year in itself was a “real privilege”.

“I didn’t know that I was nominated so the announcement was a huge shock,” she said.

“(However), it validates the work that I’ve done to create a unique experience for my students.”

In terms of the Victorian Teacher/Trainer of the Year accolade, she said it blows her mind she’s been announced as a finalist.

“(To win) would be fantastic because we’ve also got an apprentice and Bendigo TAFE nominated.

“So, with any luck, we’ll end up with a hat trick.”