TAFE Creative Industry students win career boost
[Thursday, 19 November 2009]

The swimwear designs of a Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE fashion student will be on beaches this summer thanks to iconic Queensland label Billabong.

Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson congratulated talented young designer Rhaman Donovan for receiving the Billabong Award at last night's 'Inside Out' ceremony at MSIT's Creative Industries Precinct at Mt Gravatt.

'The Diploma of Applied Fashion Design student's swimwear will become part of this summer's Billabong range and Rhaman will also receive one week's work experience at Billabong's Gold Coast headquarters and $500 worth of merchandise,' Mr Wilson said.

'The global surfing goods giant, Billabong, is deservedly one of Queensland's official 150 icons and this is the third year the company has given an MSIT fashion student a tremendous career boost.

'I'd like to thank the company for their continued support of MSIT and their commitment to training new and existing workers throug h its $1.1 million partnership with the State Government to train about 300 workers over the next 15 weeks under the Productivity Places Program.'

'Billabong will deliver training in clothing production, fashion and textile merchandising, retail, business and transport and logistics.'

Mr Wilson also congratulated last night's inaugural MSIT Aspiration Award winner, talented designer Anna Peng.

'The $5000 prize will help Anna finish her Advanced Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and follow her dream of securing an internship with a prominent Australian designer and eventually establishing her own label,' Mr Wilson said.

'I thank Patron of the MSIT Creative Industries Precinct, acclaimed Australian actor, Michael Caton, for his support at last night's awards.'

Mr Caton accepted patronage of MSIT's new Creative Industries Precinct as he unveiled a canvas in his honour.