“The students honoured today represent the future of tourism and hospitality, and embody the commitment to excellence that is critical to the continued success of the industry,” Mr Souris said.

“The NSW Government is committed to strengthening the Visitor Economy to ensure it stays number one in Australia. This means the creation of more jobs across the industry and more opportunities for future generations of tourism industry professionals.”

“To support the strategic growth of our industry we need professional tourism staff, operators and entrepreneurs who are the best in Australia. Today’s Awards celebrate the achievements of our State’s best students who are the future industry leaders.”

Mr Souris also congratulated the tertiary institutions on their continued support of tourism and hospitality-related studies. “It is encouraging to see the wide cross-section of institutions represented and I thank them for their continued commitment to fostering new generations of tourism and hospitality students.”

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said, "The calibre of students rises every year and it is inspiring to see the passion and enthusiasm all Award nominees have for the tourism and hospitality industry.”

“The Minister’s Student Achiever Awards not only recognise the very best up-and-coming talent but also enable Award recipients to establish key industry contacts.”

Since 1991, the NSW Government has been rewarding high-achieving tourism and hospitality students for their consistent academic achievement, and for demonstrating the capabilities and personal qualities that will make a significant contribution to the industry in NSW.

Students from NSW public and private institutions offering degrees, diplomas and certificate courses in tourism and hospitality studies can be nominated for the Awards. To be eligible, students must have completed one year full time, or equivalent, of their studies and be a resident of NSW.

The list of Award recipients are shown below.

2013 Minister’s Student Achiever Awards Recipients

Sheryn Canaway
Advanced Diploma in Hospitality
TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, Hamilton Campus

Kim Cassingena
Advanced Diploma of Events
TAFE NSW Western Sydney Institute, The Hills College

Kaliopi Conroy
Diploma in Hospitality
TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute, Campbelltown College

Danielle Hazell
Bachelor of Tourism Management
University of Western Sydney

Tennille Johnston
Bachelor of Business in International Hospitality Management
School of Tourism & Hospitality Management, Southern Cross University

Ram Bahadur Khati
Diploma of Hospitality Cookery
Evolution Hospitality Institute

Jennifer Kilp
Bachelor of Social Science (Leisure and Tourism Major)
University of Newcastle

Andre Lagadec
Certificate IV in Tourism (Guiding)
TAFE NSW Northern Sydney Institute, Northern Beaches Campus

Aimee Lord
Diploma of Tourism Operations
TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, St George College

Matt Raj Mal
Certificate IV in Tourism
Open Colleges

Brianna Pearson
Advanced Diploma of Hospitality and Events Management
Kenvale College

Blake Schroeter
Certificate III Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)
TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, Albury Campus

Kate Selig
Bachelor of Management in Tourism
University of Technology Sydney

Jesse Stanger
Bachelor of Business Tourism Management
William Blue College of Hospitality Management

Jessica Stedman
Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management
The Hotel School Sydney

Kerry-Ann Thoo
Bachelor of Business, International Hotel and Resort Management
The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

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