Shirley Darcy
2025 Koorie Student of the Year
Proud Wiradjuri woman Shirley Darcy has long been guided by a deep commitment to mob and Country.
The First Nations pilot of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at The Gordon Institute was worth more to Shirley than gaining a teaching qualification. She discovered a space to grow, connect and lead. The course was specifically designed to support mob, respecting their strengths, experiences and ways of learning. It empowered Shirley to build inclusive, trauma-informed learning environments and gave her the tools and confidence to become an educator who supports the next generation.
Now teaching the Diploma of Community Services at The Gordon Institute, Shirley is shaping the next generation of community service workers through the lens of cultural integrity, lived experience and an unwavering belief in education as a tool for self-determination and change.
Amber Leyshan
2025 Apprentice of the Year
Amber didn’t just want a job; she wanted to construct a meaningful career that would carry her through life. Inspired by her tradie customers at Bunnings, she took a leap of faith into an engineering and fabrication apprenticeship with AGL at Loy Yang Power Station and enrolled in Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade – Boilermaking at TAFE Gippsland.
Amber challenged herself in a male-dominated arena, gaining extra welding certifications and mastering advanced techniques. This led to her winning the WorldSkills Regional competition, achieving the highest welding score in Victoria.
Working closely with TAFE Gippsland, Amber actively promotes careers in the trades and has become a tradeswomen advocate. Her sights are set on new energy, including wind turbine projects, so she can make a lasting impact in the industry and community.
Civil Contractors Federation Victoria
2025 Small Training Provider of the Year
Civil Contractors Federation Victoria (RTO) delivers industry specific, accredited training and apprenticeships to meet the evolving needs of Victoria’s civil construction sector. They provide practical, safety-focused education aligned specifically to workplace needs.
They engage with industry to co-deliver subjects that mitigate critical industry wide incidents such as partnering with Before You Dig Australia to mitigate utility strikes in construction, which costs the Victorian economy $2 billion annually. Their bespoke Pathways – Shaping Careers, Re-Shaping Industry program supports women and First Nations students, achieving an 86% employment outcome. Initiatives like the Job Safe, Job Ready program and mobile safety training trailers ensure accessibility to specialised training, safety, and high retention.
With a strong reputation for quality, innovation and inclusion, CCF Victoria plays a pivotal role in building a skilled, job-ready civil construction workforce ensuring retentive and safe workplaces.
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