TAFE students and staff honoured for unique designs

Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and marine life have inspired the winners of a statewide TAFE competition for students and staff to design corporate gifts for visiting dignitaries.

Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts, Rod Welford, announced the winners of the third annual Queensland Aspects awards in a ceremony at Parliament House this week.

“The Queensland Aspects awards are a celebration of the creative talent of TAFE students and teaching staff across the state,” Mr Welford said.

“Entrants are required to create a corporate gift with broad client appeal reflecting a unique aspect of Queensland, suitable as a memento for visiting dignitaries, business leaders and international VIPs. This year there were some very creative and innovative submissions from more than 40 entrants, and I congratulate all involved for their efforts.

“The winner in the student category was Southbank Institute of Technology visual arts student Susanne Schroder, for her handmade framed artworks called the Coral Reef Collection. Her prize is $2000 and a tailored business advice and training package.

“Central Queensland Institute of TAFE visual art and contemporary craft teacher Lisa Gaze won the $2000 teaching staff prize for her metalwork design Crab Claw Cheeseknife.”

Highly commended went to – Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE student Wendy Britton; Brisbane North Institute of TAFE student Stephanie Hudry; Tropical North Institute of TAFE teacher Kerry Grierson; and Southbank Institute of Technology students Julie Purcell and Sara Reimers.

Mr Welford said the work of previous Queensland Aspects winners had been incorporated into the Queensland Government’s official gift range.

“These gifts have been presented to visiting dignitaries from around the world, and they have also been presented as gifts by Premier Anna Bligh and former Premier Peter Beattie when they have travelled on trade missions throughout Europe, Asia and America,” he said.

“Good, smart design is increasingly playing a major role in our everyday lives as well as becoming a key driver for our economy. Our Government is committed to fostering ideas, imagination, creativity and innovation in everything we do – these are the building blocks for a sustainable community.

“We have implemented a $3 million Designing Queensland program which aims to make the state a dynamic centre for Asia-Pacific design. The program includes $1.5 million for a major triennial design event focusing on the Asia-Pacific region and a boost in funding for the Smart State Designer of the Year award.”

The Queensland Aspects exhibition can be viewed online at www.tafe.qld.gov.au. Images of the winning designs and winners are available on request.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000