2023 Award Winners

Jenine Smith, Life Membership

Having graduated as an Economic Geographer in 1981, Jenine came to the Teaching profession in 1998 after completing her Graduate Diploma of Education. In 2001 she completed the Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training along with a Certificate II in Business Services through TAFE NSW and gained her Master of Education (Career Education) at the Australian Catholic University in 2007. Jenine was Careers Adviser at Marist Sisters College, Woolwich and currently is the Assistant Careers Adviser at Rosebank College. Having been on the Executive since 2011 Jenine has undertaken the roles of Communications Officer and Secretary. Jenine commenced as President of CAA in October 2017.

Glenys Lawson, Life Membership

CAA is honoured to award Life Membership to Glenys Lawson who has served on the CAA Executive Committee for 8 years, contributing enthusiastically to all aspects and responsibilities of being a member of the CAA Executive. Glenys piloted electronic meetings in 2014 for CAA which allowed better access for regional and remote area members to be involved with the CAA Executive Committee. She is an advocate for regional area members and continues to ensure the members in regional areas are supported in their roles as Careers Advisers. Glenys has been a respected and valued member of the local Careers Advisers network where she has held a range of roles over many years. As leader of the Network, Glenys always provided a great agenda of professional development opportunities, making sure the Network was well supported. Glenys has also been a mentor and support for colleagues across the state, especially those in the Far North Coast (Tweed/Byron) network and across all educational sectors. At Murwillumbah High School, she was Careers Adviser and also filled in as Deputy Principal, and head teacher of Admin and CAPA. Glenys developed the concept of an online Work Studies course to help students under threat of disengaging. It was so effective that it has become a 120-hour course on google classrooms that helps bring the HSC back into reality for those students becoming disengaged from their learning. 

Juliana Dignam, Careers Adviser of the Year

Juliana has made significant contributions to the career development of students and parents supporting them through her unique skills and qualities. As an organiser, she has successfully coordinated various career-related events, workshops, and resources, ensuring that students have access to the information they need. Her networking abilities have allowed her to establish connections with professionals, industry experts, and educational institutions, expanding the horizons of parents and students by opening doors to diverse opportunities. Juliana's positive and passionate mindset has enabled her to stay updated with evolving career trends ensuring relevant programs and guidance. She creates a safe and welcoming space for students to share their concerns and offers tailored solutions and support. Her innovative approach, dedication, and adherence to career development standards continue to inspire students to embrace diverse possibilities and think critically about their futures.

Juliana collaborates with other teachers to link careers education with students' learning experiences, to connect students' learning with real-world pathways, industries, and job opportunities. This integration of career education provides students with practical insights and motivations behind different career choices. Juliana's expertise and contributions extend beyond the school, as she actively participates in networking meetings, committees, conferences, and industry advisory groups, promoting collaboration and professional development in the field of careers education.

Juliana Dignam, Jenine Smith & Principal of St Edward's College

Mary Reid, Finalist Careers Adviser of the Year

Mary Reid has a deep passion for career development. She is driven by her desire to empower every student to find their purpose. Mary creates and develops all career initiatives with enthusiasm and a commitment to quality evidence-based practices. She is an advocate for all students and persists until a successful career development outcome is achieved for them. Moreover, Mary models best practice to students when engaging with employers, which enhances student career learning. She also is actively involved in professional networks, including the CAA, SWS CIT, EPP and the Careers and Transition Advisers Statewide Staffroom.

Mary Reid & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Anna Bergamin, Finalist Careers Adviser of the Year

Anna possesses a multitude of personal qualities that make her an exceptional individual. She is a quiet achiever with a wealth of experience. Thoroughness is a defining trait she possesses. Anna's honesty, helpfulness, and kindness shine through her softly spoken nature, endearing her to colleagues and students alike. Her loyalty is unwavering, and her exceptional organisational skills ensure efficient task management that meets strict deadlines.

