September 28, 2026
The South Burnett celebrated its best apprentices and trainees at a gala dinner held on Saturday night at Kingaroy Town Hall.
The 4th annual South Burnett Training & Business Awards attracted a record number of entrants in most categories.
Six independent judges – who did not consult with each other – were set the task by the organising committee to assess the submissions.
The top awards were:
- Vocational Medal – Aiden Gash
- 2026 Business of the Year – AMG Electrical Solutions
The Vocational Medallion recognises an outstanding trainee or apprentice.
Aiden, whose apprenticeship is with Livingstone’s Masonry, was selected on the basis of his training achievements, personal development, initiative and potential to represent vocational training within the South Burnett.
The judges said Aiden stood out for the strength of his development through his apprenticeship, both in his trade skills and personally.
He demonstrated strong practical and theoretical ability, excellent communication and teamwork, and clear sense of where he wanted his career to go.
The Business of the Year was chosen from the winners of the Small, Medium and Large business categories.
AMG Electrical Solutions impressed the judges by the way it has invested in the people behind its achievements.
Training and development have been embedded across the business, from apprenticeships and mentoring through to technical upskilling and leadership development.
During the past year, AMG has invested about $83,000 and 1500 hours in training, while continuing to develop capabilities in emerging technologies.
The major sponsors for the awards were Building Industry Training, Burnett Today, ATC Consulting Engineers, LG Media Services, Sunpork Group, MISfITZ, South Burnett Arts and Tilt Renewables.
The evening was also supported by South Burnett Saints AFC, Kingaroy Scouts and Moffatdale Winery.
NB. The awards were auspiced this year by Burnett News Inc, publishers of southburnett.com.au.
Related articles:
- Council Wins Business Training Award (2025)
- CTC Wins Major Training Award (2024)
- Awards Celebrate Training Success (2023)
* * *
AWARD WINNERS
School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year
[Sponsor – Burnett Today]
Winner: Rianna Barwick
Training Provider: Connect’n’Grow
Employer: Kingaroy Hospital
Judges’ Comments:
Rianna stood out for her dedication to her chosen career pathway and the maturity with which she has approached her training.
Through her school-based traineeship at Kingaroy Hospital, Rianna has gained valuable experience while balancing the competing demands of school, training, workplace and community commitments. Importantly, she has reflected on what those experiences have taught her and how they are helping shape her future.
Rianna has a clear career goal: she wants to become a midwife. She understands the pathway she needs to follow to achieve that goal and recognises the important role her school-based training has already played in preparing her for it.
We were also impressed by the way Rianna has responded to the challenges that come with undertaking training while still at school. She has demonstrated commitment, initiative and a willingness to learn, while continuing to contribute positively to her community.
Perhaps most importantly, Rianna wants others to benefit from the opportunities she has received. She is already encouraging other young people to consider the Deadly Start Midwifery School-Based Traineeship and hopes to give back through a career in healthcare.
That combination of clear direction, commitment and a genuine desire to encourage others made Rianna a deserving winner.
* * *
Equity Award
[Sponsor – ATC Consulting Engineers & Project Managers]
Winner: Sheneike Hill
Employer: South Burnett Regional Council
Finalist: William Kroger
Judges’ Comments:
Sheneike stood out for the determination and purpose she has shown in continuing her training despite significant ongoing health challenges following a car accident.
Rather than allowing those circumstances to define her, Sheneike has used her experiences to strengthen her desire to support others and give back to the community that supported her.
Her training journey has developed her confidence and communication skills, while she has also shown considerable thought and maturity in planning for her future.
We were particularly impressed by her commitment, personal growth and ability to keep moving toward her goals while contributing positively to her workplace and community.
That combination of perseverance, thoughtful planning and a genuine desire to help others made Sheneike a very deserving Equity Award winner.
* * *
Trainee of the Year
[Sponsor – LG Media Services]
Winner: Lilly White
Training Provider: First Nations Cadetship Program
Employer: Kingaroy Maternity Unit
Finalists: Koby Douglas, Miranda Strauss, Indi Bruce
Judges’ Comments:
Lilly stood out because her training journey demonstrates not only strong achievement, but a very clear sense of purpose.
Through the First Nations Cadetship Program and her work with the Kingaroy Maternity Unit, Lilly has developed strong communication and teamwork skills, and demonstrated how she applies those skills with colleagues, patients and within her wider community.
What particularly impressed us was the thought Lilly has given to her career development. She has a clear pathway ahead of her, understands how her training is developing her both professionally and personally, and has identified the steps she needs to take to achieve her goals.
Lilly has also demonstrated considerable initiative and personal strength. She has faced significant health challenges but rather than allowing those experiences to limit her, she has drawn on them to develop greater understanding and empathy for patients experiencing difficult times.
Underlying all of this is Lilly’s commitment to becoming the best practitioner she can be, not simply for herself but so that she can contribute to her community and culture.
