Bundaberg graduates gather to celebrate achievements

More than 70 students from TAFE Queensland's Bundaberg campus—graduating with qualifications in study areas ranging from individual support and beauty to automotive and horticulture—descended on the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport & Convention Centre recently to mark the culmination of all their hard work, and the exciting beginning of their new careers.

TAFE Queensland General Manager for the East Coast region Mark Reilly said the ceremony was an opportunity for students who’d completed their studies in 2024 to acknowledge their accomplishments and celebrate their progression on the path to achieving their career goals.

“Our students have invested a significant amount of time and effort into growing their skills and enhancing their career opportunities, and graduation is their chance to stop and reflect on how far they’ve come, celebrate the results of all their hard work, and look forward to achieving their career goals,” Mr Reilly said.

“As the state’s largest and most trusted training provider, TAFE Queensland changes lives. We help our students to pursue vocations they are truly passionate about, and in turn, they make a vital contribution to the community – from caring for our most vulnerable in times of need and helping our children reach their full potential, to building our homes, maintaining the safety of our cars, and helping us boost our confidence. So for us as an organisation, graduation is an incredibly rewarding time as we get to help our students celebrate and watch as they set out to make great happen,” he said.

“We congratulate all our Bundaberg graduates who have studied with us this year, including the many who were unable to attend last night due to work and family commitments, and can’t wait to see where their journeys lead them.” 

The ceremony was a particularly proud moment for 25-year-old Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) graduate Joshua Santos, who was awarded the 2024 Bundaberg Student of the Year for his dedication to his studies.

Joshua said he was pleasantly surprised by the win.

“I knew there were other students who worked just as hard, so honestly, it slipped my mind as I was completely focused on finishing my certificate. But I am incredibly grateful for this recognition, as it affirms that my efforts have been seen and acknowledged,” Joshua said.

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work I put into the past one-and-a-half years of studying; completing my certificate was already an achievement in itself, but this award feels like the icing on the cake,” he said.

“For me, this recognition is a milestone in my journey toward building a career in the culinary and hospitality industry. It’s both a reminder of the progress I’ve made and an inspiration to keep moving forward.”

A passionate cook, Joshua has enrolled to continue his studies next year at TAFE Queensland’s Mooloolaba campus with a Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422).

“After completing my diploma, I hope to work in restaurants or hotels to gain more hands-on experience and broaden my skills. Ultimately, I aspire to become a pastry chef in the future – that said, I’m keeping an open mind and ready to explore whatever opportunities come my way,” Joshua said.

The graduation ceremony was also a particularly special occasion for TAFE at School Educator Excellence Award winner and cookery teacher Bernice Sildatke, who in addition to being Josh’s teacher, was herself awarded the 2024 Educator of the Year for Bundaberg. Bernice said she was gobsmacked but grateful for the recognition.

“It’s humbling to be recognised when there are so many other educators doing amazing things with and for their students,” Bernice said.

“I’ve always tried to find new and better ways to do things, so to know the students nominated me means everything to me. It means what I’m doing—and my passion for cooking—is being demonstrated in a way they understand,” she said.

“I often think of the impact my teachers at TAFE had on my life, and try to replicate that. Whether they stay in the industry or not, I always try to have leave them with something new they can take with them through life. So to hear that I am to my students what my teachers were to me is an honour.

“Then to see Josh win Student of the Year – I couldn’t have been prouder. I’ve seen all the hard work he’s put in this year, and he truly deserved it.”