Northern Rivers TAFE NSW students showcased their skills on the national stage, returning from the WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships in Brisbane with an impressive medal haul.

The prestigious three-day event brought together Australia’s top emerging talent across more than 50 skill categories, with participants tested under real‑world, high‑pressure conditions.

The medal ceremony took place last Sunday in front of hundreds of vocational students from across the country. Six Northern Rivers students received national honours, claiming one gold medal, two bronze, and three Medallions for Excellence.

Winners from the Northern Rivers included:

• Paige Barcham (Ballina) – Gold – Health and Personal Care
• Andreya Koutsoubos (Federal) – Bronze – Cookery
• Matthew Stevenson (Gold Coast) – Bronze – Autobody Repair
• Holly Oates (Alstonville) – Medallion for Excellence – Floristry
• Benjamin Friday (Ewingsdale) – Medallion for Excellence – Automotive Refinish
• Ryan Fahey (North Casino) – Medallion for Excellence – Plumbing & Heating

“Winning gold was such a proud moment,” said Paige Barcham. “The competition challenged me to think beyond basic skills and really focus on person‑centred healthcare. It confirmed I’m on the right path in this career, and I’m so grateful for the support of my TAFE teachers.”

(Paige Barcham with her gold medal. Photo: supplied)

“I put in so much training and was a little surprised but thrilled to come home with a bronze,” said Andreya Koutsoubos. “The competition was intense but rewarding, and I’m so grateful to my employer and TAFE NSW for backing me every step of the way.”

“I felt great throughout the competition — it was such a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience,” said Holly Oates. “Being recognised with a Medallion for Excellence was a real honour and has given me so much confidence and inspiration to do more.”

Winning a medal puts these students in the running for selection to the Australian Skillaroos team, which will compete against more than 80 countries at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in September 2026.

TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read, said this is an incredible result for the region.

“WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of vocational excellence, and an invaluable opportunity for students, like these six Northern Rivers competitors, to build their skills, confidence, and careers,” Ms Read said.

“This achievement demonstrates the life‑changing impact of hands‑on training and mentorship, and the vital role TAFE NSW plays in preparing the future workforce.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan also congratulated all the medal‑winning TAFE NSW students.

“These students are a credit to their communities and a testament to the quality of vocational education we’re delivering right across NSW,” he said.

“TAFE NSW equips students with the practical skills and experience they need to thrive in the workforce – and their success on the national stage speaks volumes.”