Three Kangan Institute graduates have been celebrated among Victoria’s most extraordinary young people, with Kalkallo’s Maryam Safdari taking top honours at the 2025 7News Young Achiever Awards.
Held on May 9, the awards recognised over 40 outstanding young Victorians.
But it was the Inspirational TAFE Student Award–sponsored by Kangan Institute– that shone a light on the incredible stories, including students from Melbourne’s north.
Maryam, an Afghan Hazara refugee who arrived in Australia with limited English, was named the overall winner for her perseverance and success through vocational education.
“Kangan was my very first step to today’s success,” Ms Sadfari said.
“I had to do English classes there, get better at speaking English so I could join certificate and diploma courses at RMIT. Kangan is so close to my heart, that’s where everything started.”
Now a diploma-qualified photographer running her own freelance event photography business, Maryam said education changed everything.
“Always, always get an education. Study something, learn something new– just believe in yourself and do what you want,” Ms Safdari said.
“It’s never too early, but it’s always too late.”
Also recognised were fellow Broadmeadows Campus alumni Joshua Pyke, from Stawell, and Feona Magtanum, of Fraser Rise.
Mr Pyke, Kangan Institute’s 2025 Outstanding Student in Supply Chain Operations, overcame mental health challenges while working full-time as a truck driver.
He now champions safety in his workplace and funds scholarships for local students.
Feona, who lives with cerebral palsy, is an ambassador for CP Achieve and a rising star in early childhood education.
She was named Kangan Institute’s 2024 Student of the Year.
Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said the students were proof of what’s possible with resilience and the right support.
“These students truly embody the resilience and innovation at the heart of vocational education,” Ms Curtain said.
“Their success proves that through determination and the right support, anyone can turn challenges into opportunities.”
