​​High-Flyers: Queensland’s Youngest Aviation Talent Recognised​

• Top teachers and trainees in Queensland’s aviation training industry recognised across 14 categories.  ​
• Distance Education Student, Penny Colyer, wins Future Aerospace Award despite living away from aviation hubs. 
• ​Crisafulli Government delivering a fresh start for Queensland and addressing Labor’s skills shortage by restoring confidence in the State’s vocational training system. 

​​The Crisafulli Government is recognising high-flyers in Queensland’s aviation training sector who have been honoured today at the Aviation Australia 2025 Aerospace Industry Education Awards.  

​More than 40 finalists - both students and teachers from around Queensland were honoured in fourteen categories, including academic achievement, leadership, innovation, and teaching excellence in aerospace education. 

​Winners received a variety of prizes, some including ‘behind the scenes’ tours and mentoring from industry partners, gift cards, scholarships and trophies or certificates recognising their achievements.   

​Training opportunities are taking off again, after a decade of turbulence under Labor where the skills gap widened at the same time as demand for skilled workers soared. 

​The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland by rebuilding vocational training from the ground up, helping secure a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.  

​Iona College student Hayden Hookham received the 2025 Young Aviator Award, recognising his passion for aviation and an understanding of safety culture within the sector.  

​A finalist in three categories at the 2025 Awards, the judging panel said Hayden demonstrated strong leadership qualities while also reporting on the changes the industry has faced because of increased competition generated by the rise of low-cost carriers. 

​Living far from key aerospace hubs has not stemmed Penny Colyer’s passion for aviation, with the distance education student a co-winner of the 2025 Future Aerospace Award, alongside Marsden State High School student Faith Enoka.  

​The Year 10 student studies with the Capricornia School of Distance Education, while also attending Moura State High School in Central Queensland.  

​Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates said the awards celebrated those who go above and beyond in Queensland’s aviation training system.  

​“The Aerospace Industry Education Awards shine a light on the people who have led the way as exceptional teachers or stepped up to overcome challenges in their training,” Minister Bates said.  

​“The commitment shown by Hayden, Faith, and Penny – and all the winners – to their training shows the future of Queensland’s aviation industry is in safe hands.  

​“The winners across all fourteen categories have emerged not only as role models in their communities but as a key part of the skilled workforce who will build a better lifestyle for Queenslanders, through a stronger economy.  

​“The Crisafulli Government is Delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland by restoring confidence in training by backing apprentices, trainees, and training providers to deliver results – and the winners are proof our focus is helping more people gain qualifications which will lead to a job. 

​“Once again, congratulations to all winners and finalists at the 2025 Aerospace Industry Education Awards.” 

​CEO Glenn Ryan AM said the Awards shine a spotlight on students, educators and schools participating in the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools project (AGISP) who are paving the way for Australia’s future aviation and aerospace workforce.  

​“We are exceptionally proud of our diverse talent as well as their passion and enthusiasm to play a role in the future of Australia’s dynamic aerospace sector,” said Mr Ryan. 

​“Each year we see more and more young people embracing aviation and aerospace as a career pathway and this year is no exception.” 

​”We are grateful to our educators, schools and the industry who partner with us to champion this project. Together we’re building exciting aviation pathways that connect learning with real industry outcomes.” 

​Aviation Australia is a subsidiary of TAFE Queensland and proudly hosts the Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools project, which is funded by the Queensland Government.  

​​ENDS 

​MEDIA CONTACT: Brendan Morris, 0428 962 414  ​ 

​ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

​Attention media: Videos and photos from the Aviation Australia 2025 Aerospace Industry Education Awards are available at link.  

​A full list of 2025 winners, finalists and award categories follows: 

• ​Teacher Excellence Award (Runner Up) - Sarah Loos, St Thomas More College, Sunnybank. 

• ​Teacher Excellence Award (Winner) – Marty Hollis, St Mary’s College Toowoomba. 

• ​Aviation Enterprise Award (Winner) – Harrison Medill, Iona College.  

• ​Empowerment Award (2x Winners) – Chloe Beck, Indooroopilly State High School. Jacob Rowling, Iona College.  

• ​Young Aviator Award (Runner Up) – Louis Whittaker, St Mary’s College, Toowoomba.  

• ​Young Aviator Award (Winner) – Hayden Hookham, Iona College.  

• ​Young Innovator Award (Winner) – Eve Bowler, Miami State High School.  

• ​Future Aerospace Award (2x Winners) – Penny Colyer, Capricornia School of Distance Education and Faith Enoka, Marsden State High School.  

• ​Year 10 Aerospace Award (Winner) – David Kennedy, Mueller College.  

• ​Year 11 Aerospace Award (Winner) – Jet Jackson, Benowa State High School.  

• ​Year 11 Aerospace Systems Award (Runner Up) – Elloise Edwards, Mueller College.  

• ​Year 11 Aerospace Systems Award (Winner) – Miranda Thomas, St Mary’s College Toowoomba.  

• ​Year 12 Aerospace Systems Award (Runner Up) – Tharuli Sakya Abeyrathne, Indooroopilly State High School.  

• ​Year 12 Aerospace Systems Award (Winner) – Oliver Kettridge, Coolum State High School. 

• ​Year 12 Aerospace Project Award (Runner Up) – Hayden Hookham, Iona College. 

• ​Year 12 Aerospace Project Award (Winner) – Da Hoon Choi, Indooroopilly State High School. 

• ​Spirit of Boeing Award (Winner) – Bailey Buckle, St Columban’s College Caboolture. 

• ​Female Aerospace Scholarship (Winner) – Francia Leoryn Villanueva, St Columban’s College Caboolture.  

• ​Aeroskills Scholarship (Winner) – Alex Druce, St Mary’s College Toowoomba.  

• ​Aerospace Gateway School of the Year (Winner) – Miami State High School.​