Kay Woodhams, Hilary Bolin Award

Kay Woodhams embodies the Hilary Bolin Award through professional commitment, selfless contributions to students and unconditional support of her colleagues over her lengthy career. Kay’s exhibits constant enthusiasm to share her expertise and passion for her work in the Careers field. Her professionalism shines in everything that she does in, and for, the school and community. Her unyielding value of hard work is evidenced in her commitment to supporting the ethics and values of the industry. Kay treats everyone with respect, listens effortlessly and provides sound, informative guidance while encouraging individual passions. Individuals in the community who engage with Kay leave their interactions with a clarity of direction, feeling lighter, walking taller and feeling valued. Kay truly embodies the ethics and values that make her a remarkable Careers Adviser and professional mentor. 

Kay is connected to the community, knowledgeable, supportive, nurturing and extremely approachable. She is always prepared to attend and contribute to meetings with students and parents, and to deliver engaging, topical seminars and workshops to colleagues with unwavering patience and collegial enthusiasm. Kay is actively involved in the community, being a contributing member of professional and community committees. She is incredibly committed to sharing experiences and information at professional development days, focus meetings and industry events. The respect that Kay has earned in the industry is a result of hard work, engaging professionalism and continued support of the community and industry ethos.

Kay understands and provides many opportunities for the students and staff to be involved with the community. One such opportunity was the creation and development of the year 12 community service program. In this program, students visited with local aged care residents regularly which provided community engagement and cross demographic understanding for our students and the residents. With the onset of COVID, Kay developed this opportunity further with the introduction of the “Memory Book” program. Interested students meet weekly with the aged care residents via Zoom to chat and ask questions of their lives. The students record the answers and create a memory book for the residents and their families as a keepsake of their time with the students but also as a beautiful record of memories for the resident and their family. This program is highly regarded by the school, the residents, and external staff. Kay’s commitment to this program and her support of the students, residents, staff, and colleagues in this endeavour has created a beautiful legacy across the two environments.

Kay Woodhams with Principal, Normanhurst Boys High School

Jennie Zugajev, Margaret Gambley Award

Jennie trained as a Primary teacher at Goulburn CAE, graduating at the end of 1981. Untrained in Careers until 1989, her roles were self-taught. Jennie was appointed to Colton High School for 1993 & 1994, before transferring to Crestwood High School in 1995 and then Penrith Selective High School 9 years later. Jennie’s other positions & roles have included:

• Presenter, Annual ‘New Careers Adviser Day’ (2012, 2013, 2015 & 2016);
• Minute Secretary, Nepean Careers Forum (2008 – June 2016);
• Treasurer, Nepean Careers Forum (2010 – June 2016);
• Initiated, researched and facilitated a week-long Yr 10 Business Week with UTS in 2015;
• Mentored 7 new Careers Advisers (2005 - 2015);
• Presenter, Annual NSW Careers Advisers Conference (2011, 2012, 2014);
• Secretary, Selective High Schools Careers Adviser Network (2008 – 2014);
• Executive Committee of the Careers Advisers Association of NSW & ACT (2005 & 2006, 2019 & 2020);
• Minute Secretary, Cumberland Careers Forum (1998 – 2001);
• Secretary, Nepean Careers Forum (1990 – 1994);
• Presented @ Yr 10, Yr 11 & Yr 12 Parent and Subject Selection Evenings (1988 - 2015);
• Interview Panel for the new UWS Medical School (2006 - 2013).

Jennie Zugajev & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Jennifer Hodson, Margaret Gambley Award 

Jennifer has been a Careers Adviser since 1977. Her experience in the second Careers Advisers group led by Margaret Gambley and Jo Howard in Sydney was 'Life changing!', inspiring her to serve as the second President of the Liverpool Careers Advisers Association alongside Liri Latimore. Jennifer helped to establish one of the first Careers Markets in NSW at Ashcroft High School and one of the first work experience programs. Due to her pioneering work in Careers Advising, she was promoted to an administrative role, before serving as Careers Adviser at Hoxton Park High School, Woonona High School and finally, Edmund Rice College Wollongong for the past 38 years. Jennifer founded the Illawarra Careers Advisers Association with Bill McQueen and has been an active member serving in many positions and initiating many great innovations in Careers Advising throughout her extensive career.

