Rotary Castlemaine hosted the Apprentice & Trainee Awards on 2 April 2025 to acknowledge the excellence of the ten nominees from a wide range of trades and industries across the Mount Alexander Shire.

Keynote speaker was Jeremy Forbes, co-founder of HALT, who shared a strong message about changing the culture in workplaces. ‘Be the future of trade and industry,’ Jeremy urged the nominees. ‘Break the cycle of bullying and support each other.’  He explained that early intervention is key. ‘If you know someone is feeling down, be prepared to ask and listen without judgement.’ See more about the work HALT is doing here.

Trevor Butcher from Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware was also in attendance to give his support to the Rotary event that was instigated by the late Bob Swift in the 1960s. The Awards were resurrected in 2023 and are now planned to be held bi-annually.

Led by Vocation Director, Rob Airton, a panel of judges assessed the nominations and conducted interviews during March.

‘Their employers should be very proud of how they presented themselves,’ said President Terry Murphy who participated on the panel. ‘Every one of the nominees is to be commended for the value they bring to their workplaces and the community. It would be easy to make a case for any of these special people to take out the main award. Our future is in very good hands.’

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year and a $1,000 cash prize was awarded to a very excited Angus Freeman who is undertaking a Cert III Light Vehicle at Parsons Motor Body.

When nominating Angus, Parsons Motor Body said that he demonstrated an outstanding attitude towards the trade with a very keen eye for detail and learning. No job is too hard. He has a very can-do attitude and loves being challenged to better his knowledge and skill which is much higher than expected.

‘They are great people to work with,’ Angus said upon accepting the award. He also paid tribute to his fellow nominees and thanked Rotary for holding the event.

‘At interview, the judges considered that Angus epitomised all of the traits we believe contribute to a successful apprenticeship/traineeship,’ said President Terry.

Nominee Award: $50 Mt Alexander Timber & Hardware voucher presented by Trevor Butcher and Rotary Vocation Director, Rob Airton.

MacKenzie O'Donnell, Electrical Apprentice 2nd year, nominated by Central Spark

Jovian Goulton, Electrical Apprentice 2nd year, nominated by Central Spark
Brendan Hoffman, Certificate 3 in Individual Support, Aged Care, nominated by Mt Alexander Shire Council
Ossian Jacob, Certificate 3 Commercial Cookery, nominated by Love Shack Brewing Company (Absent)