For more than 27 years, the Salute to Excellence Awards have recognised exceptional secondary students studying tourism, cookery, and food and beverage. The annual awards also celebrate outstanding employers, schools and registered training organisations who support students in their studies and for their contributions to skill development in Queensland’s tourism industry.
Nominations for the 28th Salute to Excellence Awards will open March 2025. Subscribe to QTIC’s mailing list to keep to-to-date with the launch of nominations
The Salute to Excellence Awards are your opportunity to shine and be recognised as an exceptional tourism and hospitality student, or be rewarded as an employer or educator for your dedication in supporting new talent.
The awards showcase all that’s great about VET in Schools (VETiS), and School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships, with award categories for secondary students, employers, and teachers and trainers.
Award categories
There are five categories in the Salute to Excellence Awards:
• Secondary Student of the Year – Cookery
• Secondary Student of the Year – Food and Beverage
• Secondary Student of the Year – Tourism
• Teacher/Trainer of the Year
• Employer of the Year
Why enter?
As one of Queensland’s most prestigious tourism and hospitality award programs, the Salute to Excellence Awards provide individuals, schools, registered training organisations, and businesses with a unique opportunity to showcase their achievements.
For individuals, being a finalist or winner can:
• Provide valuable career advancements.
• Provide state-wide recognition for your hard work.
• Connect you with industry leaders and provide networking opportunities.
For organisations and businesses, being a finalist or winner can:
• Build your profile within industry as an organisation of excellence in skill development.
• Provide state-wide recognition for your hard work.
Provide exposure for your organisation and valuable networking opportunities.
Who can nominate?
You can nominate yourself or someone else doing great things in tourism and hospitality education and training. With a range of award categories, there’s something for everyone!
How to nominate?
For individual student categories, nominees begin by completing an online submission. Finalists who advance from this stage will participate in a Skills Test Day, where expert judges will evaluate your abilities based on the specific award category you have entered – tourism, food and beverage, or cookery. Winners are then announced at the Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony.
For the teacher/trainer and employer categories, nominees begin by completing an online submission. Finalists who advance from this stage are then evaluated by a panel of industry experts during an interview. Winners are then announced at the Salute to Excellence Awards Ceremony.
Meet the judges
Secondary Student of the Year Award - Cookery
Sandgate District State High School
I’m passionate about hospitality as it blends my love for creating memorable experiences with a knack for attention to detail. From guest satisfaction to kitchen operations, every aspect fascinates me. It’s a fulfillingjourney in an industry centered on making others feel welcome and valued.
Runner Up: Noah Schepis-Wells I Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Matthew Meadows I Calamvale Community College
Secondary Student of the Year Award - Food & Beverage
All Saints Anglican School
I am passionate about working in food and beverage because it allows me to create an experience for customers beyond just a meal while forming genuine connections with people. It’s fulfilling to showcase my abilities while learning and growing in my career.
Runner Up: Imogen Bell, Coolum State High School
Finalist: Tianna Woodhouse, Kirwan State High School
Finalist: Bree Webster, Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Tia Sunbeam, Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Samantha Blaber I Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Persia Ruatara, Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Melinda Fraser, St Ursula’s College Toowoomba
Finalist: Abbey Holmes, St Ursula’s College Toowoomba
Finalist: Yazmin Lole, Shailer Park State High School
Secondary Student of the Year Award - Tourism
Proserpine State High School
I am a dedicated individual who is eager to gain knowledge and new experiences within the tourism industry. Whilst completing the course, I have learnt many practical life skills vital for my future career. I hope to be a role model for women in boating and the tourism industry.
Runner Up: Madeleine Sames, Albany Creek State High School
Finalist: Naomi Gilbert, Albany Creek State High School
Finalist: Ella Hokai, Albany Creek State High School
Teacher/Trainer of the Year Award
Trinity College Beenleigh
I’m passionate about real-world experiences, for students. I am constantly developing functions and events that foster the culture of service and help to grow VET, in our school. I strive to develop and deliver impactful and empowering learning experiences that support and encourage students’ experiential learning, vocational growth and self-belief.
Runner Up: John Shuttleworth, Nambour Christian College
Finalist: Katrina Spark, Shailer Park State High School
Finalists and winners of the Salute to Excellence Awards are announced and celebrated by industry at a prestigious annual Gala Ceremony.
Are you ready to take to the stage and celebrate your tourism and hospitality success! If you have any questions or need help with the nomination process, please contact our team at 07 3236 1445, or email our awards manager, Kathryn Moody at [email protected].