Kevin Harris, the Northern Sydney Institute’s Director, 2000 – 2014, has been awarded the prestigious Public Service Medal for his outstanding contribution to the Australian community through Vocational Education and Training.
The Public Service Medal is the highest level of recognition for Australian employees across the Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Governments. It is awarded to those who have exhibited outstanding levels of service excellence to the public.
Mr Harris has been in the vocational education and training sector since 1972 and has been a fully active member on several national boards and committees including WorldSkills Australia, where he is now Deputy-Chair. He is an outstanding leader, who has made a significant difference to the community and thousands of students, but also to the philosophy and direction of VET in Australia.
His contribution to VET using his connectivity with industry partners such as CISCO has earned accolades of recognition, and his strong commitment to VET through WorldSkills has resulted in higher visibility of VET nationally and internationally through the success of TAFE entrants.
Mr Harris said he was honoured to receive this award; especially to be recognised his contribution to vocational education and training.
“I have been fortunate to work in a sector I am passionate about,” said Mr Harris.
"I feel privileged to be recognised for my contributions to education, knowing that I have made a difference to the learning experiences and outcomes of students who choose to study at TAFE NSW,” said Mr Harris.
“Mr Harris has had a long and distinguished career resulting in enormously positive impacts on the lives of thousands of staff and students, not only in NSW but nationally and internationally,” said David Riordan, Director of Sydney Institute.
“He has been one of the most dedicated and passionate VET practitioners the VET sector in NSW has ever seen and his impact across the sector will be sadly missed,” said Mr Riordan.
It is the professional leadership and unwavering commitment to innovation by Mr Harris, that has been a critical force in driving quality and excellence. The Northern Sydney Institute congratulates Mr Harris on a legacy that will be felt within the Northern Sydney Institute and Australia for many years to come.