Central Regional TAFE (CR TAFE) is celebrating success at the 2026 Western Australian Training Awards, with Kalgoorlie student Kevin Dorizzi named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year. Kevin’s success was complimented by recognition for Katie Clune, a finalist in the WA Trainer of the Year and recognition for student finalists My Quyen Pham and Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings, highlighting the strength of vocational education and training across regional Western Australia.
The result continues CR TAFE's strong record of achievement at the state's premier training awards and reinforces the quality of vocational education and training available throughout regional Western Australia. From the Goldfields and Wheatbelt to the Midwest, CR TAFE students and staff continue to demonstrate that nationally recognised training outcomes can be achieved close to home.
CR TAFE Managing Director Jo Payne said Kevin's award and the recognition of the college's finalists reflected the strength of regional training and the opportunities it creates for individuals, industries and communities.
"Kevin's achievement is an outstanding result and a testament to his dedication, commitment to learning and passion for supporting Aboriginal wellbeing.
"His success demonstrates the life-changing opportunities vocational education can create and highlights the important role regional training providers play in developing the skilled workforce of the future.
"We are equally proud of Katie, My Quyen and Hannah, whose achievements, each in their different fields, showcase the talent, determination and expertise being developed across our regions.
"Their success demonstrates that students and staff in regional Western Australia can compete and excel on the state's biggest stage."
A proud Wangkatja and Yamatji man based in Kalgoorlie, Kevin Dorizzi completed a Certificate IV in Mental Health and Diploma of Counselling with CR TAFE while working with Bega Garnbirringu Health Service. He combined his studies with practical experience supporting Aboriginal community members through aftercare services and is now undertaking a Bachelor of Psychology. His award recognises his commitment to improving mental health outcomes for Aboriginal peoples and regional communities.
CR TAFE was also represented by three outstanding finalists across this year’s awards.
Katie Clune was recognised as a finalist for WA Trainer of the Year for her commitment to culturally responsive teaching and creating supportive learning environments for Aboriginal learners.
My Quyen Pham was named a finalist in the Cultural Diversity Training Award category, recognising her educational journey from General Education for Adults studies to further training in education support and her commitment to lifelong learning.
Hannah Goedhart-Hutchings was recognised as a finalist for WA Trainee of the Year after building valuable skills through her traineeship with AFGRI, supporting the agricultural sector and regional farming communities.
This year's success adds to an impressive WA Training Awards record for CR TAFE. Since the college's formation, CR TAFE students, staff and industry partnerships have secured eight WA Training Awards titles and one Australian Training Award. The achievements reflect the college's ongoing commitment to training excellence, strong industry partnerships and creating opportunities for regional Western Australians.
With campuses and training delivery spanning some of Western Australia's most diverse and geographically dispersed regions, CR TAFE works alongside industry, employers and communities to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the state's future. The achievements of this year's award recipients demonstrate how regional training creates opportunities for individuals while strengthening the industries and communities that rely on skilled local workers.
Photo caption:
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Kevin Dorizzi, 2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
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My Quyen Pham, finalist for Cultural Diversity Training Award
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Hannah Goedart-Hutchings, finalist for WA Trainee of the Year
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Katie Clune, finalist for WA Trainer of the Year