Jennifer Hodson & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Ian Ryan, Margaret Gambley Award

Ian has dedicated 30 years to McIntyre High School, making a difference to the lives and careers of young people at the school and in the wider community. He was a local identity within the town and highly regarded by all individuals and families that he supported. He is responsible for thousands of people having fulfilling careers and gaining valuable qualifications in their chosen fields. He was also heavily involved in coaching and mentoring many student athletes throughout his career, dedicating 20 years to coaching students in the Northwest and State touch football teams. Throughout his career he has been known for his great sense of humour, genuine care for students and wanting the best for all people.

Brian Hunt, Margaret Gambley Award

Brian Hunt, the recipient of the prestigious Hilary Bolin Award in 2022, has made an exceptional contribution to Careers in the local area over many years, through his tireless dedication and selfless commitment to improving the career prospects of students. As a Careers Adviser at his school and the driving force behind the Hunter Valley Career Expo, Brian has gone above and beyond to create opportunities for students and foster collaboration within the education sector. One of Brian's remarkable achievements is his organisation of the Hunter Valley Career Expo. This annual event serves as a platform for students to explore various career pathways and engage directly with industry and tertiary institutions. Brian's meticulous planning and attention to detail have transformed the expo into a highly anticipated event, attracting a wide range of exhibitors and ensuring its success year after year. By bringing together businesses, universities, and vocational training providers, Brian has facilitated valuable connections between students and the local workforce, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future careers. In his role as a Careers Adviser, Brian works tirelessly to support and guide students in their career journey. He goes above and beyond his job requirements, investing countless hours of his own time to ensure that students receive the best possible advice and opportunities. Brian organises numerous visits to local businesses and tertiary institutions, giving students firsthand experiences and insights into various industries.

Brian's dedication to his profession extends beyond his own school. He serves as the Secretary of the Maitland Careers Advisers Association, a position that highlights his commitment to collaboration and the improvement of career guidance across all educational sectors. Brian's passion for mentoring and nurturing others is also evident in his role as a mentor. His mentorship exemplifies his commitment to the ongoing professional development of his peers, contributing to the overall quality of career guidance across Maitland.

Caroline Wilson, Margaret Gambley Award

Caroline has recently received a certificate for 20 years of Membership to the CAA. Prior to that she served on the Executive Committee in the early 1990’s representing the old Metropolitan Western Region of Sydney. Having been awarded Career Adviser of the Year in 2012 while at Kellyville High School, Caroline continued to professionally support Career Advisers in her role as Senior Pathways Officer 2015-18 for the Wagga RTO. Here she provided professional support and learning for CAA networks from Albury to Dubbo. Caroline has been a member of the Nepean Careers Forum from 1989 to 2009, Cumberland Careers Forum from 2010 to 2015 and Central West Careers Advisers Association (CWCAA) since 2015, contributing to local careers networks by way of organising industry visits, supporting job and apprenticeship expos and other key events for up to 8000 students annually. She has mentored beginning Career Advisers while in the Nepean Careers Forum and more recently in her Senior Pathways role.

Caroline achieved her dream role in 2020 as Principal Education Officer (2020-2021), Pathways and Transitions Team, NSW Department of Education. Portfolio responsibility co- leading the Pathways and Transition Team supporting Career Learning and Work Education to approximately 460 Career Advisers in NSW schools. This was what she had always dreamed of, following in the footsteps of people like Margaret Gambley and Sue Maclean. Achievements included collaborating to manage a team of Senior Education Officers and Head Teachers to implement the Education Pathways Policy Pilot and creating the State-wide Staffroom during Covid 19, supporting NSW Career and Transition Advisers to deliver quality career learning for students to gain the skills they need to be employable, adaptable, and contribute to the productivity and prosperity of NSW. From 2021-2022 Caroline held the position of Careers Adviser Canobolas Rural Technology High School, her last Career Adviser role. Here she was, and remains, an active member of the Central West Career Advisers Association and was heavily involved in working with the RIEP in such programs as “Girls Can Too”.

