Celebrating new beginnings at GOTAFE

The Seymour graduation ceremony on March 7 initiated the series of events planned throughout March.

GOTAFE acting executive director of growth and engagement Laura Baker said it was about honouring graduates and extending a warm welcome to our new students.

“Both O Week and graduation ceremonies signify fresh starts, whether embarking on a new educational journey or making a positive impact in various fields,” she said.

In the past year, GOTAFE celebrated the completion of studies for 1586 students, while welcoming over 1300 new students in 2024.

The graduation ceremonies will include Q and A panel discussions featuring four student ambassadors, highlighting their unique journeys and experiences at GOTAFE.

Among these ambassadors is Alana Birch from Euroa, who, after completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2022, is now pursuing her diploma. Ms Birch is the toddler room leader at Small Friends Childcare and Education in Kialla.

Jono Chan, who completed a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in 2023, is the co-owner of café Elsewhere at SAM in Shepparton.

Kate Reid, a dedicated mother and nursing student, leveraged Free TAFE and GOTAFE’s supportive environment to pursue her nursing dream.

Now, she’s a national patient transport officer and is furthering her studies at La Trobe University.

Tracey Peterson, a mature-age student who completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, turned her lifelong dream into reality.

Now, she’s the practice manager of a veterinary clinic and studying at Charles Sturt University.

GOTAFE Shepparton will farewell graduating students on Wednesday, March 27, at Riverlinks Eastbank from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

The week prior, it will welcome a new crop of students, kicking off O Week on Thursday, March 21, from noon to 1.30pm at the Fryers St campus.

For more information on GOTAFE’s upcoming events and to learn more about the student ambassadors, visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au