AUSTAFE Queensland recognises and celebrates the achievements of emerging leaders in Queensland’s vocational education and training industry.
Every year, awards are handed out to deserving emerging leaders in support services and education and training.
The winners are announced at the annual Emerging Leaders and Legends Awards.
Emerging Leaders nominees attend the awards ceremony and the Emerging Leaders Forum, held over 1.5 days.
The forum is by invitation only.
2025 AUSTAFE Queensland Emerging Leaders Forum
Day one – Wednesday 5 November 2025
11:30am arrival for a 12pm start – lunch included
Transit provided to Aviation Australia for a tour and team building activity
4:30pm networking drinks
Day two – Thursday 6 November 2025
8:15am registration for an 8:45am start
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included
Forum guest speakers and panellists
Trevor Schwenke – Chief Executive Officer, WorldSkills Australia
John Tucker – AUSTAFE Queensland Legend and Chief Executive Officer, TAFE Queensland
Sara Buchan – Former AUSTAFE Queensland Emerging Leader nominee and Executive Director (Operations Regional), Department of Transport and Main Roads
Gareth Hewson – Executive Director, Legal Services and General Counsel, TAFE Queensland
Basil Harvey – AUSTAFE Queensland Legend and former Executive Director of Education and Training, TAFE Queensland SkillsTech
Ian Smythe – Chief Academic Officer, Aviation Australia
Vanessa Kissane – Chief Human Resources Officer, TAFE Queensland
Simon Pritchard – Chief Financial Officer, TAFE Queensland
3:30pm finish
Learn more about nominating an emerging leader.
2025 AUSTAFE Queensland Emerging Leaders and Legends Awards begins at 5:30pm on 6 November 2025
