TAFE Queensland students graduate at Bundaberg ceremony

Fifty students from across the region donned their gowns and caps as part of the 2023 TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg graduation. See photos from the event:

The graduates, Nurul Williams, Nerissa Muscat, Satsuko Smith, Susan Jacobs and Kate Duffin at the 2023 TAFE Queensland Bundaberg ceremony.

Fifty of the Bundaberg TAFE’s 500-plus graduating students donned their caps and gowns on Tuesday, November 5, for their 2023 graduation ceremony.

With qualifications ranging from nursing to early childhood education and everything in between, students were cheered on by friends, family and staff at the Bundaberg Multiplex Sport and Convention Centre.

A highlight from the day’s ceremony was when Kenyan international student Francis Marangi was awarded as the 2023 Bundaberg Student of the Year.

Lily Duong, Bronwyn Phillips, Jaye Thomson and Brooke Loader at the 2023 TAFE Queensland Bundaberg graduation ceremony.

The dedicated student received the award alongside a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Automotive and Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling.

Bundaberg Student of the Year, Francis Marangi at the 2023 TAFE Queensland Bundaberg graduation ceremony.

The study choice was born from a love of automation and Francis previously assisted in his family at their Kenyan automation factory, helping engineers and technicians with delivering and fitting components.

The 24-year-old student said he was pleasantly surprised with the receiving the student of the year award.

“It was fantastic – I wasn’t expecting it,” he said.

Nicole Henderson, Tamara Peters, Tamara Andrews, Bryce Woodley and Lorraine Andrews at the 2023 TAFE Queensland Bundaberg graduation ceremony.

“Now I’ve graduated, I’m looking to stay in Queensland and get a job as a mechanic in the field, but I hope to one day open my own workshop.”

TAFE Queensland East Coast general manager Mark Reilly spoke on the ceremony, and what it meant for students to celebrate their achievements.

“Graduation is about celebrating not only everything our graduates have achieved throughout the duration of their studies, but all the doors that they have opened by investing in their future,” Mr Reilly said.

“We congratulate all our Bundaberg graduates who have studied with us this year, including the many who were unable to attend last night due to work and family commitments, and can’t wait to see where their journeys lead them.”

Nurul Williams, Nerissa Muscat, Satsuko Smith, Susan Jacobs and Kate Duffin at the 2023 TAFE Queensland Bundaberg graduation ceremony.