TAFECreates 2025 – Conference Program

Conference Program

Thursday, August 7, 2025

TAFECreates 2025 commences with registration and a networking breakfast on the morning of Thursday, August 7th followed by a full day of keynote speakers, presentations and workshops followed by the official conference dinner at Novotel Melbourne in Preston.

8:00 am

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8:45 am

Registration and networking breakfast

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8:45 am

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Conference opening

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Claire Field

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Allison Jenvey OAM

Allison Jenvey OAM (Speaker)

9:05 am

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Minister keynote: the Hon Gayle Tierney, Minister for Skills and TAFE

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The Hon. Gayle Tierney MP

The Hon. Gayle Tierney MP (Speaker)

9:30 am

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10:30 am

Panel: Social, economic and political insights for TAFE leaders

In this dynamic session, TAFE leaders will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current social, economic, and political landscapes that impact vocational education and training. Expert speakers will delve into key trends and challenges, offering actionable insights to help leaders navigate and influence these evolving environments and to conquer ‘what’s keeping them up at night!'

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10:30 am

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11:00 am

Morning tea

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11:00 am

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12:00 pm

Stream 1: Reimagining TAFE: AI-powered solutions for industry-relevant training and empowered TAFEs

Explore the transformative impact of AI on industry and education in this insightful session. Discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping vocational training and disrupting the industries that employ TAFE graduates. Engage with experts as they discuss the integration of AI in educational programs, its role in fostering industry partnerships, and the future of workforce development.

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David Diviny

David Diviny (Speaker)

Hayley Horan

Hayley Horan (Speaker)

11:00 am

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12:00 pm

Stream 2: The next generation TAFE workforce

What does the next generation of the TAFE workforce look like? Learn more about the unique characteristics, abilities, skills and strengths of the next generation of TAFE employees and how they’ll impact TAFE education and training into the future.

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12:00 pm

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12:45 pm

Lunch

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12:50 pm

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2:00 pm

Panel: Empowering pathways: Student voices shaping the TAFE experience

Explore the TAFE student journey and experience in this session, highlighting key touchpoints from enrolment to graduation. Learn about innovative strategies to enhance student engagement, support, and success throughout their education to career pathway. Hear insights into how students are exercising more agency over their learning journeys and career choices.

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Neville Atkinson

Neville Atkinson (Speaker)

Laura Macpherson

Laura Macpherson (Speaker)

2:00 pm

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3:00 pm

Stream 3: Solutions for TAFE-Industry Partnerships

Explore innovative approaches to industry engagement, maximising partnerships to yield diverse outcomes for students, staff, and community. Learn from the experiences of other TAFEs within the sector that are leading the way in developing and implementing projects to deepen their industry engagement.

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Janelle Arena

Janelle Arena (Speaker)

2:00 pm

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3:00 pm

Stream 4: Transforming vocational education and training

With significant reform just over the horizon, the VET sector has an opportunity to achieve genuine transformation. In this session, be empowered with the strategies and confidence to take advantage of this period of change, to explore innovative and creative solutions, and drive meaningful impact.

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John King

John King (Speaker)

Craig Robertson

Craig Robertson (Speaker)

3:00 pm

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3:30 pm

Conference insights

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3:30 pm

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4:00 pm

Afternoon tea

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4:00 pm

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6:00 pm

Melbourne Polytechnic showcase (including transport time and transfer to dinner venue)

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6:00 pm

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Official dinner

Welcome drinks and canapés

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6:45 pm

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Guests seated

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6:50 pm

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Welcome

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Claire Field

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7:00 pm

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Welcome to Darebin – Cr Kristine Olaris OAM

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7:10 pm

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Conference dinner

Location: Novotel Melbourne, Preston

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7:45 pm

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Dinner keynote

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8:45 pm

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Fireside chat

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10:00 pm

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Conference dinner concludes

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Melbourne Polytechnic Showcase

Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence

Melbourne Polytechnics’ new Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AMCOE) brings together the very best of manufacturing technology with world-class training to support the Advanced Manufacturing industry.

Advanced Manufacturing is a growing multi-billion-dollar industry and a pillar of Victoria’s economy, providing diverse careers for the engineers of the future.

Victoria is home to over 23,000 manufacturing businesses and employs over 260,000 people. Through AMCOE, Melbourne Polytechnic students have the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of traditional manufacturing processes together with the latest technologies. Students will enter the workforce with a holistic knowledge of manufacturing processes and be indispensable partners to future employers.

The AMCOE facility sits within Melbourne Polytechnic’s Heidelberg campus in the impressive centre of excellence manufacturing hub.

Beekeeping Training Unit

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Beekeeping Training Unit is a mobile beekeeping classroom. With the looming threat of the Varroa mite and other challenges, protecting our bee populations and nurturing the next generation of beekeepers has never been more crucial.

The Beekeeping Training Unit is a mobile training facility tailored to deliver comprehensive courses to aspiring beekeepers across Victoria. Equipped with a specialised classroom built into a customised truck trailer, the unit brings apiary training to regional and metropolitan Victoria.

It has been co-designed in collaboration with the Victorian Beekeeping industry and funded by the Department of Education and Training's Regional Specialist Training Fund (RSTF) program.

Unlike traditional setups, the Beekeeping Training Unit doesn't transport bees or hives. Instead, it travels to locations where beekeepers are actively working. Melbourne Polytechnic partners with Victorian apiarists and industry organisations who manage hives, ensuring a seamless learning experience for students.

This initiative, supported by the Victorian Government, aims to empower qualified and skilled individuals to contribute to Victoria’s flourishing beekeeping and pollination services industry.

Day 1 Program