2022 Foundation Award Announced

The prestigious Galvin Foundation Award recipient was announced at the 2022 Tourism Training Australia President’s Dinner and Awards Celebration hosted at the spectacular Crown Sydney on November 22. This year the award was presented by Mrs Elizabeth Galvin, and the deserved recipient was Jonathon O’Connor from TAFE NSW Grafton Campus.

Jonathon received a standing ovation for his powerful speech in response to the acceptance of this prestigious award.
Congratulations, Jonathon and we will continue to watch you evolve in your chosen career.

Emerging Chef, Isaac Nix was awarded the 2022 Foundation award.

In Bill’s footsteps…. Jonathan O’Connor set to inspire the next generation of chefs

This year’s William R Galvin Memorial Scholarship recipient, Jonathan O’Connor, is an outstanding young talent who found community, healing and purpose in the culinary arts.

In an inspiring acceptance speech at the TTA Awards in November, Jon described how he struggled with mental health issues in his early 20s, then found his own recipe for success studying cookery at TAFE NSW Grafton.

Although initially daunted by the coursework due to dyslexia, Jon found to his surprise that attending classes at TAFE NSW gave him a place to belong, and as his confidence increased, he discovered he had a talent for cooking.

During his apprenticeship he worked at Yamba Shores Tavern, Jon worked hard to hone his skills and stepped up to lead the kitchen in service when needed. Meanwhile at TAFE he developed his leadership skills and was a valued member of class, often mentoring other students experiencing difficulties.

His teacher, Bernadette Ryan, endorsed his scholarship application and praised his achievements.

“During Jon’s two and a half years of study, I watched his passion for cookery catch fire and his confidence in his skills flourish,” she wrote.

“His commitment to his studies while overcoming personal adversity and mental health issues sets him apart. Jon’s story is a motivating example of what can be achieved with hard work and a positive attitude.”

The selection panel were also impressed by Jon’s records of achievements which include:

• Proud to be a Chef Finalist 2020 and selected to be an Ambassador for the program in 2023

• Encouragement Award at the 2022 NSW Training Awards for Apprentice of the Year

• World Skills Regional Silver Medallist 2019

• Participation in masterclasses with leading chefs including Adrian Richardson, Shannon Martinez and Lisa Van Zanten.

Importantly, Jon outlined in his application how he aimed to mentor and inspire other young chefs, with the goal of becoming a TAFE teacher himself.

“Like William Galvin, I want to help train and shape the next generation of hospitality workers by building my industry skills to become a TAFE NSW teacher and give back to the community that has given me so much.”

Under the scholarship, Jon receives $5000 to use for further studies in 2024 to become a TAFE teacher. In the meantime he is working in Melbourne as a Sous Chef with JBS Hospitality Group to gain as much kitchen experience as he can.

“As a proud gay man and with my experiences with mental health, I strongly believe in using my voice and experiences to support others to find their place to belong and help create an inclusive and safe industry that celebrates diversity.”