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NSW Training Awards

Hunter & Central Coast Region

The Hunter & Central Coast region stretches from the coastal communities of Gosford and Wyong to the regional hub of Newcastle and the surrounding Hunter Valley. Connecting coastal cities with regional and rural communities, vocational education and training helps build skills and opportunities across the region.

Purchase tickets to the Hunter & Central Coast 2026 presentation.

View the Hunter & Central Coast Training Awards digital program.

2026 regional finalists and winners

Name Qualification Training Provider Employer School
Kealah BolderyCertificate III in BusinessTAFE NSW Hunter New England Local Health DistrictKotara High School
Andrew DatesCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and CareInternational Child Care CollegeTillys Play and Development Centre-
Malayah HurstCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and CareInternational Child Care CollegeSalamander Child Care Centre-

Winner

NameQualificationTraining ProviderEmployer
Malayah HurstCertificate III in Early Childhood Education and CareInternational Child Care CollegeSalamander Child Care Centre

Name Qualification Training Provider Employer Host Employer
Nicole CliftonCertificate III in Engineering - Mechanical TradeTAFE NSWHunterNet Career ConnectionsRexnord Australia
Callan GerickCertificate III in Engineering - Mechanical TradeZeal Futures LearningMultotec Pty Ltd-
Josh MaherCertificate III in Engineering - Fabrication TradeTAFE NSWZeal FuturesPipe Lining & Coating

Winner

NameQualificationTraining ProviderEmployer
Callan GerickCertificate III in Engineering - Mechanical TradeZeal Futures LearningMultotec Pty Ltd

Name Qualification Training Provider Employer Host Employer School
Chloe HillardCertificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)Maritime & Safety Training NSWHunterNet Career ConnectionsSvitzer AustraliaCallaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus
Katana MagnusCertificate II in Wool HandlingTAFE NSWDe Waal Shearing Pty Ltd-Merriwa Central School
Luke McLennanCertificate III in Commercial CookeryTAFE NSWEttalong Alfresco Brasserie-Brisbane Waters Secondary College - Woy Woy Campus

Winner

NameQualificationTraining ProviderEmployerSchool
Katana MagnusCertificate II in Wool HandlingTAFE NSWDe Waal Shearing Pty LtdMerriwa Central School

Name Qualification Training Provider Employer Host Employer
Tilley MurgatroydCertificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)Maritime & Safety Training NSWHunterNet Career ConnectionsPort Authority of NSW, Port of Newcastle and Svitzer
Seth PoznaksCertificate III in HospitalityQuality College of AustraliaZeal FuturesTamburlaine Organic Wines
Samantha SchickCertificate IV in Human Resource ManagementAustralian College of Commerce & ManagementCatered Supports-

Winner

NameQualificationTraining ProviderEmployerHost Employer
Tilley MurgatroydCertificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)Maritime & Safety Training NSWHunterNet Career ConnectionsPort Authority of NSW, Port of Newcastle and Svitzer

Name Qualification Training Provider Employer School
Zachariah BradyCertificate III in FitnessNSW Department of Education-Wyong High School
Mia De AzevedoCertificate II in HospitalityNSW Department of Education-Kariong Mountains High School
Jacob MerrickCertificate II in in AgricultureCatholic Diocese of Maitland NewcastleNundah Pastoral Pty LtdSt Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton

Winner

NameQualificationTraining ProviderEmployerSchool
Jacob MerrickCertificate II in in AgricultureCatholic Diocese of Maitland NewcastleNundah Pastoral Pty LtdSt Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton

Name Field of Study Employer
Kane BurnsMusic IndustryNSW Department of Education
Angela CoxHospitalityNSW Department of Education
Jordan CrottyScreen & MediaNSW Department of Education

Winner

NameField of StudyEmployer
Kane BurnsMusic IndustryNSW Department of Education

Name Qualification Training Provider Employer
Tyla LowdenDiploma of Early Childhood Education and CareInternational Child Care CollegeOur Place Play School
Stephanie ScanesCertificate IV in Disability SupportARC TrainingThe Disability Trust

Winner

NameQualificationTraining ProviderEmployer
Tyla LowdenDiploma of Early Childhood Education and CareInternational Child Care CollegeOur Place Play School
2026 Hunter and Central Coast Regional Sponsors logos 2026 Hunter and Central Coast Regional Sponsors logos

2025 regional winners

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - James Barry
  • Apprentice of the Year - Isla Johnston
  • School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Lily Rance
  • Trainee of the Year - Lauren McKewen
  • VET in Schools Student of the Year - Esteban Cervera
  • VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year - Zae Greenwood
  • Vocational Student of the Year - Cathy Burke


Postcodes covered by this region

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Contact details

For more information about the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Training Awards, please contact:

Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) Lead:
Jenna Doherty
E: jenna.doherty2@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0423 037 920

RLO Support:
Amber Edmonds
E: Amber.Edmonds3@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0477 746 806

Category:

  • Skills
  • VET

Topics:

  • VET

Business Unit:

  • Training Services
Page details

Last modified date
11/06/2026
Business unit contact email
nsw.trainingawards@det.nsw.edu.au
Executive director
-
Executive director’s business unit
Communication & Engagement
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