Industry Collaboration Award

Casino Food Company Ltd and TAFE NSW

Skills for the Future: TAFE NSW & The Casino Food Company Partnership

  • The Casino Food Company and TAFE NSW have forged a cutting edge, innovative partnership to drive workforce development, inclusion, and regional growth in Northern Rivers, NSW. Their shared commitment to integrity, quality, and service supports career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, international workers, and diverse communities. This collaboration enhances local employment, promotes social inclusion and strengthens economic resilience by upskilling the workforce.

    Operationally, the initiative has delivered a 12.9% reduction in lost work time, improved safety performance, and greater efficiency—clear evidence of how vocational education can produce long-term value. This collaboration is establishing a benchmark for industry and education partnerships that nurture role models, build a stronger workforce, and deliver lasting impacts beyond the workplace.

NSW Distillers Association and National Distilling Institute

NSW Distillers Safety Training Initiative 

  • Together, the NSW Distillers Association, the National Distilling Institute (NDI), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and the NSW Department of Education (DoE), under the Targeted Workforce Development Scheme, have launched an accredited safety training initiative to strengthen the craft distilling sector in New South Wales.

    The collaboration champions safety, skills development, and sustainability through advocacy, education, and collaboration. It has driven innovation and excellence across the Australian spirits industry, and delivered practical, tailored training that ensures compliance.  In working together, the NSW Distillers Association and NDI have been able to set a new benchmark for industry best practice, while contributing to a more resilient and skilled workforce overall.

Precise Air and TAFE NSW

Precise Air Aboriginal Pathways

  • Precise Air is one of Australia’s leading national providers of whole of life HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), fire and bundled MFE (mechanical, fire, electrical) asset management solutions.

    TAFE NSW delivers industry-aligned vocational education and training, meeting the evolving needs of local industry, communities and employers through practical, career-focused learning.

    This collaboration delivers a culturally embedded, future-focused training program for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students entering the HVAC and industry. Co-designed with the Aboriginal community, the program integrates technical skills with cultural safety, support, connections, mentoring, and involvement from local Aboriginal communities.

    This unique approach ensures students gain real-world experience; building confidence and capability in a culturally respectful environment. Aligning with TAFE NSW’s commitment to inclusive education, workforce development, and Closing the Gap strategies, the Aboriginal Engagement team has tailored delivery to support first-time learners through culturally safe practices, ensuring positive outcomes.

    As a result of this program, 3.81% of Precise Air’s workforce identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, far exceeding Australian workforce averages.