After topping the state in the Tourism, Travel and Events HSC subject, Bega’s Ashleigh Barnes has gone on to win the 2016 Minister’s Student Achiever Award for Tourism and Hospitality.
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The 18-year-old received the prestigious award on September 26 at a special ceremony at Sydney’s Parliament House.
The award was for her outstanding academic achievement in the Tourism, Travel and Events HSC subject she studied at TAFE NSW Illawarra’s Bega campus, delivered via the TAFE While at School program.
“It’s such a shock, I wasn’t expecting it,” Ms Barnes said.
“But I’m really proud to have been recognised.
“I couldn’t have achieved the results I did without the support of my teachers, who were always encouraging and supportive.”
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres congratulated Ms Barnes on her academic achievements and acknowledged the importance of professional training to the tourism industry.
“These awards celebrate the achievements of our state’s best students who represent the future of tourism and hospitality,” he said.
“Our tourism industry is all about delivering outstanding experiences every day – making sure visitors enjoy their stay, tell others and return year after year.
“Providing world-class service demands the dedication and commitment of the thousands of individuals employed by our tourism businesses and it is my pleasure to honour the next generation of tourism staff and operators.”
While Ms Barnes is enjoying a gap year working at Bega’s local tourist hot spot, the Bega Cheese Café, she said her TAFE studies have placed in her good stead for university.
She is going to Griffith University next year to study a Bachelor in International Tourism and Hospitality Management.
“I’m really looking forward to it.
“I feel confident that I’ll be able to do well in my subjects, having already developed knowledge and skills in the industry while I was still at school,” she said.
Her long-term goal is to establish a career in hotel management.
Belinda Mackinnon, TAFE NSW Illawarra’s relieving institute director, said Ms Barnes was a talented and driven young professional with a promising career ahead of her.
“The skills and experience she has gained during her hands-on studies make her an asset to her future employer and will allow her to excel in the industry,” she said.
