We’re thrilled to introduce the finalists for the TAFE SA Honour Awards 2025. The Awards are a prestigious celebration of our outstanding alumni across career levels and industries.
From information technology to the arts, the trades to hospitality, community advocacy to the health sector, our talented finalists are making a significant difference to local, national, and international communities.
Congratulations to all finalists!
Finalists working in and contributing substantially to emerging, growing or priority industries to benefit South Australia’s future.
Maria Sinche-Gonzalez is a Senior University Lecturer at the University of Oulu, Finland, and the main Coordinator of an Erasmus+ program in the EU.
With a background as a doctor and engineer in mineral processing, in 2013, she undertook the Diploma in Project Management at TAFE SA to reinforce her management skills.
She has 18 years of experience in research and teaching across various institutions (the University of South Australia, Lulea University of Technology in Sweden, the University of Oulu in Finland) and over 12 years in managerial roles in the mining industry.
In 2021, she created the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Sustainable Mineral Processing by forming an international consortium (Finland, Austria, Croatia and Chile) and positioning the University of Oulu as the main coordinator for the very first time. Under her leadership, the program has become a key initiative promoting internationalisation, diversity and gender equality. She has authored numerous publications and received prestigious awards, including the Maria Curie Fellowship from the EU and the Endeavour Award from Australia.
Dr Jegathisvaran (Jega) Balakrishnan is a pioneering innovator in intelligent transport systems, specialising in AI-driven car parking and accessible parking technologies. With a PhD in Electronic Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Adelaide, and a Certificate II in Electrotechnology from TAFE SA, Dr Balakrishnan combines deep technical expertise with a strong focus on real-world impact. His work explores the integration of machine learning, sensor networks, and smart infrastructure to optimise urban parking, reduce congestion, and enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. He has led several R&D initiatives aimed at transforming traditional parking systems into adaptive, user-friendly platforms powered by AI. Passionate about nurturing future talent, Dr Balakrishnan actively mentors graduate engineers, having guided over 50 emerging professionals in engineering innovation and applied research. His contributions continue to shape the future of smart cities and inclusive mobility solutions.
Zachary (Zac) Bailey is an entrepreneur, educator, and technology leader dedicated to strengthening South Australia’s innovation and skills ecosystem. After starting his first IT business more than 20 years ago, Zac became a TAFE SA peer tutor in 2007 before becoming a lecturer in 2011, alongside growing his reputation as a trusted name for project delivery in the South Australian software industry. In 2012, Zac catalysed one of the state’s earliest Work Integrated Learning initiatives by supporting the TAFE SA Software Development Vocational Placement Program. As Managing Director of James Anthony Consulting, an engineering firm, and Founder of CareWindow, an assistive technology company improving communication in aged care, Zac has hired and trained hundreds of South Australian graduates. Through these ongoing roles alongside others at The Innovation Factory, Eastwood Community Centre, Flinders University, and UniSA guest lecturing, he continues to mentor and support founders, consultants, and emerging technologists. Recognised in the 2024 SA 40 Under 40 list, and one of News Corp’s Top 250 Young Australian Entrepreneurs of 2025, Zac notably led the creation of the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s national electronic health record, winning two national healthcare awards. His work unites education, entrepreneurship, and technology to build South Australia's bright future.
Finalists who demonstrate outstanding achievements in their selected industries, a proactive commitment to learning new skills, and a commitment to sharing their knowledge with their peers.
Jaclyn Schapel has over sixteen years of experience in marketing, communications and events, both in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Her strengths lie in aligning organisational values and facilitating operational change.
Jaclyn acted as the Project Manager for SA Health’s Enterprise Monitoring Project and the Coordinator for SA Health’s Centre of Excellence for cyber security monitoring. In this role, she facilitated the continued implementation of Splunk for SA Health, helped stand up the Digital Operations Centre and increased the collaboration between disparate stakeholder groups to increase cyber security initiative awareness and enable training and skills development.
More recently Jaclyn has broadened her scope to lead business impact assessment and cyber advisory engagements for both government and private sector clients.
With nearly 20 years in the landscaping industry, Malcolm Berce is a passionate advocate for sustainable design and hands-on vocational excellence. As founder of Desert Flower Landscaping, he leads a team known for award-winning projects across metropolitan Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills—blending craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and innovative design. A graduate of TAFE SA, Malcolm credits his vocational training for grounding his professional standards and inspiring his mentorship of young tradespeople. His work champions native plant use, water-wise design, and community restoration projects that reconnect people to landscape. Recognised with the City of Burnside Environmental Impact Award and as a long-serving Master Landscapers of SA (MLSA) board member, Malcolm continues to promote professionalism and education within South Australia’s landscaping sector—helping to elevate the trade as both a craft and a career pathway.
