CQU TAFE wins four categories at CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards

27 July 2025
CQU Metal Fabication Teacher Andrew Abbas (centre), Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland (right) and (left) Chris Le Prou, Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET)
Andrew Abbas (centre), Chris Le Prou from the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (left) and Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland (right).

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity’s reputation as a leader in vocational education and training has been bolstered with a teacher and three students recognised at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards Central Queensland Regional Final.

CQU TAFE was well-represented with a total of nine finalists at the awards, held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on 26 July.

Of the nine finalists, four achieved accolades, including Emerald-based Metal Fabrication teacher Andrew Abbas, who received the coveted VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year Award.

“I am very privileged to have been the recipient of such an award, and I am very grateful to our clients and stakeholders who have recognised my capability and value to vocational training,” Andrew said.

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year with Sonya Osborne from MEGT
Chloe Hutchinson with Sonya Osborne from MEGT.

Certificate III in Business graduate Chloe Hutchinson received the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year award. Chloe completed her CQU TAFE studies through a traineeship with Gladstone Regional Council.

Livingstone Shire Council employee and proud Bailai woman Kylie Johnston won the the Vocational Student of the Year category for her efforts while studying a Certificate III in Horticulture at CQU.

Maddison Petrie receives her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award
Maddison Petrie (centre) accepting her award.

CQU Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician/Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control student Maddison Petrie took out the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category. Maddison balances full-time work, study and parenting while completing qualifications at Shell QGC.

Deputy Vice-President of VET Operations Peter Heilbuth congratulated the winners and finalists.

“Andy, Chloe, Kylie and Maddison are exceptional examples of what makes CQU TAFE’s training the most sought-after training in the region,” he said.

“We’re very proud of their achievements and these exceptional students and our colleague Andy, and they should all feel proud of everything they’ve accomplished.”

The winners will now go on to compete at the Queensland Training Awards State Final, in Brisbane on 13 September 2025. CQUniversity is also a finalist in Large Training Provider of the Year category at the state event.

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Kylie Johnston (centre), Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland (left) and Renee Rosenlund from DTET
Kylie Johnston (centre) accepting her award