Bill Norling Awards Winner: Jonathan Wolf
Jonathan Wolf was working as an engineer with Kenworth designing heavy-duty commercial vehicles when he decided he wanted to get away from the desk and be a truck mechanic.
In 2018, he began an apprenticeship with Hallam Truck Centre and started a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology through Chisholm.
Jonathan thrived as a mature-aged student and proved to be a leader in class. One of his best achievements was being selected as one of two students to do a tear down on a Caterpillar engine.
Eventually he would like to try different versions of heavy diesel – marine diesel, heavy plant, hydraulics, and auto electrical – then own his own shop.
International Student of the Year: Muhammad Mehdi
Muhammad Mehdi worked hard to excel academically in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (mechanical and manufacturing) program.
Growing up in Pakistan, being an engineer was a lifelong dream for Muhammad, and when he came to Australia, he applied himself with vigour.
During his time at Chisholm, Muhammad achieved an overall average of high distinctions and received a Higher Education Scholarship. He was part of the student committee that organised several social events prior to COVID and was well-respected by his peers. In Pakistan, Muhammad volunteered with a hospital and at the local mosque.
During his placement with REDEI Renewable Energy Solutions, Muhammad’s performance was so outstanding his employer created a new position so that he would stay on with the company. An amazing achievement in what will no doubt be an illustrious career in design engineering.
Secondary Student of the Year: Matua Tufuga
Matua Tufuga completed the VCE Rising Stars program through Chisholm Sports Academy (basketball program) in 2020 and 2021.
Matua’s determination to excel was exemplary. Throughout his time at Chisholm, he faced numerous hurdles and interruptions to his learning due to the COVID lockdowns, but always stayed focussed and completed assessments to an extremely high standard.
Matua also endured multiple major sporting-related injuries which prevented him from participating in the training program. However, he kept his chin up and continued to attend training, purely just to support his peers and coaches where he could.
Matua proved to be a mentor to his peers, demonstrating exceptional leadership and teamwork skills. He volunteered on multiple occasions for the Chisholm Sports Academy by supporting staff at holiday clinics/programs as well as try-out days for the program for new students.
Trainee Student of the Year: Mariah Kendle
Mariah Kendle is an inspiration to those who know her. Having previously worked in hospitality, she decided to complete a traineeship with Calvary Aged Care and a Certificate III in Individual Support.
Changing her career path was no easy feat, as she had two children, one of whom has special needs. Mariah’s commitment to her studies was outstanding, never missing a class and passing all assessments and work placement.
As a Personal Care Assistant, Mariah believes in empowering her residents and validating their feelings by displaying excellent listening skills. She is well respected in the workplace and is considered an asset to her team. A bright future in aged care awaits Mariah.
Vocational Student of the Year: Brooke Thompson
Brooke Thompson enrolled in Chisholm’s Certificate IV in Disability as she wanted to inspire other people with disabilities to reach for the stars.
Brooke made a profound mark at Chisholm and was also nominated in the Victorian Training Awards. She went from being a shy student who was afraid to speak in class, to a leader who helped others with their assessments. Her energy and passion were felt by everyone, and still is.
Brooke will be an exceptional disability worker in the industry and has all the skills that cannot be taught – honestly, integrity, empathy, patience and passion. Her dream is to work in the disability sector and become a guest speaker spreading the word about how much people with disabilities can offer to the community.
Apprentice of the Year Winner: William McCallum
William McCallum was in his third year of a Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade apprenticeship when he had a serious motorbiking accident and had to have emergency brain surgery.
The road to recovery was a long one – William spent six months recuperating on the couch. When he was finally ready to go back to his apprenticeship, he pretty much had to learn how to weld again.
Despite the serious setback, William absolutely excelled at Chisholm. He even requested additional theory work while he was recovering from the accident and ended up finishing his apprenticeship ahead of time (in two years, eight months).
Aside from this award nomination, William was also nominated as Apprentice of the Year for the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Apprentice of the Year Awards, as well as the Victorian Training Awards.
During his time at Chisholm, William demonstrated many outstanding qualities, including leadership, empathy, patience and determination.
Higher Education Student of the Year: Fahmida Yasmin
Fahmida Yasmin overcame many challenges when she moved to Australia from Bangladesh to complete Chisholm’s Bachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs. However, she applied herself and excelled, achieving high distinctions in more than 80 per cent of her subjects.
In class, she was well-respected and widely liked because of her supportive and knowledgeable manner. During her studies, she was active in the community, volunteering with the City of Casey’s Gender Equality Taskforce, while at the same time working hard to support herself financially.
Fahmida was proactive in finding a regional work placement opportunity despite the difficulties posed by COVID, again illustrating her determination and drive. She is a true role model and a student who is held in high esteem by both teachers and peers alike.
Educator of the Year: Nic van Wamel
During his 12 years with Chisholm, Nic van Wamel has worked in training and education, transformative education, and in educational consulting to improve the capacity and capability of Chisholm’s teaching staff, as well as running programs for Chisholm.
Nic has also been instrumental in delivering training programs with the international department all over the world.
Highlights include delivering training to educators from African nations and to the Chinese Electrical Commission, upgrading skills for Vietnamese vocational educators and providing TAE training to Sri Lankan-based maritime college, CINEC.
What makes Nic so successful at his job is his ability to build enduring partnerships with international stakeholders by recognising their existing skill and capability, then building on that. Nic is highly regarded by both Chisholm’s international partners and internally.
