Community
6 November, 2026
More accolades for TAFE
THE accolades continue to flow for South West TAFE, with the learning institute recently bringing home another prestigious state award.
At the 2026 Wurreker Awards, SWTAFE won the ‘Innovative Koorie Learner Pathways: TAFE Provider’ award and was praised for taking a community-led approach to First Nations vocational education.
It is the first Wurreker Award the TAFE has brought home in more than 20 years.
The Wurreker Awards, hosted by the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc (VAEAI), celebrate learners, educators, institutions, organisations and partners who continue to strengthen First Nations education, training and employment across Victoria.
South West TAFE was recognised for the co-design and delivery of the Indigenous Rangers Program, in partnership with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring, Winda-Mara and regional TAFEs across Victoria.
The course recorded 27 successful completions and led to further training opportunities and strong relations with local Traditional Owner groups.
Built around the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, the program was designed with Traditional Owner groups to ensure it was culturally safe, relevant and accessible.
At the awards, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Corporation received the Dr Mary Atkinson – Koorie Organisation Award, and acknowledged the partnership with South West TAFE during an acceptance speech.
Rounding out the success, South West TAFE’s First Nations coordinator and proud gilgar-kilcarer Gunditjmara woman, Kiara Gunton-Saunders, was named as a finalist for the ‘Public Sector Employee’ in the individual awards.
This award celebrates employees in the Victorian Public Sector who are achieving excellence in their careers through learning, growth, and professional development.
Ms Gunton-Saunders said it was exciting to see South West TAFE’s community-driven approach being recognised.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work in partnership with local Indigenous Traditional Owner organisations, especially with the pilot course which was a catalyst for further specialised programs at South West TAFE,” she said.
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“This award means a great deal to our team. It recognises the hard work, passion and commitment that goes into supporting First Nations learners and communities every day.
“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful to be part of an organisation that is committed to creating stronger pathways and opportunities for our mob.”
Ms Gunton-Saunders started in a student support role in 2023 and played a crucial role in supporting the pilot course.
She moved into the coordinator position in March this year.
The pilot program combined Indigenous knowledge with contemporary land management practices and offered flexible delivery to support cultural obligations, employment and community needs.
Since its commencement, participants have completed qualifications that are leading to employment and career pathways in land management, conservation, heritage protection and ranger services.
The success of the Rangers Program has led to a broader range of initiatives, including Junior Rangers, the SEE First Nations Life Hacks program, Sea Rangers training, industry-aligned short courses and the development of First Nations trainer and assessor pathways.
“These partnerships and programs have strengthened cultural connection, built confidence and leadership skills, and created meaningful pathways for First Nations people of all ages,” Ms Gunton-Saunders said.
The work has also driven broader organisational change at SWTAFE, including the establishment of the First Nations Cultural Hub, a culturally safe space that supports learning, wellbeing, community connection and student success.
There are about 200 First Nations students at South West TAFE and that number is expected to grow.
