North Coast & Mid North Coast Region
The North Coast & Mid North Coast region includes coastal centres such as Tweed Heads, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Taree, along with many smaller regional towns. Across these coastal, rural and regional communities, vocational education and training supports people to develop skills and achieve their career goals.
Purchase tickets to the North Coast & Mid North Coast 2026 presentation.
2026 regional finalists and winners
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Coates | Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | TAFE NSW | Boosted Auto Electrical | Tweed River High School |
| Eliza Smith | Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance | TAFE NSW | Indigenous Allied Health Australia | Emmanuel Anglican College |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Coates | Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | TAFE NSW | Boosted Auto Electrical | Tweed River High School |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Cawley | Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology | TAFE NSW | Miedecke Motor Group |
| Amos Colburn | Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead | Essential Energy | Essential Energy |
| Trinity Kachel | Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology | TAFE NSW | Sawtell Kitchens |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Kachel | Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology | TAFE NSW | Sawtell Kitchens |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seth Blair | Certificate III in Information Technology | Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd | St Agnes’ Care and Lifestyle | Newman Senior Technical College |
| Lila Heyman | Certificate II in Community Pharmacy | ACP Training | Southside Pharmacy | Grafton High School |
| Sophie Holmes | Certificate II in Construction Pathways | Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd | Perry Brick and Blocklaying | Newman Senior Technical College |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lila Heyman | Certificate II in Community Pharmacy | ACP Training | Southside Pharmacy | Grafton High School |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | Host Employer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Booth | Certificate IV in Project Management Practice | TAFE NSW | Apprenticeship Careers Australia | Essential Energy |
| Tarryn Cook | Certificate IV in Business | Australian College of Commerce & Management | Coffs Harbour City Council | - |
| Ayla Woolley | Certificate III in Horticulture | TAFE NSW | Natures Decor Garden Centre | - |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | Host Employer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Booth | Certificate IV in Project Management Practice | TAFE NSW | Apprenticeship Careers Australia | Essential Energy |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charli Fowler | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | TAFE NSW | Emmanuel Anglican College |
| Natasha Matic | Certificate II in Cookery | Independent Schools NSW | Kempsey Adventist School |
| Mitchell Stephens | Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation | Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd | Newman Senior Technical College |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charli Fowler | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | TAFE NSW | Emmanuel Anglican College |
| Name | Field of Study | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Shannon Daley | Digital Literacy | BSI Learning |
| Charles James | Hospitality | Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd |
| Nathan Williams | Fitness | NSW Department of Education |
Winner
| Name | Field of Study | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Charles James | Hospitality | Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiara Watts | Certificate III in Individual Support | Coffs Coast Community College | Pillars of Care |
2025 regional winners
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - Joshua Maguire
- Apprentice of the Year - Jake Barlow
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Hailee Frost
- Trainee of the Year - Nicole Shedden
- VET in Schools Student of the Year - Bodhi Perandis
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year - Neil O’Donnell
- Vocational Student of the Year - Numoil Smith
Postcodes covered by this region
Contact details
For more information about the North Coast & Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) Lead:
Damon McCarthy
E: Damon.McCarthy@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0427 155 658
Last modified date
11/06/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
-
Executive director’s business unit
Communication & Engagement