Staff Spotlight - Loretta Andrews
GOTAFE's Loretta Andrews is one of two GOTAFE staff nominated for the Trainer of the Year awards at the Victorian Training Awards.
Loretta Andrews is a passionate mental health educator at GOTAFE, where she leads the Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315).
She has recently been named as one of two GOTAFE staff nominated for the Trainer of the Year awards at the Victorian Training Awards.
It comes after she was a joint winner of the GOTAFE Trainer of the Year Award in 2024.
With over 20 years of experience working in remote Aboriginal communities and a background in financial counselling and community services, Loretta brings real-world insight and deep cultural understanding into the classroom.
Her teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful.
“We are all in the boat together, and we will all row together, so we all pass,” she said.
Loretta creates safe, inclusive spaces where students, many with lived experience, build confidence, skills, and a deep sense of purpose.
She introduced innovative cultural safety units and flexible delivery modes, supporting students through trauma, mental illness, and homelessness.
Loretta’s learner-focused approach has resulted in an increased completion rate, which has resulted in its adoption in other GOTAFE programs.
“My commitment to VET stems from a belief that education can change lives,” she said.
“I consider it a privilege to walk alongside students on their learning journeys and help them realise their potential.
Every success story, no matter how big or small, reaffirms why I do this work.”
Beyond the classroom, she connects students with industry mentors and advocates for community inclusion through events like NAIDOC and Mental Health Week.
"By staying embedded in the community and responsive to industry needs, I ensure our learners are job-ready, culturally aware, and able to contribute meaningfully to the future of mental health care in Victoria,” she said.
Her work transforms lives and inspires a new generation of compassionate mental health professionals.
Loretta’s unwavering commitment to cultural respect, equity, and empowerment makes her a standout nominee for Trainer of the Year.
