Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Benalla's top student recognised

The Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GOTAFE) Outstanding Student of the Year Award for the Benalla Campus was won by Certificate III in Aged Care Work student, Roslynn Kolodjziej.

Roslynn was nominated as the overall campus award winner from a field of nine outstanding students in their fields.

After working in child care for 10 years and then at a local optometrist for another 10 years, Roslynn decided another career change is just what she needed for her new direction in life. Roslynn always had an interest in the health industry and felt that she was mostly a hands on health orientated worker.

Roslynn chose to work in the aged care industry and demonstrated her commitment to enter the field by working in the catering department of Cooinda Village, prior to commencing formal work placement as part of her course.

Corinda Village saw first-hand the compassion and dedication Roslynn demonstrated through her work and studies, and offered her a permanent position as an Aged Care worker with the organisation.

GOTAFE Community Services Coordinator Rhonda Martin said, "Roslynn was a valued member of the class and intuitive to the needs of the individuals and the group as a whole. Her assessment tasks were outstanding and her workplace performance was exemplary. She presented as a positive role model and is an outstanding ambassador for the aged care industry."

"Her genuine and natural compassion for the elderly and her commitment to the industry meant she wouldn't settle for any less than her best and she encouraged her classmates to do the same. She is to be commended for her commitment to the course and her transition to the workplace where she is already a highly respected worker in this field," said Rhonda.

Now that Roslynn has successfully graduated from the Certificate III in Aged Care with the Institute she is considering pursuing a career, possibly in Nursing.

Approximately 150 students graduated at from GOTAFE's Benalla Campus in 2009 from the Primary Industries, Service and Technology Divisions of GOTAFE, the National Centre for Equine Education, National Centre for Dairy Education Australia and Innoven. The students receive recognition for completing nationally accredited courses at Advanced Diploma, Diploma and Certificates I through to Certificate IV and Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels.

Centre Achievement Awards were also won by:

ALBE Personal Achievement Award - Holly Latham
Health Services Academic Award - Roslynn Kolodziej
Community Services Academic Award - Dana Stewart
Business Services Personal Achievement Award - Kirsty Trezise
IT Academic Award - Greg Pestell
Performing Arts Academic Award - Aliesha Spence
Student Services Award - Melinda Pentreath

For more information on courses at the Benalla Campus browse our website or call 1300 GOTAFE (468 233).