A proud TAFE graduate, Matthew (Matt) Kirkbride’s career journey reflects the strength of vocational education, taking him from a teenage apprentice to the founder and director of one of South Australia’s most successful commercial plumbing enterprises. Starting his plumbing apprenticeship through TAFE SA and TAPS at just 16 years of age, Matt rose to Site Leader by 21, earning respect for his skill, reliability, and leadership. In 2015, he founded Connekt Plumbing, which has grown under his direction into a $15 million company employing more than 70 people and delivering Tier 1 commercial projects across South Australia. His achievements have earned recognition including the InDaily 40 Under 40 2025 list and runner-up for the Master Builders SA Young Specialist Contractor of the Year Award in 2025. Matt’s story showcases how vocational education, when combined with determination and vision, not only builds successful careers but also strengthens South Australia’s construction industry through skilled leadership and opportunity.
Champion of lifelong learning, Adelaide born TAFE SA graduate Steven Hansen continues to elevate the value of VET now as an Education Supervisor within the Australian Corrections ecosystem. Beginning his apprenticeship at 15, Steven pursued a chef’s rite of passage and furthered his career training in Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia before launching his own hospitality empire in Singapore in 2001. He returned to Adelaide in 2015 pursuing a new goal of imparting skills and knowledge to next generation entrepreneurs. Ten years following his return to South Australia, Steven reflects: “It’s immensely rewarding to carry on with this journey of continuous learning, but on reflection, I’m so very proud when I look back and see an international business generating millions, creating hundreds of jobs, all on the strength of a TAFE SA Certificate III. Extraordinary!
Finalists working within arts and cultural industries, advancing cultural exchange, facilitating artistic dialogue, and contributing to a dynamic and robust creative sector.
Beth Mooney is an emerging independent artist from Ireland and South Australia. Graduating through the dual partnership between TAFE SA and Flinders University in Dance, her practice has led to extensive exploration of movement and embodiment. Living with scoliosis and spinal fusion, Beth investigates the limits and possibilities of a non-traditional spine, using her lived experience to drive her creative process. She has worked with major companies, festivals, and artists including Daniel Riley, Lee Brummer, Alison Currie, Carol Wellman Kelly, OzAsia Festival, Illuminate Adelaide, Carclew, DanceHub SA, Netflix, and RTÉ. Alongside her performance work, Beth is committed to community arts engagement, and teaching, assisting with workshops across schools, youth programs, and regional communities throughout South Australia. In 2025, Beth represented South Australia at the International Rose Of Tralee Festival, using her platform to advocate for youth, celebrate cultural identity, and raise awareness for scoliosis.
Ni Wang is an Adelaide-based fashion designer who began her career as a Junior Designer and progressed to become Head Designer at the Australian label C/MEO Collective. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, she has honed a design language that balances structure and softness, creating pieces defined by refined simplicity and ease. Ni currently works freelance with leading Australian brands, including Acler and Significant Other, while developing her own label, 23rd August, launched in 2025. Her practice reflects a strong commitment to craftsmanship, storytelling, and sustainability—celebrating design that endures beyond trend and time.
Sonali Patel is a multi-disciplinary artist whose oeuvres are metaphorical explorations of identity and human connectivity with the natural environment. Her practice traverses diverse media including ceramics, sculpture, painting and installation. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Art from TAFE SA’s Adelaide College of the Arts.
Sonali has exhibited extensively in Europe with six international exhibitions, including the Contemporary Art Fair in Paris, Van Gogh Gallery in Madrid, Galleria Azur in Berlin, Nippon Gallery in Mumbai and La Pigna Gallery and Rossocinabro Gallery in Rome.
Sonali was selected for the L’AiR Atelier Residency in Paris, Meteora Ceramics Residency in Greece, and has worked with French artists Jorge and Lucy Orta at Studio Orta Residency in Paris. She was also an artist-in-residence at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) in Adelaide.
In Australia, Sonali has shown her work at six solo exhibitions and over 60 group exhibitions including Manly Art Gallery and The Other Art Fair in Sydney.
Finalists who are living or working within regional South Australia and making a positive impact on their local community. Finalists must demonstrate a strong work ethic, drive, and creative thinking.
Ella Wakely is a rural dental hygienist driving meaningful oral health education across remote Western Australia. Graduating from TAFE SA’s Advanced Diploma of Oral Health in 2022, she now leads youth-centred outreach initiatives in the Pilbara region that strengthen confidence, access, and health literacy for Indigenous people. Ella partners with the local youth shed to deliver culturally safe, prevention-focused, workshops that break down barriers to care. Her work reflects a commitment to reducing health inequity and ensuring every child has the opportunity to build lifelong healthy smiles, no matter their location.
