Pictured: The winning recipients at the Queensland Training Awards state final celebration, including Leah Garling from Manoora Neighbourhood Centre.
The Queensland Training Awards shine a spotlight on excellence in training and the transformative power of skills. Across a range of categories, the annual awards recognise individuals and organisations that strive for and have achieved success, best practice and innovation in vocational education and training (VET).
In July, Emerald Neighbourhood Centre’s Get Set for Work initiative was announced as the Central Queensland regional winner in the Community Training Initiative of the Year category. The program supports young people in the Central Highlands to gain tools for personal growth and work readiness.
In addition, Carinity Fassifern Community Centre and Horizon 2’s Carinity Fassifern Community Employment Pathways Program was announced as the South East regional winner in the in the Community Training Initiative of the Year category. The Fassifern Centre in Boonah delivers the program which provides extensive support and training for disadvantaged residents.
Both Centres were recognised as state finalists at the 2024 Queensland Training Awards on 7 September 2024. The Awards ceremony, held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, also recognised Leah Garling, Community Connect Worker at Manoora Neighbourhood Centre, as the state winner of ‘Equity Student of the Year.’ Leah saw her training pathway as an opportunity to improve her skills and support her community’s development. She balanced full-time care for her grandchildren with her studies, as well as working at Park Hub Cairns West Community Centre. Leah aspires to further her studies to build a long-term, impactful career in the community service sector.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!
Learn more: desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta/