2025 TasTAFE Ueno Award winner ‘an inspiration to others’

2025 Ueno Award Winner Ushani Prabuddhika Madagedara (left) with TasTAFE Executive Director Marketing, Communications and Engagement, Graham Bethune.

A TasTAFE alumna has been recognised for outstanding dedication and commitment to her studies at the annual Ueno Award presentation ceremony held in Launceston on 13 November.

Mrs Ushani Prabuddhika Madagedara was presented with the Ueno Award trophy, a certificate and $500 as the winner of the prestigious award. The award is named in honour of former TasTAFE learner Hidetaka Ueno who tragically passed away due to illness whilst studying in Tasmania in 1998. Hidetaka’s parents travelled from Japan to collect his ashes and generously donated $10,000 to establish an award for international learners.

Mrs Madagedara migrated to Australia – sadly without her husband and family who remain in Sri Lanka waiting for their visas to be approved – and began to settle into a new life in Launceston.

Her journey with TasTAFE started in 2023 when attending English Language Learning Support classes that help migrants develop their spoken and written English skills. In less than 6 months Mrs Madagedara was thriving, having handed in written assignments and successfully navigated a new learning environment.

Mrs Madagedara then completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with TasTAFE and became an active and leading member of Thaala Dance Academy – A community-based Sri Lankan traditional dance group who volunteer regularly at the Launceston Harvest Festival and other local events.

“People may forget words, but visuals and connections through dancing stay with them. That is my way to share my culture,” said Mrs Madagedara.

In 2024, Mrs Madagedara began studying a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, where she eagerly shared ideas for child-focused activities and provided support to her peers. Securing work with Lady Gowrie Child and Education Services, Mrs Madagedara initiated cultural awareness activities and initiatives – much to the delight of her supervisors and the children in her care.

Following the completion of her Diploma in May this year, she now mentors and supports other learners completing their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

“I’ve been there – I know shyness and lack of support can stop others from reaching their potential. I received so much support from my teachers [at TasTAFE] and now I’m glad to give that back.” she said.

At the award ceremony, TasTAFE International Business Development Manager Edgar Ho described Mrs Madagedara as “a perfect example of how an international student can contribute to the local community, enrich workplaces, and inspire others."

“Her resilience, kindness and dedication continue to make a positive impact, and we wish her even more success and happiness in Tasmania,” Mr Ho said.

The second-place award was shared between Mr Dinesh Aryal (Nepal) who is studying a Diploma of Nursing, and Ms Yuanyuan Mei (China) who is studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Both runners-up receive $250 and a certificate.

Five ‘highly commended’ third-place recipients were also announced this year, all of whom receive a gift and certificate:

• Mr Bateer Caici (China), Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Ms Arifunnisa (India), Diploma of Nursing
• Ms Elham Wunimi (Ghana), Certificate III in Individual Support
• Ms Shanti Aryal (Nepal), Diploma of Nursing
• Mr Riwaj Bastola (Nepal), Diploma of Nursing.

The annual Ueno Award is a TasTAFE tradition that reflects the positive impact of international learners at TasTAFE and highlights the strength of the international education community in Tasmania.

Back row L–R: Dinesh Aryal; Bateer Caici.
Front row L–R: Renee Woodhouse, Department of State Growth; Arifunnisa; Yuanyuan Mei; Ushani Prabuddhika Madagedara; Elham Wunimi Osman; Graham Bethune, TasTAFE.