Chloe brought to tears by CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards recognition
By Greg Chapman
When Chloe Hutchinson was announced as the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year at the recent Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards, she shed tears of joy because she realised her years of hard work had been validated.
Chloe was one of three CQU-trained vocational education and training students recognised at the ceremony, which was held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on 26 July.
Employed by Gladstone Regional Council, Chloe completed a Certificate III in Business qualification with CQU TAFE as part of a traineeship.
“Winning the Central Queensland Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year was one of the most emotional moments of my life,” she said.
“Even just being named a finalist had me holding back tears because of everything I’d been through during my traineeship.”
She said the award brought an overwhelming sense of relief.
“It was like this massive wave washed over me and everything I’d carried through the journey had suddenly lifted…” she said.
“When I stepped off stage into the back room, that’s when it hit me. All the emotion I’d held in came rushing out and the happy tears just wouldn’t stop. That moment told me exactly how much the award meant to me – it wasn’t just a title - it was the acknowledgment of the whole journey and the support that got me there.”
Chloe, who is now the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of Community and Lifestyle at the Council, is also mentoring other trainees, with CQU’s TAFE training putting her in good stead.
“The training I received from both CQU and Gladstone Regional Council was life changing. CQU provided such strong academic and practical knowledge, while the Council’s Learning and Development team gave me daily support, mentorship, and encouragement to grow,” she said.
“It was more than just learning skills – it was being part of a culture that truly values training and invests in people. The combination of CQU’s high-quality curriculum and the Council’s hands-on approach gave me the tools and confidence to succeed, both professionally and personally.
“Like many trainees, I faced personal challenges during my studies that could have easily made me give up. Moving to a new town, adapting to a new workplace, and balancing study with personal struggles was overwhelming at times.
“But my traineeship became my safe place. The support from my mentors and peers gave me resilience and reminded me why I started. Those challenges actually shaped me – they made me stronger, more determined, and deeply passionate about advocating for training because I know first-hand how life-changing that support can be.
“What I love most about my job is being part of something that directly impacts our community. Supporting the Community and Lifestyle Business Unit means I get to contribute to projects that make a real difference in people’s lives, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
CQU’s other award winners were:
Livingstone Shire Council employee and proud Bailai woman Kylie Johnston won the Vocational Student of the Year category for her efforts while studying a Certificate III in Horticulture at CQU.
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 in by Shell QGC.
CQU Emerald Metal Fabrication Teacher Andrew Abbas was named VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year.
Chloe and the other winners will now go on to compete at the State Finals of the Queensland Training Awards, to be held in Brisbane on 13 September. CQUniversity is also a finalist in Large Training Provider of the Year category at the State Finals.