Emma O'Connell has always lived and worked throughout regional and remote areas of Australia, with the past four years in South Australia. During this time, she has worked with a mobile dental program to help bring dental healthcare to areas with limited access. Through both clinical work, as well as supporting operations and logistics, Emma has demonstrated consistent dedication, care and adaptability to the local and wider community. Since completing her Certificate IV in Dental Assisting at TAFE SA, she has been able to further support patients, dentists and dental hygienists clinically while also developing reprocessing and infection control functions. Emma hopes to continue advocating for regional access not just for dental services but for dental health promotion and education.
Ian Henderson has dedicated the past decade to education and community volunteering, with a strong focus on fostering growth, understanding and inclusivity. As a Student Support Officer in the Education Department, he has developed engaging learning environments that promote inclusivity for both students and teachers.
Ian has volunteered with the South Australian Ambulance Service for eight years, providing support during emergencies in Padthaway and the Limestone Coast. This work has strengthened his calmness under pressure, teamwork, and resilience. He has also volunteered with the Country Fire Service (CFS) in Padthaway for the past two years, contributing to fire preparedness and community safety initiatives.
These roles have deepened his appreciation for community service. Ian genuinely enjoys giving back and making a positive difference through his efforts, both professionally and as a dedicated volunteer within his community.
Krystina Harpas is a regenerative tourism leader dedicated to elevating the Eyre Peninsula as a globally recognised dark-sky destination. As co-owner and operator of Coodlie Park Eco Retreat, she has developed innovative, nature-based experiences that celebrate the region’s pristine skies, native wildlife and coastal landscapes. Krystina drives Coodlie Park’s sustainability agenda, advancing zero-light pollution goals, implementing waste-reduction systems, and expanding revegetation initiatives with local partners. Her passion for guest experience, community engagement and destination marketing has significantly amplified regional visitation and awareness of astrotourism on the West Coast Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Committed to excellence and continuous improvement, Krystina works to ensure regenerative astrotourism has a positive impact for visitors, locals, wildlife and the environment.
Finalists who demonstrate enterprising vision, innovative flair, and a determination to succeed against the odds.
Jonathon is an accomplished professional whose career began as a carpenter before joining the Royal Australian Navy in Marine Engineering, where he developed strong leadership, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. After transitioning into civilian life, he continued a successful career in construction and project delivery, highlighted by his role in completing a state-of-the-art $50 million pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. His experience spans complex, high-stakes environments where precision, safety, and reliability are paramount. Beyond his professional achievements, Jonathon is a dedicated father to three boys, balancing his career with a deep commitment to family life. His journey reflects resilience, responsibility, and a drive to contribute meaningfully both at work and at home.
Micheal Djoric is a dedicated Boilermaker Apprentice whose life is defined by service and a drive for excellence. He served with distinction for 11.5 years as a professional Infantry Soldier in the Australian Army, a career that instilled discipline, precision, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork.
Transitioning his skills to the civilian sector, Micheal is currently completing his apprenticeship as a boilermaker, showcasing his technical proficiency and determination to become a qualified tradesperson. Concurrently, he is undertaking a deeply personal and important creative endeavour producing the documentary 'The Last Post.' Made by veterans for veterans and their families, the film highlights life after service and aims to foster connection and understanding. It offers a nuanced perspective of the significant life change that transitioning from Defence involves and how veterans navigate the adjustment and identity phases of this transition. Micheal's key mission is to successfully complete his apprenticeship while using his creative work to give a meaningful voice to the veteran community.
Nathan Bishop is a current Year 11 student at Blackfriars Priory School and a TAFE SA graduate across 2024 and 2025. He has been elected as a Prefect Leader for 2026, is a talented multi-instrumentalist, and an award-winning athlete who has represented the state water polo team since 2021. In addition to competing, Nathan also serves as a professional referee at various national tournaments.
A passionate advocate for community service, Nathan was recognised by the Mary Potter Foundation as an Ambassador for funds raised through his emerging charity organisation, PALS (Positive Actions, Lasting Solutions), to honour his three uncles who were cared for in the hospice. He has also supported ReachOut Australia through his fundraising efforts, contributing to more than $20,000 raised across six initiatives since May 2023, with the hope to officially register PALS next year.
Nathan’s dedication has been acknowledged through several recent awards, including the Sports Association for Adelaide Schools’ Blue Round Medal for promoting mental health awareness, the City of Prospect Young Citizen of the Year (2025), and recognition for his leadership in both house and music communities within his school.
