What’s happening?
Townsville’s Kayla Merielle Dagsaan has been named the Queensland finalist in the Australian Education Union’s Heart of TAFE 2025 Photography Competition. Her winning image, La Rose Noir Patisserie Competition, celebrates her first-place victory in a prestigious patisserie contest.
Kayla began her education journey in industrial engineering before discovering her true passion for cookery at TAFE Queensland, Pimlico. Her photo captures both her personal achievement and the opportunities that TAFE provides for students from diverse backgrounds.
She now advances to the national stage, with the overall winner to be announced in Canberra on National TAFE Day, Wednesday 3 September 2025.
Why it matters
Her achievement comes as new NCVER data highlights strong enrolments in vocational education across Australia. The recognition is a reminder of the role TAFE plays in opening new career pathways and creating opportunities for people to pursue their passions.
Local impact
As a student at TAFE Queensland’s Pimlico campus, Kayla’s recognition highlights the training opportunities available in Townsville and showcases how local students are achieving success at state and national levels.
By the numbers
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More than 650,000 students have accessed Free TAFE courses since the policy was introduced.
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The Heart of TAFE competition celebrates students, teachers, and communities across all states and territories.
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Vocational education enrolments remain strong nationwide, according to NCVER.
Zoom in
AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe praised the competition as a showcase of resilience and achievement. “The AEU’s TAFE Photo Competition is a celebration of the students, teachers and communities that make TAFE such a powerful public institution. Every image tells a story of determination, skill, and opportunity and together they show how TAFE changes lives.”
“TAFE has been a gateway to a better future for so many students. It creates genuine pathways into employment and provides a bridge to lifelong learning and professional success.”
Zoom out
Correna Haythorpe said TAFE’s strength lies in its inclusivity and accessibility. “TAFE welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they are school leavers, career changers, migrants, or parents returning to the workforce. It is a system built on the principle that education should be available to everyone, not just a privileged few.” “For students from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds, TAFE can be the first step to stable work, financial security, and the confidence to pursue dreams that once felt out of reach.”
“With Free TAFE now enshrined in law, more than 650,000 students have already been able to access life-changing courses in critical industries. This policy has proven that when you remove barriers to education, you create opportunity, equity, and hope.” “Every TAFE graduate strengthens our communities and economy. By investing in TAFE, we invest in skills, in equity, and in the belief that every Australian deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.”
What to look for next
The national winner of the Heart of TAFE 2025 Photography Competition will be announced in Canberra on National TAFE Day, Wednesday 3 September 2025.