Caroline Wilson & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

John McFarland, Margaret Gambley Award

John McFarland’s leadership and mentorship over many years have had a profound impact on Careers Advisers and students across all school sectors. As President of the local Careers Adviser network, John has provided exceptional leadership to the Maitland Careers Adviser Association. He has been a great sounding board for careers advisers, offering valuable guidance and support. His wealth of knowledge and experience in the field has made him a respected mentor for both new and experienced careers advisers. John has also been a strong advocate for the role of Careers Advisers at the state level. He has actively participated in state-level discussions with the senior executive of the NSW Teachers Federation to represent the interests and concerns of careers advisers. His advocacy efforts have helped raise awareness about the vital role played by careers advisers in supporting students' career development.

John McFarland & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Marie Knight, Margaret Gambley Award

Marie has dedicated the past 30 years to Careers Education within the Riverina Region. She is extremely passionate about her role and has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of career education. Her service has included forming and running the Wagga Wagga Careers Advisers Association, where she has been treasurer for the past 20 years. Marie has been the convenor of the Wagga Wagga Careers Expo since 2003 and has seen the event grow to over 80 exhibitors and serving up to 1500 students from across 15 regional schools each year. Marie is the inaugural Careers Adviser of The Riverina Anglican College, serving the school community for the past 20 years. She has independently designed Careers Programs, as well as an extensive Work Experience program. It is estimated she has had direct influence on the career pathways of over 1500 young people over her 30 years across two schools.

Marie Knight & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Christina Fisher, Excellence in Careers & Transition Planning

Christina has been a Careers Adviser at Crestwood High School for 20 years. She has had many positions in the school including Careers & Transition Adviser, VET Coordinator, STW Coordinator, Mentor, Year Adviser, Relieving HT Welfare/HT Administration/HT Secondary Studies, LST Team committee member. These positions have enabled her to have a good understanding of the different roles within the school and how they need to work together. Christine currently teaches Career Education to Year 10 and Work Studies to senior students. Many of the programs Christina runs at the school are targeted at different students to meet the full spectrum of career needs of the students of Crestwood High School. Christina developed and implemented a number of programs over the years including: The Careers Seminar Program for Senior students, Year 11 Community Mentoring Program, Barista program for Junior boys and JOOST (Juice Bar) program for Year 10 girls. Community Volunteer Program for Years 9 & 10. Each program is designed for targeted groups to provide school engagement opportunities for the students and to develop their employability and transferable skills.

Christine Fisher & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Katrina Smith, Excellence in Careers & Transition Planning

The Loreto Normanhurst Careers team comprises 2 Careers Advisers who job-share the role – Ms Katrina Smith and Ms Alexi Kayes. Key recent achievements include implementation of a Year 12 Careers Conference, Mock Interviews, a detailed year 10 subject selection program, an alumnae career chats program, and other initiatives.

Katrina Smith & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Alexi Kayes, Excellence in Careers & Transition Planning

The Loreto Normanhurst Careers team comprises 2 Careers Advisers who job-share the role – Ms Katrina Smith and Ms Alexi Kayes. Key recent achievements include implementation of a Year 12 Careers Conference, Mock Interviews, a detailed year 10 subject selection program, an alumnae career chats program, and other initiatives.

Joanne Kingham, Industry Collaboration Award

Joanne Kingham has been Career Adviser, SBAT, EVET and VET Coordinator supporting 5 VET frameworks and students and staff at James Sheahan Catholic High School for 5 years. In that time, she has been committed to improving the status of the Career Adviser in her school. Jo commenced at JSCHS in 1999 as a PDHPE teacher and became the Coordinator of PDHPE after a number of years. She became very interested in post school options and Pathways for students around 2016 and took on the role of Pathways and Careers Adviser in 2018 in a relieving capacity. She was appointed Permanent Pathways Coordinator in 2019 and her enthusiasm and commitment to her role and to students has been outstanding as she has changed and enhanced the lives of so many.

