RTO Graduation 2017
Nov 20 2017
VACSAL’s RTO held their 4th graduation ceremony on the 23rd November 2017. All 29 graduates completed a Certificate IV in Community Services. All this could not have been possible without the partnership with E-focus. Efocus provided VACSAL with the opportunity to deliver a culturally safe training program that valued VACSAL’s delivery model and assessments. E-focus had the current qualification on scope to ensure VACSAL could provide updated qualification to the students while our own RTO worked on updating our own scope with current qualifications. VACSAL recognises the enormous commitment the students and their families have made. There were over 130 guests who came to the graduation to witness their family member’s success in completing the course. The atmosphere was extremely positive with lots of good will.
The students are extremely keen to maintain or access employment in the community services sector so they can support their community.
Dr Alf Bamblett’s dream of VACSAL becoming a quality RTO is well and truly alive. His legacy continues to inspire the students and staff. His dream was to ensure cultural integrity was at the heart of every learning journey.
Linda Bamblett (VACSAL’s EO) provided the opening speech at the graduation. Linda acknowledged the students on their exceptional accomplishment and also thanked the RTO staff team for their hard work and commitment.
Casey Atkinson provided the ‘address to the graduands’. It was an inspirational speech that encouraged the students to continue their journey for lifelong learning. Melinda Eason (RTO manager and trainer/assessor) did a great job as MC. A very special thanks to Josh Wanganeen and Lola Nicolouleas who provided outstanding training throughout the year, I’m sure the students would agree. Also, thank you to Leah Seeto for all her hard work and for her event management skills in pulling the night together.
The graduation was one of joy and pride for the student’s outstanding achievements.
La Trobe University sponsored several educational awards in recognition of particular student’s outstanding achievements. They are as follows:
- Mark Rose presented the ‘La Trobe University Award’ for further education to Elva Richards. Elva has been accepted into Deakin University to continue studying a Psychology degree
- The ‘Dr Alf Bamblett Achievement Award’ was awarded to Leonard Harrison. This award recognises students who have shown enormous resilience and demonstrated self-motivation despite challenging barriers and achieved educational success.
- The ‘Aunty Bunta Patten Achievement Award’ was awarded to Nesreen Lawya. This award recognises students who have shown enormous resilience and demonstrated self-motivation despite challenging barriers and achieved educational success.
And finally the ‘Mentoring/Elders Award’ was presented to Aunty Melissa Brickell for
her outstanding mentoring throughout the year. Aunty Melissa demonstrated the ability to build and nurture relationships with students, provide encouragement and inspire participation. This award was in acknowledgment and appreciation for sharing her knowledge, advice and wisdom throughout the course.
Caitlin Lovell provided the final word on behalf of the students. She provided an inspiring overview of the course and thanked her trainers and class mates for teaching her so much. Caitlin said she gained an enormous amount of confidence and personal growth throughout the course and would recommend ‘everyone” to do the course. Caitlin completed the course with her Father and said “together they grew stronger”. She said the “My Mob” presentations were a great way to connect with everyone to become “one big mob”.
On behalf of VACSAL we congratulate all students on their excellent success and wish them well for their future endeavours.
Melinda Eason
RTO Manager