Despite these achievements, Nathan believes that true service comes from giving without expectation of recognition. Whether or not he receives awards, he continues to dedicate himself to making a positive impact on his local community and those around him each day.
Finalists who are contributing to local, national, or international communities through the course of their employment or on a voluntary basis. Finalists must demonstrate a significant effort for the improvement of the greater community and commitment to positive change.
Delphine is a multidisciplinary creative whose work bridges design, education, and community wellbeing. Holding a TAFE SA Diploma in Graphic Design (2017) and Certificate IV in Education Support (2022), she combines artistic insight with a deep commitment to inclusive learning. As a Wellbeing Department team member at Immanuel Primary School, she supports students’ behavioural, emotional, and educational growth; fostering confidence, resilience, and belonging.
Beyond education, Delphine contributes to projects that inspire awareness and connection. Through her involvement with the United Nations Association of SA and Slow Food SA, she leads initiatives in educational design, visual communication, and branding, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals project in schools and Slow Food’s Snail of Approval program. Ensuring outcomes align with shared values and purpose, her talents in event photography, graphic design, and annual report production are highly valued. Guided by creativity and compassion, Delphine continues to champion collaboration and community wellbeing.
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Federico began his conservation journey as a gardener in Sydney, leading to his first industry role as a bush regenerator in NSW. In 2024, he moved to Adelaide to study a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management at the TAFE SA Urrbrae campus. That same year, he joined Trees for Life, where he received the MOLNAR Award for his commitment and performance as part of the Works Team. In February 2025, his passion led him to create guided walks through the parklands, teaching plant and bird identification, and Kaurna language and cultural uses associated with native flora. Through these walks, he aims to inspire international travellers and Australians to learn and reconnect with nature. He is now completing his first semester of the Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. Federico also highlights the importance of sports as essential for maintaining balance amid the fast-paced dynamics of being an international student in Australia.
Sarah McGurgan is a 32 year-old visual artist practicing and teaching in Adelaide, South Australia (Kaurna Land). She completed her Bachelor of Creative Arts at TAFE SA in 2022 and started SJC Art Studios at the beginning of 2023. SJC Art Studios has blossomed into a thriving community that provides a calm, inspiring and safe space for all humans to get creative. She has always had a passion for sharing her artistic knowledge and skills, and endeavours to help others embrace the idea of joy and imperfection in both art and life.
Shahy Radwan is a passionate community leader and cultural heritage advocate dedicated to empowering multicultural communities in Australia. Beginning her journey at TAFE SA, Shahy’s first step into the Australian professional environment inspired her to complete the Women’s Leadership Course (Certificate IV in Leadership and Management) and later a Master’s degree in Archaeology and Heritage Management at Flinders University.
Her career spans community development, settlement services, and cultural engagement, supporting migrants, refugees, and women from diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals. Shahy has collaborated with leading institutions, including the South Australian Museum and the National Museum of Australia, promoting inclusion, diversity, and cultural understanding.
Through her work and personal example, Shahy continues to inspire others—especially women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds—to believe in their potential and their capability to build fulfilling lives in Australia.
Finalists who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant impact in promoting and preserving cultural diversity, celebrating diverse cultural traditions, fostering intercultural understanding, and enhancing inclusivity.
Irene Evangelista Rowe is a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in health and aged care sectors, as well as her long-term contributions as a South Australian community leader in education, multicultural affairs, and community services. After a long-term career as a registered nurse and raising her three children, Irene advanced her community leadership within many organisations such as the Australian Foundation for Fostering Learning in the Philippines (AFFLIP) (board member), Filipino Nurses and Carers Association (board member), Community Language Schools of South Australia (CLSSA) (board member and Chairperson), the SA Multicultural Commission (member), and most recently, a founding board member of the Adelaide Filipino Lions Club. Irene has also furthered her studies at TAFE SA in Women’s Advocacy and recently completed the Multicultural Leadership Program. Irene is passionate about advancing her skills and leveraging her expertise to enhance positive societal growth. Furthermore, she hopes to inspire others as an example of how they can pursue their own ambitions in making positive and meaningful differences in the lives of others.
