Holmesglen

This , we embrace the 2026 theme, ‘A Million Stories’. 📖

Our classrooms, campuses and community are composed of significant stories. Like Masoumeh Rezaee, a Holmesglen Adult Migrant English Program student.

Born in Afghanistan, and immigrating to Australia from Iran, Masoumeh says her story is defined by “courage.”

“Back home, life became incredibly difficult. With the political changes, opportunities were very limited, and the path to getting an education was filled with hardships.

“It was a very dark and uncertain time and leaving everything behind took immense strength. But I refused to let those limits define my future; I kept my dreams alive and never gave up on them.

“Moving to Australia was a huge leap of faith, and coming to Holmesglen was the true turning point of my life. It didn't just help me [with my] study; it gave me my confidence back and helped me find my voice.

“Through this journey, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone. Today, I am proud to say that I am studying, working hard in a new environment, and building a bright future.

“I’ve also met wonderful people and made amazing friends, who give me so much positive energy every single day.

“I want people to remember my story and know that no matter how dark, limited, or lonely your beginning feels, with hope, hard work and the right support, you can always adapt, grow, and build a beautiful new home for yourself."

❤️

Help our Bachelor of Hospitality Management students reach the top! 💻🌏🌳

Voting in the Victoria Tourism Industry Council - VTIC Top Tourism Awards is now open, and our team’s submission is featured in the ‘Favourite Small Regional Victorian Town’ category.

HOW TO VOTE ⬇️

1. Click the VTIC survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMHHCYH

2. Select ‘WARBURTON’ in step 2

3. Enter your details and submit

📖 ABOUT OUR STUDENTS’ SUBMISSION:

Students Amadi and Hai Yen, together with teacher support, worked with Yarra Ranges Council and local businesses to showcase Warburton’s natural beauty, food, culture, wellness, and community spirit.

“For the students, the project was a chance to apply their learning in a live tourism context, working with Council, local businesses and a real awards platform,” said Holmesglen Bachelor of Hospitality Management Course Leader, Andrew Carruthers.

Read about their submission, ‘Relax. Reconnect. Reflect’ ➡️ https://www.vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/2026-finalists/warburton/

Our June Open Day is almost upon us! 📚🖥️📅

Step inside our campuses and take a behind the scenes look at our courses, facilities, and study opportunities.

Details below ⬇️
Date: Thursday 18 June
Register: https://shorturl.at/GFDmx

A ribbiting time around campus this . 🐸📚

Just as frogs are bioindicators, we are committed to supporting sustainability in our training.

Like our Drummond Street campus team, who ensure environmental controls and knowledge around spills, waste, chemicals, and more are not just paperwork. They are part of our training inductions.

On World Environment Day, we reflect on how small actions around campus can have a much bigger effect on the environment around us. 💚

Step behind the scenes at Zest, our Glen Waverley campus dining experience. 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳

Fine dining comes alive as our students show what is making them future hospitality leaders.

Join us this month and see what goes into creating memorable culinary experiences.

🍽️ Wednesday 10 June - Cocktails and Screams | A haunting hospitality event
🍽️ Tuesday 16 June - Zest Industry Icons Dinner (with Apoorva Kunte)
🍽️ Thursday 25 June - Zest Wine Dinner

Discover more about our upcoming hospitality events and book a table ➡️ https://shorturl.at/fMCW9

The moments that matter. ❤️

An evening to celebrate education. The conclusion of our 2026 Holmesglen Awards was just perfect.

This was your night, Holmesglen community. 👏

🏆 STUDENT AWARD WINNERS
Higher Education Student of the Year
(Sponsored by Elucian)
Jasmine Dietzel

Vocational Student of the Year - Certificate
(Sponsored by Shinewing Australia)
Zahra Ebrahimi

Vocational Student of the Year - Diploma
(Sponsored by Holmesglen Foundation)
Tahmineh Bismil

George Kline Apprentice of the Year
Anna Oliphant Wright

Vocational Student of the Year - VCE VM
(Building and Construction Foundation)
Jasmyn Marcus

International Student of the Year
(Sponsored by Allianz Care)
Johann Immanuel Otasowie Ogbebor

First Nations Student of the Year
(Sponsored by Erdi)
Lisa Hastings

Individual Achievement
(Sponsored by Holmesglen Foundation)
Omar Hussein

People’s Choice Award
Yatish Haveri

🏆 STAFF AWARD WINNERS
Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award
Sandy McCaffrey

Service Award
Amy-Claire Wilson

Leadership Award
Karen Dowling

ASPIRE Award
Shannon McGuigan

30-years of service recipients
Anna Giannakopoulos
Josephine Brand
Peter Lee
Premani Jayasinghe
Ross Digby

Peter Lewinsky Teaching Fellowship
Cedomir (Chad) Gladovic

People’s Choice Award
Sandy McCaffrey

🏆 INDUSTRY
Industry Appreciation Award winner
Bunnings Trade

Read all our finalists’ stories ➡️ https://shorturl.at/9Y2r3

Holmesglen community, meet your 2026 Gala Awards Student of the Year winners. 🏆📚❤️

Higher Education Student of the Year
(Sponsored by Elucian)
Jasmine Dietzel

Vocational Student of the Year - Certificate
(Sponsored by Shinewing Australia)
Zahra Ebrahimi

Vocational Student of the Year - Diploma
(Sponsored by Holmesglen Foundation)
Tahmineh Bismil

George Kline Apprentice of the Year
Anna Oliphant Wright

Vocational Student of the Year - VCE VM
(Building and Construction Foundation)
Jasmyn Marcus

International Student of the Year
(Sponsored by Allianz Care)
Johann Immanuel Otasowie Ogbebor

First Nations Student of the Year
(Sponsored by Erdi)
Lisa Hastings

Individual Achievement
(Sponsored by Holmesglen Foundation)
Omar Hussein

People’s Choice Award
Yatish Haveri

A night to remember. Introducing our 2026 Gala Awards staff winners. 👏

Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award
Sandy McCaffrey

Service Award
Amy-Claire Wilson

Leadership Award
Karen Dowling

ASPIRE Award
Shannon McGuigan

30-years of service recipients
Anna Giannakopoulos
Josephine Brand
Peter Lee
Premani Jayasinghe
Ross Digby

Peter Lewinsky Teaching Fellowship
Cedomir (Chad) Gladovic

And also, a big thank you to our Industry Appreciation Award winner, .