Melbourne Polytechnic Preston Campus
Melbourne Polytechnic Preston Campus
Melbourne Polytechnic Prahran Campus
Victorian TAFE Association

2025 State Conference Melbourne

Thursday 7 August 2025

TAFECreates is the annual state conference for Victoria’s vocational education and training sector, and the hallmark event in the Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) calendar.

This annual event brings together leadership teams from across Victoria’s TAFE institutes and dual sector universities, government, technology providers, thought leaders, consultants and innovators.

Conference delegates hear from compelling speakers, workshop new ideas and see firsthand TAFE-industry partnerships and network.

TAFECreates25 conference and dinner will be held on Thursday 7 August 2025

TAFECreates25 conference and dinner will be held on Thursday 7th August 2025

Conference Program

Thursday, August 7, 2025

TAFECreates 2025 commences with registration and a networking breakfast on the morning of Thursday, August 7th followed by a full day of keynote speakers, presentations and workshops followed by the official conference dinner at Novotel Melbourne in Preston.
TIME
SESSION
Day 1 - Registration and networking breakfast
8:00 am
8:45 am

Registration and networking breakfast

Day 1 - Conference opening
8:45 am

Conference opening

Day 1 – Minister keynote
9:05 am

Minister keynote: the Hon Gayle Tierney, Minister for Skills and TAFE

Day 1 – Panel 1
9:30 am
10:30 am

Panel: Social, economic and political insights for TAFE leaders

Day 1 - Morning tea
10:30 am
11:00 am

Morning tea

Day 1 - Stream 1
11:00 am
12:00 pm

Stream 1: Reimagining TAFE: AI-powered solutions for industry-relevant training and empowered TAFEs

Day 1 - Stream 2
11:00 am
12:00 pm

Stream 2: The next generation TAFE workforce

Day 1 – Lunch
12:00 pm
12:45 pm

Lunch

Day 1 - Panel 2
12:50 pm
2:00 pm

Panel: Empowering pathways: Student voices shaping the TAFE experience

Day 1 - Stream 3
2:00 pm
3:00 pm

Stream 3: Solutions for TAFE-Industry Partnerships

Day 1 - Stream 4
2:00 pm
3:00 pm

Stream 4: Transforming vocational education and training

Day 1 – Conference insights
3:00 pm
3:30 pm

Conference insights

Day 1 – Afternoon tea
3:30 pm
4:00 pm

Afternoon tea

Day 1 - Melbourne Polytechnic showcase
4:00 pm
6:00 pm

Melbourne Polytechnic showcase (including transport time and transfer to dinner venue)

Day 1 - Welcome drinks & canapés
6:00 pm

Official dinner

Welcome drinks and canapés

Day 1 - Guests seated
6:45 pm

Guests seated

Day 1 - Welcome
6:50 pm

Welcome

Day 1 - Welcome to Darebin
7:00 pm

Welcome to Darebin – Cr Kristine Olaris OAM

Day 1 - Dinner
7:10 pm

Conference dinner

Day 1 - Dinner keynote
7:45 pm

Dinner keynote

Day 1 - Fireside chat
8:45 pm

Fireside chat

Day 1 - Dinner concludes
10:00 pm

Conference dinner concludes

About Melbourne Polytechnic

TAFECreates 2025 is proudly hosted by Melbourne Polytechnic

Melbourne Polytechnic is one of the largest vocational training providers in Victoria, delivering industry-aligned programs that equip students with practical skills and real-world experience. With a history spanning over a century, the institute remains at the forefront of applied learning, offering over 170 courses across a wide range of industries from certificates to degrees.

Melbourne Polytechnic is recognised for its excellence in education, industry engagement and student success. The institute is home to over 21,000 students who benefit from hands-on training, expert educators and strong industry connections. With campuses in Preston, Collingwood, Fairfield, Heidelberg, Prahran, Epping and Greensborough, as well as a training centre in Eden Park, the institute provides industry-leading facilities and a dynamic learning environment.

Melbourne Polytechnic’s flexible learning options and industry partnerships ensure graduates are workforce-ready, developing skills and capabilities valued by industry and the community — addressing skill shortages and supporting economic growth. Programs are tailored to meet evolving workforce demands in sectors such as trades, health, hospitality, creative industries and emerging technologies.

As a trusted vocational education provider, Melbourne Polytechnic is guided by its vision of an inclusive, sustainable and thriving community inspired by learning.

About the VTA

The voice of Victorian TAFEs and dual sector universities

The VTA is a not-for-profit that informs, supports and represents the interests of the Victorian TAFE sector. The VTA proudly champions the interests of public vocational education providers with a focus on sustainability, quality, and outcomes for industry, community and learners.