TAFE SA graduates using their skills to make an impact in their workplaces and local communities are being urged to nominate for the 2024 TAFE SA Honour Awards.

The annual awards recognise high-achieving graduates across diverse sectors who are demonstrating a commitment to innovation and excellence.

TAFE SA Chief Executive David Coltman says last year’s Honour Awards attracted many high-quality nominees from a range of fields including community services and advocacy, health care, engineering and the arts. 

“TAFE SA alumni are making a difference in industries and communities and the awards program provides an opportunity to celebrate their achievements,” he says.

“Previous finalists have come from vastly different fields and they’ve been at different stages of their careers but they’ve shared a desire to make a positive impact.”

Kiara Murphy was among the graduates recognised at last year’s Honour Awards ceremony, receiving the Enriching Communities Award for her work as an advocate, organiser, and administrator in the Deaf community.

Kiara is passionate about supporting the Deaf community and after completing the Certificate IV in Auslan, she started working with Deaf-led business, The Deaf Butterfly Effect, which provides NDIS support coordination and Auslan interpreting services,

She has been quick to identify opportunities to expand on the group’s services and has initiated programs that encourage social connection and networking for members of the Deaf community, including the Deafhood program for children, and Voices Off, which enables Auslan students to practice their skills in a social group setting.

Kiara says she was excited to receive the Enriching Communities Award and appreciative of the chance to reflect on her achievements.

“I think sometimes in day-to-day life it’s hard to step back and see your accomplishments and so to have that recognised externally it was just a reminder of how important it is and how grateful I am to be a part of the community in such a special way,” she says.

Kiara is currently organising Deaf Fest 2024, a celebration of Deaf culture, language, and community presented by Deaf Butterfly Effect, which will be held on Saturday, 21 September in the lead up to National Week of Deaf People (23-29 September).

“I’m so excited to be on the other side this year and to be able to nominate other people,” she says.

The entry process for the TAFE SA Honour Awards is simple and accessible, and people can nominate themselves or someone else.

The awards will be presented across seven categories including Future Industries, Creative Catalyst, Regional Impact, Courageous Spirit, Enriching Communities, Cultural Leadership and the City of Adelaide Award.

Nominations close on Monday, 23 September. More information including submission guidelines and selection criteria can be found on the TAFE SA website.