AUSTAFE Queensland

Emerging Leader in Support Services Award

This award recognises an emerging leader in the VET sector who is already making valuable contributions and has the potential for outstanding future achievements. It is open to individuals in administration or support services roles, aged 40 years or younger as of 1 January 2025. The focus is on leadership rather than management or supervision.

Selection Criteria

Applications must address the following criteria in no more than two (2) A4 pages:

  • Personal and professional excellence: Demonstrates high-level personal and professional qualities, including integrity and ethical behaviour, and shows a strong commitment to ongoing professional development.
  • Leadership capability: Shows successful leadership by leading collaborative ventures and supporting colleagues, teams, students, and stakeholders.
  • Innovation and impact: Contributes to innovation in the VET sector through new initiatives, projects, or change processes with measurable outcomes.
Submit nomination

Guidelines and Eligibility 

  • Open to individuals aged 40 or younger as of 1 January 2025. 
  • Nominees must be endorsed by their General Manager/Executive and supported/released to attend the Emerging Leaders Forum and Gala on 5-6 November 2025 in Brisbane.  
  • There is a limit of one (1) nomination per VET organisation’s region (i.e. TAFE Queensland – 7 nominees, Central Queensland University – 1 nominee, Aviation Australia – 1 nominee, others by arrangement – 1 nominee). 
  • Nominees must consent and accept their nomination prior to applying. 
  • Applicants are encouraged to write their own nomination; doing so will be viewed favourably by the selection and judging panel. 
  • General Managers, Executives, Managers and/or communication specialists can write or assist with writing the nomination. 
  • Nominations must not exceed two (2) A4 pages. 
  • Nominations should provide specific examples of how nominees meet the selection criteria in their current or past roles. 
  • Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) model for clarity. 
  • Nominations must include a current resume of no more than two (2) pages. 
  • Up to two (2) letters of recommendation or endorsement can be included with the nomination but are not compulsory. 
  • Nominees do not need to be current AUSTAFE Queensland members. 
  • Winners will be chosen by a selection panel from the AUSTAFE Queensland Executive and their decision is final. 
  • The same person cannot win the award more than once. 
  • Awards will be presented at the annual AUSTAFE Queensland Leaders and Legends Gala Dinner. 
  • AUSTAFE Queensland reserves the right to reject any nomination that does not comply with the guidelines and selection criteria.