Students top the field at Melbourne International Millinery Competition

Kangan Institute millinery students and graduates have topped the field at the Melbourne International Millinery Competition held last month.

Awards include:

• First place – millinery graduate Chris Mullane of Cranbourne South
• Second place – millinery graduate Katherine Cherry of Eaglemont
• Top eight – millinery student Anita Marshall of Diamond Creek
• Top eight – millinery student Lisa Hughes of Williamstown

First place winner Chris Mullane said her training at Kangan Institute provided necessary skills to pursue her passion as a milliner.

“I was absolutely shocked to make the final eight, let alone win. I tend to second guess and doubt myself, so winning is huge confidence booster,” she said.

“Completing millinery certificates II, III and IV at Kangan Institute gave me skills and knowledge to move forward and create my own unique millinery.

“Finding and developing my own style was something that my teacher Serena Lindeman really encouraged.”

Current Certificate IV in Millinery (MST40416) student Lisa Hughes, who placed top eight, also attributes her success to the skills developed and guidance through training at Kangan Institute.

“Kangan Institute has provided opportunities for my class to not only develop skills in making hats, but to encourage us to seek our own style and expression in the art of millinery,” she said.

Kangan Institute is currently the only training provider in Victoria accredited to deliver the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Millinery (MST40416). CEO Trevor Schwenke congratulated the students and highlighted the role of TAFE in creating pathways to success.

“Well done to our millinery students and graduates on their latest achievements at the Melbourne International Millinery Competition,” he said.

“TAFE is all about helping students cultivate skills to pursue careers that they can be confident and passionate about.

“Kangan Institute is proud to have played a part in these students’ success and wish them the very best in their next endeavours.”  

First place – millinery graduate Chris Mullane of Cranbourne South


Second place – millinery graduate Katherine Cherry of Eaglemont


Top eight – millinery student Lisa Hughes of Williamstown


Top eight – millinery student Anita Marshall of Diamond Creek

Photo credit:
The Essential Hat: @theessentialhat
Melbourne International Millinery Competition: @mimc2019
Photographer: Stavros Sakellaris @stavrofoto
Designers: Dani Stewart @ernest_melbourne, Lucy Broomhall @marda_journey, Zubie Sillah @zubie_elizabeth79 and Vincci Chan @vincci.chan.100