Darling Downs South West Queensland Training Award winners announced

The quality of the Darling Downs and South West Queensland’s training sector has been celebrated in Toowoomba as part of the regional finals of the Queensland Training Awards last night. 

A total of 11 students, trainers and organisations from the Darling Downs South West region will go onto the State Finals, after being named at the Queensland Training Awards regional finals on Saturday. 

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said Darling Downs and South West Queensland’s high achievers in training had been selected from a quality field of finalists. 

“My congratulations go to each and every regional finalist celebrated across 11 categories,” Mrs D’Ath said. 

“Each of these apprentices, trainees, vocational students, teachers, trainers and organisations should be applauded for their commitment to excellence and supporting quality in training.” 

Mrs D’Ath said all of the finalists had achieved great things in their respective fields. 

“They all deserve the support of their communities for their hard work and commitment to training in the Darling Downs South West region.” 

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year Gemma Hartwig completed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship with Ostwald Bros. She is now employed by Diesel Care and is a passionate advocate for women taking on apprenticeships. 

Mrs D’Ath said the winners would go on to compete in the State Finals on September 1 in Brisbane. 

“It is exciting that the Darling Downs and South West Queensland training sector will be showcased at a state level and I wish our winners all the best for the State Awards,” she said. 

“This annual awards program highlights excellence, best practice and innovation in Queensland’s vocational education and training (VET) sector. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders. 

“The Queensland Training Awards are an important part of this commitment and the Palaszczuk Government’s plan to create jobs now and into the future.” 

For further information on the Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner visit https://training.qld.gov.au/qta/award-ceremonies/gala-dinner 

A full list of the Darling Downs and South West regional winners is listed below. 

A full list of the winners and regional finalists is available at: https://training.qld.gov.au/qta/winners-and-finalists/regions/ddsw-winners-finalists

Media contact:

Minister for Training and Skills:0417 675 917

Department of Education and Training: (07) 3328 6639

The Darling Downs and South West region winners are:

• Gemma Hartwig, Dalby – Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year
• Brianna Allen, Dalby – Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year
• Christina Balletta, Gatton – Vocational Student of the Year
• Chloe Appo, Toowoomba – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year
• Bryce Reithmuller, Oakey – School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year
• Neil Salcedo, Toowoomba – Equity VET Student of the Year
• Anthony Morgan, Toowoomba – VET Teacher or Trainee of the Year
• YWCA, East Toowoomba – Community Training Initiative of the Year
• Toowoomba Regional Council – Large Employer of the Year
• SunPork Farms Tong Park, Warra – Medium Employer of the Year
• ENZED Surat Basin, Chinchilla – Small Employer of the Year