Welding professionals, educators, and industry leaders from across Victoria and Tasmania came together in Melbourne last night to celebrate the 2025 Victoria & Tasmania Welding Excellence Awards—an event honouring the individuals and organisations driving excellence, safety, and innovation in Australia's welding and fabrication sector.
Presented annually by Weld Australia, the Welding Excellence Awards recognise the people and projects setting new benchmarks for quality and capability in manufacturing. From advanced automation and safety initiatives to world-class training and education, this year's winners exemplify how innovation and commitment to craftsmanship continue to strengthen local industry.
Weld Australia CEO, Geoff Crittenden, said the Awards highlight the exceptional talent and ingenuity within Victoria and Tasmania's welding community. "Our winners are not only delivering outstanding technical outcomes, they're fostering growth, sustainability, and a culture of continuous improvement. Their work demonstrates that the future of welding in Australia is bright, adaptive, and globally competitive," he said.
"The calibre of nominees this year reflects a sector that's embracing change while staying true to the principles of skill, safety and precision. These Awards celebrate more than achievement. They recognise the people shaping the next generation of Australia's manufacturing excellence," Crittenden said.
Acciona was the winner of the 2025 Company of the Year Award - Fabrication for its leadership in sustainable infrastructure delivery and its commitment to quality, innovation, and community impact. With more than 46 years of experience in Australia and backed by Acciona's global expertise, the company delivers mechanical and electrical solutions across energy, water, transport, and industrial sectors. Its recent AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification highlight a steadfast focus on excellence in fabrication, safety, and environmental performance. By embracing Industry 4.0 technologies (like automated orbital welding and advanced laser systems), Acciona has enhanced precision, efficiency, and sustainability across its projects. The company's dedication to workforce development, diversity, and meaningful community engagement further cements its reputation as a forward-thinking industry leader.
AGL Bioenergy was the winner of the 2025 Victorian Project of the Year Award for their advanced biogas flare systems for one of Australia's largest landfill sites. With a strong focus on sustainability and engineering excellence, AGL Bioenergy undertook engineering, design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of the four advanced biogas flare systems. The landmark project involved the complete lifecycle delivery of high-capacity flare systems, each capable of safely combusting 3,000 m³ of biogas per hour. The systems were designed to meet stringent environmental and safety standards while maximising operational efficiency and reliability. The fabrication phase was a significant undertaking, involving the processing of over 55 tonnes of steel. AGL Bioenergy's in-house workshop executed the work with precision and coordination, transforming raw materials into complex, high-performance flare systems.
Incat was the winner of the 2025 Tasmanian Project of the Year Award for Hull 096, the world's largest battery-electric ship. At 130m in length and designed to carry 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, the Hull 096 represents a giant leap in the decarbonisation of large-scale commercial shipping. Launched in May 2025, Hull 096 is being delivered to South American operator Buquebus and will operate between Argentina and Uruguay, reducing emissions across one of the busiest ferry routes in the region. The fabrication of Hull 096 was a project of unprecedented scale. More than 900 tonnes of marine-grade aluminium plate and extrusion were cut, formed, welded, and assembled into a structure of extraordinary precision and complexity.
Steel Mains won the 2025 Health and Safety in Welding Award. Steel Mains is a leading manufacturer and supplier of complete steel pipeline systems for the transportation of water and wastewater. The company's proactive approach to risk management has driven several significant initiatives, including the installation of large external gas storage vessels to eliminate manual handling risks, the introduction of jib cranes to reduce pedestrian–forklift interactions, and the upgrade of fume extraction systems across all welding stations to exceed national exposure standards for airborne contaminants. These innovations not only improve safety and productivity but also demonstrate Steel Mains' leadership in sustainable and responsible manufacturing. Through comprehensive training, succession planning, and community partnerships, Steel Mains sets a benchmark for health, safety, and social responsibility in welding and fabrication.
