Macquarie Community College recently held our annual Staff Recognition Event, celebrating the exceptional contributions of our team through Anniversary Awards, Teaching Excellence Awards, and Staff Excellence Awards.
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reminded that Macquarie Community College is, at its heart, all about people. Our dedicated staff build strong communities—within our campuses and beyond—by connecting with students, employers, funders, referral agencies, and like-minded organisations. Together, we create welcoming, inclusive learning environments where people can grow with confidence.
With open hearts and a shared commitment to our purpose and vision, we came together to recognise not only the dedication of our staff, but also the inspiring achievements of our students. Every day, our teams are motivated by the perseverance of our learners and the impact of inclusive lifelong learning across our community.
Anniversary Awards
Each year, we formally recognise team members in two ways:
Milestone Service Anniversaries, celebrating years of dedication to the Macquarie Community College family; and
Staff Excellence Awards, acknowledging outstanding contributions beyond role expectations.
This year, we proudly recognise employees who have reached remarkable milestones of 5, 10, 20, and 35 years of service. Macquarie Community College’s success would not be possible without the ongoing commitment of these team members, whose work continues to drive positive outcomes for our broader community.
5 Years
Lisa Berrahal Training Administrator
- Junyao Li, English Teacher
- Larissa Koroleva, Trainer, Short Courses, Tai Chi Qigong
- Lisa Berrahal, Training Administrator
- Sue Pinkerton, Board Director, MCC Child and Family Services
- Wendy Luxford, Trainer, Short Courses, Fashion Styling
10 Years
- David Vasey Trainer, Short Courses, Computers and IT
- Louise Maitland Trainer, Short Courses, Floral Art
- Melissa Johnson, Continuous Improvement Co-ordinator
- Pradeep Khushalani, CFO and Company Secretary
- Reina Kobayashi, Training Administrator
- Sandra McKinney, Head of Marketing, Sales and Service
- Stuart Bastock, Head of Training
- Theresa Collignon, Chief Executive Officer
20 Years
- Greg Williams, Trainer, Short Courses, Bushwalking
35 Years
- Wendy Lenehan, Trainer, Short Courses, Folk and Decorative Art
- Wendy Luxford, Trainer, Short Courses, Fashion Styling
Teaching Excellence Awards
The 2025 Teaching Excellence Awards recognise outstanding performance across all MCC program delivery areas:
- Vocational Education and Training
- Leisure and Self-Improvement
- English Language
- Gateway Community High
Nominations were based on:
- Demonstrating the values of Macquarie Community College Group
- Contribution to the success of the College and School
- Supporting student engagement and outcomes
- Available feedback from students, staff, and other stakeholders
- Examples of going above and beyond the expectations of the role
This year’s nomination process received an enthusiastic response, with nominees representing our diverse programs, locations and tenures across MCC.
Teaching Excellence Award Winners
- English: Wai Ching Li (Tracy)
- Vocational Education and Training: Lachlan Baines
- Short Courses: David Vasey
- Gateway Community High: Teresa Gionta
Staff Excellence Awards
This year, we also recognised team members through our Staff Excellence Awards, celebrating the unique ways staff contribute to positive learner experiences and a thriving MCC culture.
The Guide
A team member committed to ensuring all participants on the learning journey have a positive experience—from their starting point to their destination. They keep the group moving forward and help keep the light on the hill burning brightly for all.
- Josi Katinic, Community Outreach Support Officer
- Kirstin Richards, Program Manager – Continuous Improvement
- Sarah Hearne, Trainer and Assessor Early Childhood Education and Care
The Trailblazer
Trailblazers create new pathways. They explore new ideas, experiment with innovative approaches, and inspire others to embrace change and seize new opportunities.
- Krishnan Chandrasekharan, Senior Finance Officer
- Nicole Taylor, Trainer and Assessor Early Childhood Education and Care
- Svitlana Dekabrova, Marketing Specialist
The Co-Navigator
A colleague who provides guidance, shares wisdom, mentors others, and helps teammates grow professionally. They strengthen our culture by walking side-by-side on the journey.
- Rebecca Stooke, Leader, Curriculum and Teaching (Gateway Community High)
- Reina Kobayashi, Training Administrator
The Bridge Builder
Someone who builds bridges internally and externally, connecting people and creating long-term relationships. They foster inclusion, outreach, and belonging for our diverse learners, staff and partners.
- Melissa Johnson, Continuous Improvement Coordinator
- Rania Barakat, Customer Service Advisor
The Values Compass
Recognising a team member who consistently leads with MCC values and helps keep our direction true.
- Belinda Sallustio, Leader of Administration (Gateway Community High)
- Stephanie McLanders, Team Leader | Training Administration
To all our Team — thank you for the energy you bring, the pathways you create, and the communities you build. Your work matters, and we’re proud to celebrate you.