News article
Triple treat for CDU at training awards
Charles Darwin University has won the prestigious Training Provider of the Year trophy for the third year in a row at the 64th NT Training Awards in Darwin at the weekend.
CDU and Menzies staff and students also won a host of individual awards, including the Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year and the VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said the gala awards night at the Darwin Convention Centre had been a momentous occasion for the university, its staff and students.
“These are proud moments for CDU with wins in six categories. I congratulate all our winners and runners-up who have been recognised for their high standards of training, their dedication and their personal achievement,” Professor Maddocks said.
“These awards reflect excellence among our trainers and support staff who provide us with the ability to deliver high-quality training to students throughout the Northern Territory.
“We also acknowledge our partners in industry, government and across the community, whose faith and invaluable support is integral to our success and viability.”
Professor Maddocks also congratulated NEC IT Solutions, which won the Medium Employer of the Year, a category sponsored by Charles Darwin University.
Professor Maddocks said attention would now turn to the Australian Training Awards, to be held in Brisbane in November.
Among NT representatives at the Australian Training Awards will be Adult Literacy and Numeracy Team Leader Wendy Kennedy, who has been selected as a finalist in the Australian Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice Award.
CDU at the NT Training Awards:
VET Teacher / Trainer of the Year - Winner: Patricia Sweeney-Fawcett
VET in Schools Student of the Year - Runner-up: Courtney Canavan
School-based Trainee / Apprentice of the Year – Runner-up: Claudia Kretschmer
Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year - Winner: Rory Milner; Runner-up: Callum DiFranscesco
Vocational Student of the Year - Winner: Jacqui Culgan; Runner-up: Despina Rossides
Trainee of the Year - Winner: Jack Short
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Winner: Raelene Collins (Menzies); Runner-up: Kenny Lechleitner
International Student of the Year - Runner-up: Sharon Wu
Training Provider of the Year - Winner: Charles Darwin University
Related Articles
CDU graduate turns personal tragedy into purpose
This week, Charles Darwin University student Brooke Campbell will graduate with a midwifery degree she was determined to pursue after the tragic loss of her son.
Read more about CDU graduate turns personal tragedy into purpose
From topping charts to tipping caps: Cellist reaches graduation crescendo
In the first year of his PhD, Anthony Albrecht didn't expect to be producing an album that would beat global superstar Taylor Swift on the Australian Record Industry Association charts. But the album formed a crucial part of Dr Albrecht's research and is a highlight he reflects on as he prepares to graduate from Charles Darwin University.
Read more about From topping charts to tipping caps: Cellist reaches graduation crescendo
CDU TAFE lecturer recognised with a TAFE Directors Australia award
A Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE lecturer has been recognised at the 2026 TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) Convention for his work helping to build sustainable communities in the NT.
Read more about CDU TAFE lecturer recognised with a TAFE Directors Australia award
