Inspirational TAFE graduate, 60, achieves childhood dream of becoming a nurse

A 60-year-old woman has overcome her fears to achieve her childhood dream of becoming a nurse, winning Student of the Year at TAFE Queensland's Bundaberg graduation ceremony.

Students at the TAFE Bundaberg campus celebrated their graduation on Tuesday afternoon. Image: Supplied

Graduating students from the TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg campus gathered on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the end of their studies and next steps in their careers, with one inspirational individual gaining special recognition.

60-year-old Diploma of Nursing graduate Kristin Travers was presented with the 2025 Bundaberg Student of the Year Award for her dedication to her studies.

Already working in the aged care sector and loving it, she said it was “now or never” to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a nurse.

Nursing student Kristin Travers was awarded the 2025 Bundaberg Student of the Year Award.

“I never had the confidence to do it,” she said.

“I decided to buckle down and see if I could really do it.

“I feel proud for taking that step – I’m older and it was quite scary to go back to study, but I’ve done it and won an award for it in the process, and I feel like I achieved a lot doing it.

“This award goes to show that it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

“I’d love for others to see that and think, ‘if she can do it, I can too’.”

Alongside her stood other newly qualified nursing students, and individuals from study areas such as childhood education and care, beauty, leadership and management, and accounting and engineering.

The ceremony was equally as special for Individual Support (ageing and disability) teacher Susan Steele, who, through nomination by her students, was awarded the 2025 Educator of the Year for Bundaberg award.

She said she was both surprised and overcome with the acknowledgment.

Susan Steele was presented with the 2025 Educator of the Year for Bundaberg award.

“Knowing that it was my students who put me forward for it – well, they’re the ones we’re here for in the first place, so it means a lot to get that feedback,” she said.

She recalled her mentors from when she first started teaching told her helping students achieve outcomes and get jobs is the greatest achievement.

“They were right,” she said.

“Working with industry and constantly coming across students who I’ve taught over the years and working for them and thriving is the most rewarding part of teaching.

“But to receive this acknowledgment is an honour.”

TAFE Queensland East Coast region General Manager Mark Reilly said seeing students complete their studies and achieve their goals never gets old.

“Our graduates have worked hard to get to this point, investing a significant amount of time in their studies, so it’s an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate this special moment alongside them,” he said.

“There is no greater reward than seeing students, like Kristin, head out into the world and contribute meaningfully to the community using their new skills.

“By investing in their own futures and building their skills, these graduates are ensuring a bright future for Bundaberg.”