Kangan Institute's young achievers shine

Three remarkable Kangan Institute graduates have been recognised amongst Victoria’s most extraordinary young people at the 2025 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria), with Maryam Safdari named winner of the Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award.

The award celebrates the resilience and determination of young TAFE students who have overcome challenges to find success in their educational field.

Maryam Safdari arrived in Australia as an Afghan Hazara refugee with limited English. Resilience and grit saw Maryam progress in English language studies at Kangan Institute, which led her to a photography diploma and launching a successful business.

“Kangan was my very first step to today’s success. I had to do English classes there, get better at speaking English so I could join certificate and diploma courses at RMIT. Kangan is so close to my heart, that’s where everything started,” Maryam said.

(Maryam Safdari is the winner of the 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria) - 2025 Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award.)

Also named Kangan Institute’s 2021 Inspirational Student of the Year, Maryam said education is key to her success.

“I’ve started my own freelance business as an event photographer. I do outdoor family portraits. I am planning to continue that – that’s just what I love to do and I’m doing it now,” she said.

“Always, always get an education. Study something, learn something new – just believe in yourself and do what you want. It’s never too early, but it’s always too late.”

Recognised alongside Maryam were fellow Kangan Institute graduates Joshua Pyke and Feona Magtanum, who were also finalists.

• Joshua Pyke is Kangan Institute’s 2025 Outstanding Student in Supply Chain Operations award winner. He overcame mental health challenges while working full-time as a truck driver. Recognised as Thomas Foods’ 2023 Employee of the Year and an occupational health and safety representative, Joshua has also established a scholarship program for his local school to support students facing hardship.

• Feona Magtanum underscores how perseverance and ambition can lead to success. Feona has excelled throughout her early childhood education while living with cerebral palsy. She excelled during placements by improving learning environments and supporting children’s developmental milestones. An advocate for disability inclusion as an ambassador for CP Achieve, Feona’s achievements have also earned her Kangan Institute’s 2024 Student of the Year Award in Early Childhood Education and Care.

(Feona Magtanum is a finalist for the 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria) - 2025 Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award.)

Kangan Institute is a longtime sponsor of the 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria) Inspirational TAFE Student Award, with the 2025 awards gala held on 9 May. The event saw more than 40 outstanding young people from across Victoria recognised.

Quote attributable to Sally Curtain, CEO of Kangan Institute:

“We’re proud to once again support the Victorian Young Achiever’s Inspirational TAFE Student Award, which highlights the real-world impact of TAFE education in changing lives.

“I warmly congratulate Maryam and the other award finalists; these students truly embody the resilience and innovation at the heart of vocational education. Their success proves that through determination and the right support, anyone can turn challenges into opportunities.”

(The winner and finalists for the 7News Young Achiever Awards (Victoria) Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award with Kangan Institute Chief Industry and Education Officer Janelle Arena at the ceremony. Absent: Joshua Pyke.)