News

Cream of the crop of our apprentices and trainees

By Yarrawonga Chronicle

Aug 5, 2026

The finalists in this years’ Apprentice and Trainee Awards were were Chloe Burns and Charlotte Burrows from Country Buddies, Leif Simeon from Hadar Homes, Darcey Hicks from Karvel Automotive, Jesse McDonald from Katty East Engineering and Sam Hemphill from Attwood Builders. Photo by Les_Garbutt

The best of the region’s apprentices and trainees have been celebrated by Central Murray Sunrise Rotary at its third annual awards ceremony.

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Apprentice of the Year for 2026 was awarded to Darcy Hicks from Karvel Automotive with runner up, Sam Hemphill from Atwood Homes and finalists, Jesse McDonald from Katty East Engineering and Leif Simeon from Hadar Homes.

Trainee of the Year was Chloe Burns from Country Buddies (Zorro Drive) with runner up, Charlotte Burrows from Country Buddies (Woods Rd).

The awards were announced at the club’s Changeover Luncheon at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort on July 19.

Winners, Chloe Burns and Darcy Hicks with Paul Miegel, Moira Shire administrator Susan Benedyka, Leonie Orr, Geri Charles and Tim McCurdy MP. Photo by Les_Garbutt

Youth Programs coordinator, Geri Charles said they were delighted to receive such high-quality nominations from local employers.

“We love to recognise the young people in our community, and the employers who are giving them the opportunities,” Geri said.

“Sometimes we don’t hear the good stories about what young people are doing, and we were really impressed by their passion and their vision for the job they are doing.

“It was a very difficult decision.”