Jo works tirelessly to make sure her students are aware of as many pathway opportunities as possible. Students are provided with both hands on and industry opportunities. She established and maintains a recently upgraded, state of the art Careers Reference Centre and manages all aspects of career education at the school. She runs work experience and offers as many opportunities for her students to engage with industry as the crowded school calendar allows. She established a ‘Let's Talk Trades’ event at the school ,where local employers across a variety of trade areas  presented sessions to all students interested in a Trade.   Joanne also coordinates the external delivery of the White card and First Aid courses at her school. 

In 2023, she worked on establishing a practical Agricultural Learning Hub at the school. Grants obtained  from local RIEP, Jacquie Smith and Catholic Education - Bathurst Diocese, have allowed the purchase of a Sheep Race Delivery System. This will allow for industries such as AWI( Australian Wool Institute) and  locally based DPI ( Department of Primary Industries) to hold workshops for schools in the Region. Targeting skills shortage in the Industry. Joanne has also been involved in a school and community - environmental project, working with students, staff and  Orange City Council  to restore a section of school land to its natural state. The project has been announced as a finalist in the 2023 Tidy Town Awards.   Joanne leads support of Career Advisers in the Bathurst Diocese providing mentoring as needed. She is an active member of the Central West Career Advisers Association Network, offering her school resources for professional development activities and also volunteering to support events such as the CWCAA FACTS Day and local Careers Expo.

Joanne Kingham & Tanvir Ahsan, Training Services NSW

Michelle Bond, Industry Collaboration Award

Michelle Bond has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in the role of Careers Adviser at Eden Marine HS over a number of years. Her contribution to student outcomes in School Based Apprentice and Traineeships is well recognised by the Department and Training Services NSW staff in the SouthEast Region. Michelle coordinates the external and internal delivery of the White Card course at Eden Marine HS. The strong school connection to local industry and the opportunities for student experiences and pathways into industry in this regional community are the result of Michelle's professionalism and ability to build effective relationships. Notable examples of these outcomes are: Acora Reneco Engineering, Far South Coast Careers Expo, Youth in Agriculture program, Uniting and Bega Valley Motors. 

Michelle Bond & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Musibau Adio, Industry Collaboration Award

Examples of various events that Musibau has facilitated include: 

• Several White-card trainings delivered in school via Coastal OHS services. More than 120 students (Yr 9-12) have obtained their white cards. Student awareness is very high and demand and student’s interest for training is high.
• Industrial visits to Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries NSW, Industry Host: Empire Industrial Engineering, Industry Host: General Mills International and Peter Warren Automobiles, etc. 
• Over 100 students attended Western Sydney Careers Expos at Homebush Bay 2022 and 2023.
• Over 40 TAFE offers and enrolment for various school-based TAFE courses every year as part of HSC study pattern.
• Strong students’ participation in the University of Western Sydney Fast Forward programs (FFP) (Year 9 -12). 20 students from each cohort participated in various FFP events.
• Facilitating SBAT programs in liaison with SBAT providers, employers, agents and SBAT officers within DET. Students completing SBAT in Retails services, construction, electrotechnology, mechanical/manufacturing, automotive industries.
• 0ver 60 Early Entry University offers last year 2022. Teamwork by the Secondary Studies faculty.

Musibau Adio & Tanvir Ahsan, Training Services NSW

Bernadette Hicks, Industry Collaboration Award

Bernadette has led a dynamic careers and senior school restructuring at La Salle Academy in 2023. Combined with her 27 years at La Salle Academy, Bernadette has used her extensive knowledge of the Lithgow area and her considerable connections to engage community leaders and businesses in pursuit of rejuvenating this space. Bernadette has coordinated guest speakers, a careers fair, RIEP program, Try-a-Trade visit, organised Work Experience for Year 10 students, accompanied students to the CSU FACTS  Day and  CSU Explore Day Skillset visit, HSC & Careers expo excursions and is working with a number of local businesses and companies in an attempt to provide more exposure and opportunities for students. 

