FedTAFE students win at BAPS awards

TOP rural achievers in the region were celebrated at a gala dinner last month with students from Federation TAFE making up fifteen of the twenty-two nominations.

Known as the Ballarat Rural Achiever Awards, the trade and skill learning institution had three winners and two runners in the award’s seven categories that recognise the achievements of local rural workers and producers.

Federation TAFE agriculture teacher Chris Wright said the high number of nominees was a reflection of his organisation’s commitment the farming sector.

“To have so many Federation TAFE students in the running for the awards is a powerful demonstration of our commitment to agricultural training within the Ballarat region and beyond,” he said.

“The future of local agriculture is in safe hands.”

Run by the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, it was the first time the local Rural Achiever Awards have been run since 2017 with prize money ranging from $50 to $1000.

Studying a Certificate IV in Agriculture, Jessica White won the W&D Finance Tertiary Agricultural student of the Year, while Certificate III in Agriculture student Nash Jones took out the Peter Stevens Motorworld and District Agricultural Apprentice of the Year, with Emily Hicks a runner up in the category.

Tyla Armeni was named Ballarat Agricultural Society Rising Star, and Certificate II VETDSS student Rhys Pollock took home second prize as CVLX Agriculture Secondary Student of the Year.

Applicants for the awards have to live within 100 kilometres of Ballarat and be studying or working in the rural sector.

“To be named agricultural tertiary student of the year feels pretty good actually,” said Ms White.

“I am proud and honoured. I’m currently working as a registered nurse, not in agriculture at all, but it’s always been a passion.

“I’d like to become an agronomist and improve my knowledge of maintaining soil health and environmental sustainability.”