Congratulations to Sydney TAFE’s Donna Colombini for taking out this year’s Southern and South Western region 2016 NSW Training Awards VET Trainer and Teacher of the Year. The winner was selected from teachers of all fields in the VET sector from both TAFE and private RTOs. Donna now proceeds to the next round of judging which will eventuate in a national winner being named.

Donna possesses the unusual quality of being not only an outstanding manager but an extraordinary leader as well. She inspires all her staff and is always there to answer any questions that may arise. Her compassion for her team is never ending and all staff feel quite comfortable going to her for advice.

“I have a strong commitment to the industry and this is reflected through my teaching, leadership of a teaching team and the students we teach. It is of the utmost importance that my teaching section gives the best possible education and training through quality teaching and learning practices,” said Ms Colombini.

Donna’s experience spans over 36 years, initially as a hairdresser and for the last 16 years as a TAFE teacher. She is a committed teacher and mentor to her teaching team and students and is continually striving for innovation and quality.

“Winning this award means the world to me. My everyday practise is to engage with other professionals within Sydney TAFE and the wider industry, as those networks and industry contacts bring a richness to my teaching and learning practices,” she said.

– TJ