Bernadette Hicks & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Kirstin De Montis, Innovation in Careers Practice

Kirstin has been a teacher for over 20 years across several schools in Canberra and a careers adviser since 2013. Kirstin has a real passion for career development and supporting young people with their own career journey and stages of transition. Kirstin De Montis is currently an Assistant Director within the ACT Education Directorate managing the ‘Understanding Building and Construction Pilot Program’ (UBCPP). Kirstin’s role involves working in partnership with The Office for Women to develop and implement a curriculum-based program that will provide a structured framework to increase knowledge and skills of the building and construction industry and its position in the Australian economy, with a focus on increasing the number of female school students having exposure to the career options for women in this industry. The UBCPP supports Kirstin’s beliefs that all students in years 7 – 10 need access to career education programs and she is pleased to see that the focus for this project is about getting more females exposed to the Building and Construction Industry.

Kirstin De Montis & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Michael Ivancic, Innovation in Careers Practice

Michael has undertaken his role of the College Careers adviser whilst maintaining over the recent years a Year Leaders’ role and previously to that the Leader of Learning VET. He has always ensured a symmetry between his leadership roles and careers role. Over the last year he has taken on an expanded careers role which has seen him reach new heights of impact on the students, College and external partnerships he has fostered. He began the expanded role with a white paper for the executive team to consider. The paper analysed trends that would have impact on the students and the College and set about initiating programs and activities to not only capitalise on the opportunities but also foster new ones. This white paper has enabled a deep and integrated careers program which has been tailored to meet the diverse needs of his students and College community. Key initiatives which he has  delivered include:

• Careers and jobs expo which incorporated 90 plus exhibitors and over 1,000 attendees;
• Mentoring night where industry leaders, politicians, sports stars and ex-students interviewed students on a variety of topics (Year 13, University pathways and career options);
• An interview careers booking app which has streamlined the process of interviewing students and parents. The app has enabled data to be made available to the school as well as creating transparency of interviews;
• G.A.P folder which provides a structured tangible folder for students to collate reports, certificates and resumes. The folder has been a simple way to brand both the students and the school;
• A comprehensive micro credential program providing opportunities for students to build the skills and credentials whilst at school;
• A future originated social media program designed to future ready the students in his school via podcasting workshops and the development of LinkedIn accounts for the graduating Year 12 class.

Michael Ivancic & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Sonya Bell, Outstanding Careers Centre

The Careers Centre at Canberra College is a team collaboration led by Sonya Bell and the careers team. Sonya has been a Careers Advisor at Canberra College for the past 13 years and over this time has worked hard to get the recognition and the resources needed to create an outstanding Careers space for students to access. The careers team’s emphasis is on accessibility, resourcefulness, purposefulness, and a welcoming atmosphere that sets a high standard for others to follow. The Centre is easily accessible physically and virtually, with elevator access, wide doorways, and a robust online platform. It is well-resourced with up-to-date materials and strong connections to local businesses and stakeholders, offering valuable work experience placements and Australian school based apprenticeship opportunities. Tailored programs and workshops provide meaningful guidance in various Careers pathway areas, and the welcoming atmosphere fosters a safe and inclusive space for students to explore their interests. The Careers Centre promotes a growth in mindset and continuous learning, empowering students to adapt and succeed in their future careers. Overall, the Canberra College Career team have created an outstanding Careers Centre that positively impacts students' career decisions and the future of the students career pathways.

Sonya Bell & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Kristin Clulow, Rising Star Award

Kristin Clulow is the Careers Adviser, as well as a Teacher of the SmartTrack Program, the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES) program, and a Trainer and Assessor of Certificate III in Business at St Philip’s Christian College (SPCC) Cessnock. She works within the Senior School, conducting one-on-one interviews with students, where they often undertake the process of gaining employment – from personality and careers profiling, job searching, resume and cover letter creation, interview preparation to accepting an offer of employment. She offers career advice and guidance in many areas. She organises Work Experience, careers events, excursion, lessons and communicates careers updates to students. She is a Teacher in the SmartTrack program, an alternate approach to the traditional HSC where students undertake one day per week in industry. Through this role, she is responsible for organising School Based Traineeships and casual work for students and working with them to reach their career goals.

