Shannyn Martin, South West TAFE’s Executive Manager of Corporate Services, began her presentation by
congratulating the apprentices on their awards and thanking RCWE for the long-term association with SWTAFE. She
stated that the exciting thing about TAFE was its ability to change lives.
Focussing on highlights of 2022, Shannyn went on to mention:-
# Caitlyn Cook, a former Diploma of Nursing student who was recognised as Vocational Student of the Year;
# Rebecca Toleman, an Agriculture Teacher at SWTAFE, who was recognised as Teacher/Trainer of the Year in
Victoria, and Runner Up at National Level;
# the opening of the $20M Library and Learning Centre, a joint SWTAFE, Warrnambool City Council, Victorian
Government project;
# the last minute pre-election announcement of a “tech school” for Warrnambool, emphasising that it was not an
old-style tech school, but a modern one developing technology skills such as robotics and 3D printing;
# a $5M grant to develop the Deakin Campus, which is bursting at the seams, including a civil construction training
area;
# completion of a $2M refurbishment at the Glenormiston Campus;
# a $4.9M refurbishment of F Block which fronts Merri Street.
Shannyn concluded by noting that while much had been achieved, there was still a lot more to do.
Chairman Bill thanked Shannyn for her presentation, and noted that her $30 would go to the Alana Rose Foundation.