QTIC awards celebrate achievements of tourism and hospitality students and teachers

Presented by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council, the 25th Salute to Excellence Awards held earlier this week celebrated the outstanding achievements of tourism and hospitality students and teachers from across the Sunshine State.

The annual Awards program recognises exceptional secondary students, employers, and teachers and trainers for their contribution to skill development in the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.

After 25 years, the Salute to Excellence Awards have seen more than 150 Queensland schools participate in the program, including 628 finalists and 77 winners.

This year, a total of 27 finalists competed across five award categories, with entrants coming from as far north as Townsville.

QTIC Chief Executive Brett Fraser congratulated the winners and said that the Awards program is a fantastic way to inspire a new generation of industry leaders and to celebrate the dedicated educators supporting them.

“Coming after a few challenging years in our industry, it’s especially important for our sector to promote and support a cohort of high achievers,” said Fraser.

“With more than 5,300 tourism and hospitality job vacancies across Queensland, our industry is in desperate need of a dedicated workforce. We also rely on exceptional employers and educators to guide those pursuing a career in the industry.

“The Salute to Excellence Awards are a chance for our industry to rally and champion the enthusiasm and talents of our industry’s best and brightest. To acknowledge the future of our tourism sector.

“For 25 years, we’ve seen past Award participants go on to build successful careers. From general managers in five-star resorts to Queensland’s best chefs and managers of some of our biggest events,” said Fraser.

Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the Awards were a timely reminder to support the tourism and hospitality industry and noted “with tourists being welcomed into Queensland from near and far, it’s wonderful to see a new wave of talent entering the industry with such enthusiasm, and I encourage Queenslanders to get out and enjoy the spectacular offerings of our state while also supporting the newest members of the workforce and the industry.

“I’m always excited to see people being recognised for their mastery and dedication in their chosen industry, and I congratulate these outstanding students – our future workforce – on their success. 

“Congratulations must also go to their teachers and employers for their dedication in supporting students and trainees to create a rewarding career.”

The 2022 Salute to Excellence Awards are supported by the Queensland Government, TAFE Queensland, Fun Over Fifty, Recap Media, and The Hotel School Australia.

Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast were the big winners at this year’s Awards, with all five award categories going to students, employers, and teachers from each region:

• Amy Fogarty – Secondary Student of the Year Award (Cookery), All Saints Anglican School

• Lauren Dann – Secondary Student of the Year Award (Food and Beverage), St Mary’s College Ipswich

• Hannah Lawrence – Secondary Student of the Year Award (Tourism), Mount Gravatt State High School

• Kelly Brown – Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award

• Sea World Cruises – Employer of the Year Award

Salute to Excellence Cookery Award finalists and winner:

• Amy Fogarty – All Saints Anglican School WINNER

• Montana Pearce – Calamvale Community College RUNNER UP

• Ethan Alborn – Helensvale State High School

• Nate Patterson – Ferny Grove State High School

• Thomas Dow – Kirwan State High School

• Kiera Sweeney – Beerwah Hotel

Salute to Excellence Food and Beverage Award finalists and winner:

• Lauren Dann – St Mary’s College Ipswich WINNER

• Alana Fink – Rochedale State High School RUNNER UP

• Darci Lawson – The Glennie School

• Monique Webbe – James Nash State High School

• Zara Hashash – Calamvale Community College

• Natasha Hinkley – Calamvale Community College

• Tayla Sime – Kirwan state High School

• Kiara Bear – Calamvale Community College

Salute to Excellence Tourism Award finalists and winner:

• Hannah Lawrence – Mount Gravatt State High School WINNER

• Tayissa Bender – Maroochydore State High School RUNNER UP

• Clay Robertson – St. Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe

• Alicia Marais – Albany Creek State High School

• Keelee Henderson – Albany Creek State High School

• Tayissa Bender – Maroochydore State High School

• Allyse Waters – Albany Creek State High School

Salute to Excellence Teacher/Trainer Award finalists and winner:

• Kelly Brown – Rochedale State High School WINNER

• Jess Zandona – Marsden State High School RUNNER UP

• David Scherer – Mueller College

• Louise Pope – St James College

• Larissa White – Regional Training Services QLD

• JT Foody – Riverside Christian College

Salute to Excellence Employer of the Year Award winner:

• Sea World Cruises – Gold Coast

Image top: Salute winners (from left) Sea World Cruises, Amy Fogarty, Hannah Lawrence, Lauren Dann, Kelly Brown; image above: QTIC Salute winner Sea World Cruises’ Jody Vitch