Winner – Janet Connor
Faculty of Health Sciences, Youth and Community Studies
Passionate about our learners and the planet, Janet’s innovative recycling program is saving $20,000 each month by stopping medical waste entering landfill.
Janet is Holmesglen’s Nursing Laboratory Manager for our Diploma and Bachelor of Nursing. Supremely organised, Janet started by tightening our process for ordering and dispensing lab class supplies.
She introduced collection tubs to return single-use medical equipment. Janet cleans IV bags, vials, syringes and dressings for the next class. Gloves, usually thrown away, are recycled.
Janet also repackages equipment using reused peel packs to maintain a realistic experience for students.
“The comment ‘what would we do without Janet’ is repeated constantly in the department,” says course coordinator Ann Fisher.
Hear from our outstanding finalists
Finalist - Melinda Mindum
Engagement and Support
Melinda is a Disability Liaison Officer who combines her specialist AUSLAN and NAATI Accredited Interpreter skills to support our cohort of deaf students.
This innovative service, which is unique to the TAFE sector, brings Melinda’s commitment of equitable learning to life.
With more deaf learners attending Holmesglen, Melinda’s new process allows students to communicate directly in person or on Webex without the need for an interpreter booking.
Based at the Bourke Street campus, Melinda has applied her innovation in many ways, from queries to enrolments and throughout the delivery of courses.
“Melinda is sensitive to different needs of students with disabilities,” says colleague Tracey Stewart, “she’s an integral part of the Disability Support Team.”
Finalist - Melissa Ciardulli
Faculty of Health Sciences, Youth and Community Studies
Melissa is our Simulation Education Leader who is always seeking innovative ways to deliver teaching and learning.
An experienced educator and paediatric intensive care nurse, Melissa has established an exciting partnership with Monash Tech School and a bi-annual program for STEM-focused high school students.
She recently completed a Masters of Adult Education, has presented to conferences abroad and has been an advisor and facilitator for our collaborative online international learning (COIL) partnership with Canada’s Northwestern Polytechnic, funded by Veski-Study Melbourne.
High quality work is Melissa’s forte as is contributing to external community service, such as through her role as Chair of the Victorian Simulation Alliance Events Committee.
“Melissa is a high achieving and enthusiastic worker who is always brimming with ideas,” says colleague Deb Kiegaldie.
Finalist - Sanjaya Khanal
Faculty of Health Sciences, Youth and Community Studies
As Digital Learning Manager for HSYCS, Sanjaya plays a crucial part in ensuring the Institute is at the forefront of emerging training technologies.
He is recognised within the Faculty, notably by our clinical placement team, for his positive impact, consistent communication, problem solving skills and robust processes on projects such as the rollout of In Place.
Sanjaya is also known for his proactivity. Without prompting, he initiates improvements to streamline and simplify various processes which have decreased unnecessary workload for HSYCS.
Never satisfied by these improvements alone, Sanjaya encourages continuous improvement in others, empowering the team to act and develop their own approach with his support.
“He is a constant within our team,” says colleague Lindsay Bava, “and his overall commitment to making a difference is an accomplishment deserving the highest recognition.”
Award photo gallery
