Marg joins the honour roll of distinguished leaders who have shaped the Victorian TAFE and training sector through more than 15 years of visionary leadership, advocacy and enduring impact.
Marg was chosen for her transformative leadership in vocational education, training and her role in championing access for disadvantaged learners, expanding education in corrections and launching youth programs.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell congratulated Marg on her outstanding achievement.
“Marg’s recognition with this prestigious award is a proud moment for La Trobe University and for regional Victoria,” Professor Farrell said.
“Her dedication to expanding access for disadvantaged communities, championing vocational pathways and strengthening regional engagement exemplifies the values we hold dear at La Trobe.
"La Trobe’s deep partnerships with the VET sector across all our campuses are central to our mission of transforming lives and the regions we serve through education.”
Marg received the Outstanding Achievement in the TAFE and Skills Sector Award at the 71st Victorian Training Awards night on 19 September at Melbourne Park.
Humbled by the recognition, Marg said this reflected the incredible teams and communities she’s had the privilege of working with.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award and to be recognised alongside so many inspiring leaders in the TAFE and training sector,” Marg said.
“My passion has always been about creating opportunities, especially for those in regional and rural communities, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make education more accessible and inclusive.”
Beyond her latest recognition, Marg was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List for her service to the Bendigo and wider community.
Marg was the first Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo to serve four consecutive terms, and she continues to influence policy and practice through leadership roles on multiple industry boards, including V/Line as well as Chair of the Regional Development Advisory Committee (RDAC) Victoria, Regional Development Australia Loddon Mallee and former Director and Chair of Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute.
She is also a proud advocate for First Nations people, having championed the integration of Traditional Owner engagement and recognition with local government and community.
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