The judges saw Lilly as someone who is already an outstanding ambassador for training, for the midwifery profession, and for her community, and a wonderful role model for others.
* * *
Apprentice of the Year
[Sponsor: SunPork Group Swickers]
Winner: Brendon Newman
Training Provider: TAFE Qld
Employer: Stanwell
Finalists: Aiden Gash, Nathaniel Baxter, Carey Manttan, Sasha Morris
Judges’ Comments:
Brendon stood out for his commitment to learning and his determination to keep developing beyond the basic requirements of his apprenticeship.
Alongside his Electrotechnology apprenticeship with Stanwell, he has strengthened both his practical and theoretical skills, including through WorldSkills Australia.
We also recognised his maturity as a communicator and team member, particularly his ability to listen, learn and step forward when needed.
Brendon has also shown strong initiative in planning, including securing a Queensland Overseas Foundation Scholarship, while continuing to give back by mentoring and supporting other young apprentices through WorldSkills.
That combination of skill, ambition, maturity and commitment to others made Brendon an outstanding Apprentice of the Year.
* * *
Employee Excellence Awards
These awards provide an opportunity for employers to acknowledge publicly that their work is appreciated and their contribution to the workplace deserves to be recognised:
Allanah Weir – Pathology Queensland
Kerry Liesegang – Pathology Queensland
Lacey Walker – CROW-FM
Rachel Jolley – Quinn & Co Finance Broking
Michelle Mischefski – Bloom Early Learning
Jackie Raine – SB Care
Casey Volz – SB Care
Dylan Brazier – Kingaroy Joinery
Bobby Tattam – Kingaroy Joinery
Naomi Carr – South Burnett Regional Council
Matt Fitch – South Burnett Regional Council
Joanne Simpson – Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
Lynn Smith – ATC Consulting Engineers & Project Managers
Sally Lenkeit – Be Well Chiropractic
Zoe Beddows – Be Well Chiropractic
* * *
Arts Business or Event of the Year
[Sponsor: South Burnett Arts]
Winner: South Burnett Performing Arts Academy
Finalists: Heartfelt Ceremonies with Simone, SB Care – Safari-Themed Fine Arts Exhibition, Kingaroy Regional Art Gallery
Judges’ Comments:
The Performing Arts Academy has created something that was clearly needed in the South Burnett — a place where young people can explore acting, singing and dance, build confidence, and perform without the pressure of competition.
What sets the Academy apart is its emphasis on inclusion, creativity and belonging. Its students are not only developing performance skills, but also friendships, confidence and a stronger connection to their community.
Through productions, showcases and partnerships with local performers, volunteers and community organisations, the Academy has also helped broaden access to the arts in a regional setting.
In a relatively short time, it has made a very real contribution to youth arts participation in the South Burnett, and that community-focused approach is what made Performing Arts Academy a standout for Arts Business or Event of the Year.
* * *
Live Music Venue of the Year
[Sponsor: MISfITZ]
Winner: Maidenwell Music Mix
Finalists: Commercial Hotel Kingaroy, Carrollee Hotel
Judges’ Comments:
Maidenwell Music Mix stood out for turning a small rural community into a genuine live music destination.
The event brings together local, regional and headline performers with country hospitality, camping and tourism, creating benefits that extend well beyond the music itself. Investment in a permanent outdoor stage has also given the event a strong foundation for future growth.
We were particularly impressed by the way Maidenwell Music Mix supports performers while drawing visitors into the region and contributing to local tourism and economic activity.
That combination of vision, infrastructure, community connection and commitment to live music made Maidenwell Music Mix a deserving winner.
* * *
Business Of The Year
[Sponsor: Tilt Renewables]
The 2026 Business of the Year, AMG Electrical Solutions, was selected from the winners of the Small Business, Medium Business and Large Business categories:
Small Business Category
Winner: ATC Consulting Engineers & Project Managers
Finalist: Kingaroy/Nanango Refund Points – Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
Judges’ Comments:
ATC stood out for its strong investment in its people, with structured professional development, leadership coaching, mentoring and clear career pathways embedded throughout the business.
Its commitment to developing engineering capability locally demonstrates how a smaller business can make a significant contribution to workforce skills in the South Burnett.
* * *
Medium Business Category
Winner: AMG Electrical Solutions
Judges’ Comments:
AMG Electrical Solutions demonstrated a powerful combination of business growth, technical excellence and investment in its workforce.
With substantial training, strong apprenticeship and mentoring programs and a focus on emerging technologies, AMG has built a business that develops its people while continuing to achieve at an industry level.
* * *
Large Business Category
Winner: South Burnett Regional Council
Judges’ Comments:
South Burnett Regional Council stood out for the scale and breadth of its commitment to workforce development.
Through leadership programs, technical training, traineeships and strong regional partnerships, Council has created meaningful training and employment pathways while continuing to build capability across its workforce.
