It was an afternoon of celebrations for Kangan Institute with more than 900 graduates, staff and special guests including the Minister for Higher Education and Skills Hon. Peter Hall attending the 2013 Graduation and Awards ceremony on Thursday 23rd May 2013. Held at the Melbourne Convention Centre and hosted by popular comedian Trevor Marmalade, the event celebrated the achievements of graduating students from all areas of study including technical, business, community, youth and health. The ceremony began with the Institute's talented teachers Michael Burke and Maria Filis performing the National Anthem, and Indigenous Education Centre manager Linc Yow Yeh delivering the Official Welcome to Country. This was followed by an inspiring speech by Minister Hall who congratulated the graduates on their VET qualifications and wished them success on their next journeys. Kangan Institute interim CEO Richard Turnbull said the ceremony was an important milestone for graduating students who are now poised to make a real difference in their respective fields. "Our graduates are highly sought after by smart businesses because our courses are designed with industry, for industry. Employers know that the skills you have are up-to-date and relevant to their needs," he said. "So no matter what level of qualification you receive today, you've all got a real competitive edge and this ceremony is just the first chapter of a really big future." The ceremony also saw awards being presented to top achievers across Kangan Institute. Karly Funnell topped her class and was awarded the Student of the Year Award as well as the Gold Medallion for the Business Services Group on the day. The Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology graduate is currently pursuing her passion as an assistant designer at children's label sudo. "I was actually offered a job at the end of my course, a great achievement that I'm a very proud of," she said. "Everything I've learned at Kangan Institute I've used in this job. I'm learning so much at work, from manufacturing to learning how to find fabrics and communicating with the manufacturers." Karly hopes to create her own brand in the future and is confident her study and work experience will help her get there. Student award winners for afternoon include: - Student of the Year Award: Karly Funnell Supported by ANZ bank - Business Services Group Gold Medallion: Karly Funnell Supported by Moonee Valley City Council - Community, Youth and Health Group Gold Medallion: Kate Nuthall Supported by Moonee Valley City Council - Technical Group Gold Medallion: Matthew Withington Supported by K & P Dean Distributors - Adult Learner of the Year Award: Hoai Dang Supported by the Rotary Club of Essendon - Uncle Arnold Davis Memorial Award: Belinda Spicer Supported by Broadmeadows Magistrates Court - Uncle Norm Hunter Award: Zowie Savage Supported by the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court - VET in Schools Student of the Year Award: Adrian Jones Supported by Kangan Institute - Trainee of the Year: Declan Swanson Supported by the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale - Apprentice of the Year: Tony Hill Supported by the Rotary Club of Essendon Minister Hall congratulates the graduates on their VET qualifications and wished them success on their next journeys Michael Burke and Maria Filis performing the National Anthem. Kangan Institute CEO Richard Turnbull delivering the welcome speech. John Secombe and the Minya Gidij Marra Dance Group performing at the 2012 Graduation Ceremony. Cocktail function in the Melbourne Convention Centre foyer.