Four CQU finalists in 2026 CQ Queensland Training Awards
By Greg Chapman
CQUniversity TAFE’s training has again been recognised, with three students and a teacher named as finalists in the Central Queensland Regional Queensland Training Awards.
CQU-trained Students Aaron Owens (Certificate III in Animal Care Services) and Shannyn Bonerath (Diploma of Beauty Therapy) were named as finalists in the Equity Student of the Year category.
Meanwhile Certificate III in Laboratory Skills student Madison Hillier was named as a finalist in the Vocational Student of the Year category.
Finally, Mackay-based School of Access Education Team Lead Leonie Keating was named as a finalist in the VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year. With more than 25 years in language, literacy and digital literacy education working with VET students from Certificate I to IV, Leonie makes sure no student falls behind because of what they can't yet read, write or navigate.
In 2025, CQU TAFE won four categories at CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards. The University then took out the two major awards at the State Final – Large Training Provider of the Year and VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year, which was awarded to Emerald-based Metal Fabrication Teacher, Andrew Abbas.
The CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards will be held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on Friday, 14 August.
Learn more about the CQ Regional Queensland Training Awards.