SPW won the 2025 Company of the Year Award - Supplier. With roots tracing back to the 1980s, SPW has grown into a trusted national network of over 80 local welding stores across Australia and New Zealand, including its branches in Ballarat, Bendigo, and Shepparton. A partnership between SPW and BOC has cemented the company's role as the go-to destination for welding equipment, gases, and expertise, serving industries from construction and mining to manufacturing and education. The company's success is driven by a customer-first philosophy, strong local leadership, and a deep commitment to training, with teams regularly engaging with TAFEs, apprentices, and customers to demonstrate the latest in welding automation and fume safety management.
There were two joint winners in the Victorian Training and Education Award for an Organisation category: Ringwood Training and TAFE Gippsland. Ringwood Training has grown into one of Victoria's most respected government school RTOs, offering qualifications from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma across Automotive, Engineering Fabrication, and Information Communication Technology. Its programs combine hands-on practical learning with flexible digital delivery, ensuring students are equipped with real-world skills and pathways to employment. Through partnerships with industry leaders such as Hypertherm, Industrial Laser Solutions, and the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce, Ringwood Training provides access to cutting-edge technologies—including Australia's first hand-held laser welder—while maintaining close collaboration with employers to keep training current and responsive. The organisation's commitment to safety, sustainability, and diversity is embedded in every aspect of its operations, from female mentoring programs and renewable energy initiatives to world-class facilities that exceed industry safety standards.
TAFE Gippsland has set a new benchmark in delivering innovative, industry-aligned training that supports both students and employers through Gippsland's economic transition from coal-fired power to renewable energy. With a proud legacy of community engagement, the organisation offers nationally accredited qualifications across engineering, welding, and clean energy disciplines, supported by state-of-the-art facilities such as the new Port of Sale Campus and the Clean Energy Centre. These advanced training environments, equipped with CNC machinery and high-tech welding systems, ensure students develop the skills demanded by modern industry. Strong partnerships with leading employers, including AGL Loy Yang, EnergyAustralia, and Star of the South, reflect TAFE Gippsland's proactive approach to aligning training with workforce needs, while collaborations with Trades Women Australia and the Gippsland Women in Industry Network promote diversity and inclusion across the trades.
The winner of the Tasmanian Training and Education Award for an Organisation category was TasTAFE. As the state's public training provider, TasTAFE supports more than 24,000 students annually, including over 7,400 apprentices, through an extensive network of campuses in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, and Devonport. The Metals and Manufacturing team, serving around 800 students statewide, exemplifies TasTAFE's commitment to excellence, equipping learners with advanced practical and theoretical skills using cutting-edge equipment such as CNC plasma cutters, multi-process welding systems, and virtual reality welding simulators. These technologies enhance learning quality, safety, and sustainability by reducing material waste and environmental impact. TasTAFE's deep partnership with industry ensures training remains responsive and relevant, with collaborations such as the new Certificate III in Polymer Processing developed with Sentinel Boats to support Tasmania's growing defence and marine manufacturing sectors.
The winners of the 2025 Welding Professional of the Year Award were: Karim Shokri from Thornton Engineering for the Victorian Welding Coordinator category; Matthew Swinden from Elphinstone for the Tasmanian Welding Coordinator category; Damien Ebenwaldner from Arc Structural for the Victorian Welding Inspector category; Tyler Sharman from Elphinstone for the Tasmanian Welding Inspector category; and Bill Cudera from GBC Weld Works for the Victorian Welding Supervisor category; Kiah McCreadie from Elphinstone for the Tasmanian Welding Supervisor category.
Reuben Joiner from Service Stream was named the 2025 Young Trades Person of the Year. Beginning his career with work experience at Martin Metal Works, Reuben quickly proved himself as a standout talent—completing his Certificate III in Boilermaking, multiple AS 1796 welding tickets, and the IWI-B Welding Inspector qualification before the age of 25. Currently undertaking his Certificate IV in Engineering alongside his AS 2214 Welding Supervisor and AS 1796 Certificate 10 qualifications, Reuben demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to continuous learning and technical mastery. His experience includes critical work at AGL's Loy Yang Power Station, where his precision and reliability earned him the respect of both peers and supervisors. Reuben is known not only for his craftsmanship and 100% NDT pass rate but also for his leadership, professionalism, and willingness to mentor others. Whether representing AGL at career expos, volunteering his time to gain additional inspection experience, or networking through Weld Australia events, Reuben embodies the next generation of skilled, engaged, and forward-thinking tradespeople.
