The Gordon celebrates student achievements

THE Gordon has recognised 19 of its students who achieved top standards and demonstrated exceptional dedication to training, leadership and community engagement.

This year’s Gordon Awards for Excellence were held at the Geelong Arts Centre and included two major awards, three special recognition awards and 14 topic-based awards.

Celebrated in front of a packed theatre, Alicia Martin took out the top honours as Student of the Year, recognised for her achievements while studying the Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural).

Ms Martin started at The Gordon as a mature-aged student, previously serving as a member of Victora Police when a workplace injury forced her to consider new opportunities.

She chose to follow in her father’s footsteps, who worked as an architect/building designer for nearly 60 years.

“From a young age, he instilled a strong appreciation for the built environment in me,” she said.

Ms Martin, who also won the Design Excellence Award, said she has always been creative but found it difficult to channel it successfully, with a deeply analytical personality.

“Building design gives me a creative outlet that has boundaries as I am required to work around strict regulations which require me to tap into my problem solving skills.

“It has given me something I really love to focus on, giving me purpose and direction.”

Horticulturist Simon Berry was awarded Apprentice of the Year for his achievements in studying Certificate III in Parks and Gardens and the Natural Environment and Excellence Award.

Mr Berry had always dreamed of securing ongoing employment at Geelong Botanic Gardens as a horticulturist, a goal he has achieved.

“Horticulture has always been my passion (with an interest in bonsai and Niwaki since my teenage years), so I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of studying under the tutelage of Course coordinator Tony Hughes and John Mitchell, both of whom are a wealth of knowledge and an asset to The Gordon.

“I am still amazed that I get paid to do something I absolutely love. I will be forever thankful to The Gordon.”

The Gordon chief executive officer Joe Ormeno said the awards recognise the commitment and perseverance to succeed.

“To be named a finalist amongst the more than 11,500 students that studied at The Gordon in 2024 is an outstanding achievement.”

“These students, apprentices, and trainees represent the best of The Gordon – a diverse, talented, and determined group of learners who set out to achieve something more.”

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