Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE have been named Victoria’s Large Training Provider of the Year for 2025.
This is a proud achievement that reflects our commitment to quality vocational education across the state.
We also celebrated a remarkable individual achievement at the Victorian Training Awards, with Margaret O’Rourke OAM, former Board Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute winning the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award.
Building on a legacy of excellence
These recognitions build on our 2022 win as both Victorian and Australian Training Provider of the Year and are a key milestone for the first year of our 2030 Strategic Plan: Growth for Impact.
As part of Bendigo Kangan Institute, Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE deliver more than 200 future-focused courses, transforming how and where students learn, while building the workforce of tomorrow.
We’ve led one of the most significant vocational education transformation programs in Victoria, expanding our reach, modernising delivery and strengthening outcomes for students, industry and communities.
In the past 18 months we’ve built strong momentum, driven by initiatives, innovative thinking and collective efforts of our people and partners including:
· Investments in health and community training
o Opened a new Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows
o Launched a health-focused Learning Hub in Castlemaine
· Expanding access and infrastructure
o Developing the Hume Tech School to inspire future STEM pathways
o Preparing new campuses in Sunbury and Melton
· Leading through innovation and partnerships
o One of only two TAFEs nationally with self-accreditation.
o Supporting clean energy and tech skills through industry collaboration
o Growing apprenticeship enrolments, including female trades.
o Strengthening commercial partnerships and expanding our footprint.
Honouring a lifetime of leadership
The Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award recognises Marg O’Rourke OAM’s enduring leadership and advocacy in education.
(Marg O'Rourke at the 2025 Victorian Training Awards)
Marg’s contribution to Bendigo Kangan Institute spans more than 15 years. She joined Bendigo TAFE’s Board in 2008, led the merger with Kangan Institute in 2014 as Board President, and continued to serve as Deputy Chair before being elected Board Chair in 2022. Her tenure concluded in August 2024.
Throughout her leadership, Marg helped steer Bendigo Kangan Institute through major milestones – from pandemic recovery and campus revitalisations to sector-wide reforms and government transitions.
Her guidance was instrumental in delivering key projects including the:
· $8m Food and Fibre Centre of Excellence, Bendigo Charleston Road Campus (2017 to 2018)
· $18m Health and Community Centre of Excellence, Bendigo City Campus (2018)
· $60m Bendigo City Campus Revitalisation (2021)
· Essendon Health Hub at Essendon Campus (2022)
· Skills and Jobs Centre, Echuca Campus (2023)
Marg’s commitment to education continues in her current role as Head of La Trobe’s Bendigo Campus, where she continues to champion access, innovation and community impact.
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These acknowledgements reflect the dedication of our people and students, the strength of our partnerships across industry, community and government, and our scale, innovation and impact across the state.
The awards were announced at the 2025 Victorian Training Awards, an annual event celebrating and recognising students, apprentices, trainees, teachers and organisations who contribute to Victoria's TAFE and training sector.
Quotes attributable to Bendigo Kangan Institute Board Chair Sharan Burrow AC:
“Winning Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year is a powerful endorsement of our strategic ambition and sector leadership. It reflects the scale, innovation and impact we've delivered across Victoria. We’re proud to help shape the future of skills, workforce development and lifelong learning.”
“Marg’s legacy is one of visionary leadership and enduring contribution to public education. As former Board Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute, Marg helped shape our transformation and laid the foundations for the impact we’re delivering today. Her commitment to championing regional communities and expanding access to quality vocational education across Victoria was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and continues to inspire our work.”
Quotes attributable to Bendigo Kangan Institute Interim CEO Janelle Arena:
“Being named Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year is an incredible achievement for Bendigo Kangan Institute and a proud moment for vocational education in Victoria. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our educators, staff and students, and affirms our leadership in delivering inclusive, future-ready training that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.”
“Marg’s leadership inspired our staff and strengthened our community impact. Her legacy continues to shape how we work, collaborate and serve. From our classrooms to our campuses, Marg’s influence is woven into the fabric of vocational education in Victoria.”