Jimmy Abbott from Uneek Bending was named the 2025 Trades Person of the Year. With over 50 years in the trade, Jimmy's career has been defined by technical excellence, humility, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of welders and fabricators. Beginning his career in 1974 at Babcock & Wilcox in Scotland, he fabricated thick-walled nuclear pressure vessels to the most demanding standards. After immigrating to Australia in 1980, Jimmy joined Comeng, where he rose through the ranks to foreman, leading a team of more than 70 tradespeople in stainless steel rail fabrication. Since 2007, he has been a cornerstone of Uneek Bending, applying his unmatched skill to projects spanning transportation, energy, and heavy industry while helping shape the company's distinctive culture of quality, teamwork, and humour. Known for his reliability, craftsmanship, and mentorship, Jimmy embodies the values of excellence, respect, and integrity that define the Australian welding profession. His impact extends beyond fabrication—he has built a legacy of knowledge-sharing, workplace camaraderie, and industry pride that continues to inspire everyone around him.
Dodge Deverell from Kangan Institute won the 2025 Victorian Training and Education - Individual Teacher Award for his outstanding dedication to vocational education and his transformative impact on learners within Corrections Victoria. As an engineering and fabrication teacher at Kangan Institute, Dodge brings together deep industry expertise and innovative teaching practice to create meaningful learning experiences for students in correctional facilities. Dodge has played a pivotal role in establishing Welding Centres of Excellence across six Victorian prisons, integrating cutting-edge augmented reality welding systems to bridge virtual learning with hands-on experience. His approachable, inclusive teaching style empowers students of all literacy and numeracy levels to achieve remarkable outcomes. Dodge's ability to connect with learners from diverse backgrounds, foster trust, and instil confidence has redefined what success looks like in correctional education.
Rick Timmerman from TasTAFE won the 2025 Tasmanian Training and Education - Individual Teacher Award. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Rick has built a reputation as a calm, patient, and highly skilled educator who inspires confidence and excellence in his students. Holding advanced trade qualifications, including his Certificate 10 Welding Inspector credential, Rick brings technical mastery and industry relevance to every lesson. His practical demonstrations are precise, his feedback thoughtful, and his teaching style both methodical and encouraging, ensuring students not only understand complex welding theory but can apply it with confidence in real-world settings. Rick's ability to create a respectful and inclusive classroom culture is one of his defining strengths; he takes the time to understand each student's learning needs, fostering resilience and pride in their achievements. Beyond his classroom impact, Rick plays a vital mentoring role among colleagues, freely sharing his knowledge and supporting new teachers in refining their own instructional practice.
Monica Galban won the 2025 VET in Schools Student of the Year Award. A Year 12 student at Keysborough College, Monica is completing her VCE while undertaking a Certificate II in Engineering Studies through Chisholm Institute, where she has excelled both academically and practically. Her skills in MIG and Arc welding, oxy-acetylene cutting, and fabrication have been strengthened through hands-on experience at a structural steel company, where she earned praise for her reliability, adaptability, and eagerness to learn. Monica's dedication to excellence was further recognised when she qualified to represent Victoria in the 2025 WorldSkills competition for AR Welding—an achievement that demonstrates her emerging technical mastery and composure under pressure. Monica plans to combine her trade expertise with a future degree in Industrial Design or Architecture, blending creativity with technical precision to make a lasting contribution to the engineering and fabrication sector.
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About Weld Australia
Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia. Its members are made up of individual welding professionals and companies of all sizes. Weld Australia members are involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation's economy. The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).
