Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has congratulated winners and finalists in the 2025 North & Mid North Coast Regional Training Awards held in Byron Bay on Friday night.

Ms Saffin, who is also Minister for the North Coast, said three of the seven category winners come from the Electorate of Lismore and have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their workplaces and industries.

This year’s Regional Training Award winners are:

• Apprentice of the Year, Jake Barlow, of Geneva, Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead Essential Energy, Essential Energy.
• Vocational Student of the Year, Numoil Smith, of Goonellabah, Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, TAFE NSW, Goodstart Early Learning.
• VET Trainer/Teacher of the Year, Neil O’Donnell, of Murwillumbah, music teacher, NSW Department of Education.
• Trainee of the Year, Nicole Shedden, of Kingscliff, Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, TAFE NSW, Sensational Minds Therapy.
• VET in Schools Student of the Year, Bodhi Perandis, of Tweed Heads, Certificate III in Sport Coaching, NSW Department of Education.            
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Joshua Maguire, of Glenreagh, Diploma of Leadership and Management, VERTO Carers NSW.
• School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Hailee Frost, of Port Macquarie, Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Axial Training and International College, Oxley Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.  

Ms Saffin said these high achievers in the vocational education and training (VET) sector will go on to represent the North and Mid North Coast regions in the 2025 NSW Training Awards in September.

“As Minister for Recovery, I was impressed by mature aged learner Jake Barlow’s transition from being a mechanic to powerline worker by completing his Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead with Essential Energy,” Ms Saffin said.

Mr Barlow was nominated for his passion, dedication to learning and unparalleled work ethic, particularly in a crisis.

He is also recognised for his contribution to the community when working to restore power to regions affected by the devastating Northern Rivers floods and the bushfires in Tenterfield and Jennings.

Mr Barlow said: “The apprenticeship has shaped me both personally and professionally, equipping me with valuable skills and a sense of purpose. It’s been an incredible journey, allowing me to contribute to my community and grow as a tradesman.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my apprenticeship has been working in disaster-affected areas to restore power to communities. In 2022, the Northern Rivers experienced the worst flooding on record, leaving more than 3,000 homes without power,” Mr Barlow said.

“I was placed on the on-call roster at the beginning of my third year, a highly sought-after position within the company. This allowed me to work with crews from around the state to isolate and restore power to homes and businesses.

“It was a challenging experience, involving hazardous electrical scenarios and difficult hygiene conditions, but it was incredibly fulfilling to help the community in such a meaningful way.”

For more information on the NSW Training Awards, now in their 70th year, visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/nsw-training-awards.