Celebrating excellence: The Gordon honours outstanding students

2026-04-01

Our talented and inspiring Gordon students, apprentices and trainees, were celebrated at the 2026 Gordon Excellence Awards this week.

Held at the Geelong Arts Centre, the annual awards shine a spotlight on students who have achieved standards of excellence while demonstrating leadership, resilience and a strong commitment to their chosen fields - qualities that define The Gordon’s community of learners.

From more than 12,000 students who studied at The Gordon in 2025, finalists and award recipients represent a diverse collective of individuals who have embraced opportunity, overcome challenges and committed themselves to growth.

Taking out the night’s top honour, Student of the Year, Will Tasic (Certificate III in Barbering) has combined technical skill with personal determination to transform his passion into a career pathway. Through hands-on learning, Will has built confidence, focus and strong connections with clients and peers, all while demonstrating personal tenacity and resilience.

This course has helped me build real confidence through hands-on skills, while also teaching me focus and time management. I’ve grown a lot personally and professionally, and made friendships that will last a lifetime.

said Will.

Apprentice of the Year, Simone Brown (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery), is forging her career in one of Melbourne’s leading restaurant kitchens, where she continues to refine her craft in a high-performing, fast-paced environment. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to learning, teamwork and continuous improvement.

I enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where every service brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. The kitchen combines teamwork and creativity in a way that constantly pushes me to improve.

said Simone.

Chief People Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Barton said the awards celebrate far more than academic success.

"Success doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with a vision - a goal you commit to, a supported environment, an inclusive learning experience, Tonight, we celebrate students who have faced challenges, overcome setbacks and kept going. Their success is not just about talent. At the heart of every student is the hope that effort, learning and perseverance will open doors."

"These students, apprentices and trainees represent the best of The Gordon, a diverse, talented, and determined group of learners who set out to achieve something more. We have worked hard to cultivate a learning environment where every student feels welcomed, supported and empowered."

"To be named a finalist from such a large and diverse student cohort is an outstanding achievement, and one that reflects perseverance, skill and commitment. The evening also acknowledged the important role of teachers, mentors, families and employers in supporting student success."

As graduates move forward, the awards stand as both a celebration and a milestone, recognising not only what has been achieved but the impact these students are ready to make in their industries and communities.

Student of the Year, Will Tasic

Finalists: Mary Iuta and Ash Vogler

Apprentice of the Year, Simone Brown

Finalists: Nicholas Callahan and Archer Lennon

STUDY AREA AWARDS

Advanced Manufacturing and WHS Excellence Award

Award recipient: Nathan Lazovic
Finalists: Nicholas Leissner and Jacob Mcgowan

Business and Technology Excellence Award

Award recipient: Elaina Younis
Finalists: Mikayley Werner and Angela Lybyk

Carpentry and Construction Excellence Award

Award recipient: Archer Lennon
Finalists: Alexander Wilkinson-Beards and Andre Campbell

Culinary Excellence
Award

Award recipient: Simone Brown
Finalists: Alec O'Brien and Diana De Gouveia Vergueiro

Education and Training Excellence Award

Award recipient: Nadzieja Powlett-Jones
Finalists: Zhe Meng and Romesh Selvanayagam

Electrical Excellence 
Award

Award recipient: Ricardo Kobas
Dane Hensgen and Hunter Visser

Health and Human Services Excellence Award

Award recipient: Mary Iuta
Finalists: Lily Alford and Michelle Nielson

Natural Environment and Science Excellence Award

Award recipient: Yasmin Dykstra
Finalists: Jake McCorkell and Xiaowei Lou

Nursing and Pathology Excellence Award

Award recipient: Ash Vogler
Finalists: Abbey Smith and Janelle Schwalger

Plumbing Excellence Award

Award recipient: Nicholas Callahan
Finalists: Judd Binder and Mitchell Gardine

Retail Excellence Award

Award recipient: Will Tasic
Finalists: Madison Robertson and Harriet Overman

International Excellence Award

Award recipient: Thi Thu Nguyen
Finalists: Qi Mun Wong and Fang-Chi Chang

School-based Apprentice or Trainee Excellence Award

Award recipient: Madison Gillett
Finalists: Joshua Goudge and Charlie Coles

VETDSS Excellence Award

Award recipient: Callum McNeill
Finalists: Ruby Fisher and Evy Wilson

VCE Excellence Award

Award recipient: Anika Kelly
Finalists: Leonie Tromba and Sienna Torne

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Alumni Excellence Award

Award recipient: Bernadette Uzelac AM
Finalists: Mark Little and Salma Gu

Community Spirit Award

Award recipient: Alec O’Brien

Lifelong Learning Award

Award recipient: Angela Lybyk

Koori Excellence Award

Award recipient: Jakaylah-Rose Storrar

2026 Finalists Video for The Gordon Excellence Awards

Image Gallery is coming soon!