2023 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET)
WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Celebrating Excellence at the 2023 President's Dinner and Training Awards

We are delighted to share the success of the 2023 President's Dinner and Training Awards, held on December 5 at the Pearl Ballroom, Crown Sydney. This prestigious event brought together luminaries from the hospitality and tourism industry to honour outstanding achievements in vocational education and training (VET).
The evening, hosted by MC Paul Nicolaou, celebrated the remarkable dedication, innovation, and skill within our industry.
Notably, we introduced the 'Teacher of Choice' category, highlighting the importance of collaboration and community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners for their contributions to VET excellence.

Celebrating Excellence: Honoring 2023 Winners and Honourable Mentions

Tourism Training Australia proudly congratulates and acknowledges the remarkable achievements of the 2023 President's Dinner and Training Awards winners and honourable mentions. These individuals have demonstrated excellence and dedication in their chosen fields, setting a high standard for vocational education and training.

AWARD Group 1
Category 1-6

  • Best Commercial Cookery Trainer
    Honourable Mention
    Bernadette Ryan, TAFE NSW, Grafton
    2023 Winners
    Kasper Christensen, TAFE NSW, Northern Beaches
    Richard Bissett, Sydney Business and Travel Academy (SBTA)

  • Best Patisserie Trainer
    2023 Winner
    Che Tam Nguyen, North Metro TAFE, Perth

  • Best Hospitality Management Trainer

    Honourable Mention
    Susan McGregor, Quality College Australia
    2023 Winner
    Pravinder Singh, Global Institute

  • Best Food & Beverage Trainer
    Honourable Mention
    Miodrag Damjanac, TAFE NSW, Ultimo
    Nicola Fonti, TAFE NSW, Western Sydney
    2023 Winner
    Brendan Dugan, North Metropolitan TAFE Joondalup WA

  • Best Event Management Trainer
    Honourable Mention
    Monica Pasvolsky, Global Institute
    Katherine Brinks, TAFE NSW, Glenmore Park
    2023 Winner
    Nicci Gow, TAFE NSW, Blacktown

  • Best Travel & Tourism Trainer
    Honourable Mention
    Melissa Howarth, The Sydney Business and Travel Academy (SBTA)
    2023 Winner
    Melanie Berenger, Flight Center Group, VIC
    Bettina Graham, TAFE NSW, Ultimo

award group 2

  • Best Trainer/Teacher in Foodservice Venue
    2023 Winner
    Jamie’s Kitchen, Global Institute

award group 3

  • Exciting new category for students to endorse their teacher (s) Trainer (s) and Mentor (s)
    2023 Winners
    Amanda Roddenby, TAFE NSW, Hamilton
    Luke Stack, Le Culinaire Hospitality Institute
    Fiona Cox, TAFE NSW
    Brett Stewart, Trinity Grammar
    Belinda Clements, William Angliss, Melbourne

award group 4

  • Best Innovation Training Initiative
    2023 Winner
    TAFE NSW, Ultimo Sheridan Marz
    Tasting Success Program

Prominent recognitions

  • Dedication to Service
    2023 Award Recipient
    Monica Pasvolsky, Global Institute

  • Recognition of Emerging Business Talent
    2023 Award Recipient
    Industry Placement Solutions, Md Mazaharul Islam

  • Inaugural Perpetual Trophy for Outstanding Service to Vocational Education in Hospitality
    2023 Award Recipient
    Brad Bennett, Le Culinaire Hospitality Institute


We commend all finalists, honorable mentions, and winners for their unwavering commitment to excellence. Your dedication, innovation, and contributions to vocational education and training continue to elevate our industry.