General News
5 March, 2026
Apprentices recognised
MORTLAKE and Terang talents have been recognised among the big winners among the South West TAFE graduates and outstanding students of 2025.
The talented cohort was celebrated at the Lighthouse Theatre on Tuesday evening when more than 300 people attended the ceremony to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of 111 graduating diploma students.
The students were from the areas of accounting, beauty, business, community services, conservation and ecosystem management, early childhood education and care, leadership and management and nursing.
The night also included the presentation of the 2025 Outstanding Student Awards, a Deakin University Award and an Industry Collaboration Award.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said the awards night was a fantastic opportunity to recognise the success of the students.
“It was a great evening celebrating our students’ achievements and acknowledging the valuable partnerships we have throughout the region,” he said.
Award winners on the night included Mortlake’s Darcy Hobbs, who was recognised as Apprentice of the Year for his study in electrotechnology.
The Trainee of the Year went to Terang’s Rhys Primrose for his study in school-based education support.
The 2025 Industry Collaboration Award winner was DemoDAIRY Foundation.
Mr Fidge said it was wonderful to hear so many graduating students following their passions and now in employment in their chosen fields or going on to further study.
“It’s great that South West TAFE can play a part in changing people’s lives and leading them on to further study or employment,” he said.