Kristin Clulow & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Sarah-Jane Rosenbaum, Rising Star Award

Sarah-Jane is an extremely passionate and enthusiastic Careers Counsellor, always advocating for the students from their perspective. Whether that be in relation to programs and activities she wishes to run, the senior subject selection process, subjects we have on offer or careers integration to current programs. In particular she has impacted the school by expanding on the current connections, increasing incursions/excursions opportunities for students, building stronger connections with parents and community as well as raising the profile of careers within the school. Sarah-Jane has had a very positive impact in a short time on the careers programs at our small K-12 school, Heritage College Lake Macquarie. We have received many positive comments on the work she does from staff, students as well as parents. She has been a welcome addition to the school community.

Sarah-Jane Rosenbaum & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Helen Lyons, Rising Star Award

As a Careers Adviser of 3 years, Helen is making a difference in the school by providing relevant and timely career services, guidance and counselling for students while developing the profile of the Career Adviser and making a significantly positive impact in the school and school community. She works closely with the leadership team including pastoral care and curriculum to develop opportunities for students. Her enthusiasm and commitment to career development, guidance and counselling can be seen in the programs developed closely with pastoral care teams and curriculum teams, the career lessons undertaken with students in year 7-10, experiences for students including Engineering workshops, Aviation experience days, STEM days, VET Industry Experience day and connections to tertiary providers to run incursion and excursions to support career education. In addition to her availability for parent and student interviews, Helen responds to the need within the community regarding wanting to learn about post school options, she also provides evening information sessions via zoom to support the community.

Helen Lyons & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Brittney Cull, Rising Star Award

Brittney is a highly energetic and engaging Careers Adviser who leverages all opportunities to engage students in careers learning so that they have the best opportunities to transition to appropriate pathways. Nothing is ever too difficult for Brittney; she works tirelessly with many organisations to best cater for the individual needs of students. She has mentored disengaged students to achieve appropriate skills and has supported them to transition to more appropriate settings such as work or TAFE. She also works with high achieving students to ensure appropriate transitions and multiple opportunities to achieve university offers through early entry or via traditional methods. Brittney also plays a huge role in the Stage 6 subject selection process where she works as part of the Nirimba Collegiate team to support students across all 4 collegiate schools to best make appropriate stage 6 subject selection choices to ensure the best outcomes for the students post school. She does this by knowing, valuing and caring for every student and taking the time to work through scenarios to ensure students are provided with the most appropriate opportunities.

Brittney’s rapport with the students and high-level interpersonal skills allows her to create multiple opportunities for them as well as modelling for the students how to be successful. Her time management and organisational skills ensure that all deadlines are met, and no student ever misses out. In her daily work, she displays the values of the Department of Education. She demonstrates the value of service by being flexible, innovative, responsive, and reliable; and she works openly in partnership with students, parents, communities, and organisations. Brittney is professional and honest which is consistent with the value of integrity. She builds relationships based on transparency, honesty and mutual respect and supports and respects her colleague’s expertise, experience and points of view thus demonstrating the value of trust. Brittney is accountable as demonstrated by her ability to monitor and evaluate her work so that she ensures continuous improvement both in her own work and that of her students. Brittney supports students equitably and ensures that every student has access to a range of appropriate opportunities. She constantly strives for excellence in her daily work by continually seeking to improve herself and by collaborating and learning with others.

Brittney Cull & Jenine Smith (CAA President)

Trevor Adams, Rising Star Award

Trevor Adams was nominated for the Rise Star Award because of his exceptional contributions in developing and implementing an innovative Careers Expo held every fortnight to increase the frequency of industry professionals engaging with students to develop their career aspirations and plans. The model was developed from feedback from students, industry, school staff, and parents after the Love MY Future Careers Expo at Crestwood High School on Valentine's Day in 2023 in conjunction with the Education Department's Regional Industry Education Partnership. Trevor will share this fortnightly mini-expo model with Careers Advisers from across NSW and the ACT at the CAA Annual Conference. The presentation also includes a workshop on how to use technology tips and tricks to raise the profile of the school's careers program and make Careers everybody's business in a school.

Trevor Adams & Jenine Smith, CAA President