Dr Mamun Ala has a PhD in Applied Economics from the University of South Australia (2015) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment from TAFE SA (2025). He also holds a Diploma of Counselling. Dr Ala is a Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Management at the Australian Institute of Business, where he also serves as Mentor and Advisor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and an Academic Integrity Officer. Since 2015, he has mentored many international students through the UniSA Business Career Mentor Program, supporting their professional confidence and cross-cultural success. He is recognised for advancing cultural inclusion and wellbeing in higher education and creating safe mentoring pathways for Indigenous learners. Beyond academia, Dr Ala contributes to multicultural communities as Secretary of the Dhaka University Alumni Association of South Australia and as a presenter on Radio Bangla Adelaide. A member of the Australian Counselling Association, he advocates for culturally competent counselling and inclusive leadership through national conferences and publications, inspiring dialogue and respect across cultures.
Rebekah (Bek) Smith is a TEDx speaker and expert in mental fitness, who helps organisations reduce stress, prevent psychological injuries, improve communication, and optimise team culture. She is a former physiotherapist with a background in psychology, who also teaches dance and yoga classes when she isn't working as a safety consultant. Bek’s Aboriginal upbringing inspires her to weave Indigenous perspectives together with positive psychology strategies, to create spaces of inclusivity, collaboration, and cultural safety for First Nations people. As someone who has survived and thrived following experiences of occupational burnout, domestic violence, and mental illness, Bek uses her personal experiences as well as her professional knowledge to help others live better lives.
Tahlia Riessen is an educator and accredited Auslan-English interpreter dedicated to improving accessibility and literacy outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. After completing her Diploma of Interpreting at TAFE SA in 2020, she gained NAATI accreditation and began her career as an interpreter in the community while also working to support Deaf students as a Bilingual School Support Officer at Avenues College Centre for Deaf Education. Now a teacher, Tahlia has expanded her impact through program design and sector leadership. She co-developed a literacy intervention program, now implemented across eight sites in Australia and New Zealand, significantly enhancing student literacy outcomes. While her focus has shifted from community interpreting to teaching, she remains deeply passionate about interpreting and continues to advocate for equitable communication access across settings.
Finalists who are making a significant impact on the City of Adelaide through cultural, economic, or community contributions.
With over 25 years as a chef and five years as an educator, Anthony Julianto brings a blend of industry expertise, innovation and care to culinary training. Now a Cookery Trainer and Assessor at Alliance College, he recently led the RTO’s 2024 pilot launch of the Certificate III in Patisserie and is now supporting trainers in education innovation and resource development. His journey since leaving TAFE all those years ago has been shaped by respected trainers and mentors who inspired his values of curiosity, sustainability and respect for the vocation.
A strong advocate for future-focused learning, Anthony integrates ethical AI, digital tools and multi-format engagement to elevate learner experience and encourage self-directed exploration. He is the founder of Ed-Spectrum, a digital culinary platform that promotes VET through storytelling and research.
Recognised as the 2025 SA VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year, and a 2025 Australian Training Awards national finalist, Anthony is committed to fostering meaningful, inclusive and curiosity-led education.
Ivory Zhang is a financial counsellor whose journey from international student to award-winning advocate embodies resilience, compassion, and leadership. Since arriving in Adelaide 14 years ago, she has built a strong academic and professional foundation with two master’s degrees in accounting and finance and a bachelor’s degree completed in the UK. Transitioning from a career in asset finance to community services, Ivory now empowers university students through financial counselling and advocacy. As the sole Financial Wellbeing Officer at the University of South Australia Student Association (USASA), she has supported hundreds of students from more than 30 countries experiencing financial and personal hardship. A TAFE SA graduate of the Diploma of Financial Counselling (2024), Ivory authored the nationally recognised Financial Wisdom booklet, which received a Student Experience Network Conference (SENCON) Distinction Award, and she was named the 2024 Financial Capability Worker of the Year by the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association (SAFCA). She continues to champion inclusion, fairness, and hope through the newly merged Adelaide University Student Association.
Zaachariaha Fielding is an Adelaide-based multi-disciplinary artist who hails from the Mimili community on the APY Lands in far north South Australia. He comes from a strong family lineage of artists and storytellers.
Zaachariaha is a singer-songwriter with the electronic music duo Electric Fields. Singing in Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and English, Electric Fields combine modern electronic-soul music with Aboriginal culture. They became the first ever duo to represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “One Milkali (One Blood).” It made history as the first Australian entry to incorporate any Aboriginal language. Electric Fields also composed and performed the official theme song for the first WorldPride held in the Southern Hemisphere, hosted in Sydney in 2023: “We The People,” an anthem of queer pride, self-acceptance, and individuality.
As a visual artist, Zaachariaha’s work has been recognised in major art awards, most notably as the winner of the Wynne Prize (2023), and as a finalist in the Ramsay Art Prize at the Art Gallery of South Australia (2021) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (2021). His work is held in important public collections, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Victoria, Artbank, and numerous private collections.
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