Stanley College is proud to celebrate one of our own, Warona Machingaifa, who has been named WA International Student of the Year 2026 at the WA Training Awards. It’s an outstanding achievement and a wonderful recognition of her dedication and contribution to vocational education in Western Australia.
Now in its 32nd year, the WA Training Awards are Western Australia’s premier awards program recognising excellence in vocational education and training. Hosted annually by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, the awards celebrate individuals, employers and organisations making an outstanding contribution to skills development and workforce growth across the State.
Warona’s path to the award began far from Perth. She moved from Zimbabwe to Australia to study Community Services, progressing from her Certificate III and IV through to the Diploma at South Metropolitan, and then on to her Bachelor of Community Services at Stanley College, where she is now in her second year. Throughout her journey she has remained driven by a clear goal: to become a caseworker in child protection, advocating for vulnerable people and helping build more inclusive, supportive communities.
To celebrate the achievement, Stanley College is delighted to present Warona with a scholarship, a gift to support her continued studies in the Bachelor of Community Services.
Warona’s story is a powerful reminder of how vocational education can open doors for international students, often the first step on a pathway all the way to higher education. At Stanley College, we’re proud to support students at every stage of that journey.
Congratulations, Warona. This recognition is thoroughly deserved.
