“Continue to believe in yourselves” was the message GOTAFE’s former chief executive left for students and staff upon resigning from the educational institution.
After nearly five years of dedicated service, Travis Heeney has left to embark on a new challenge as the chief operating officer of genU, a national not-for-profit organisation.
During his tenure at GOTAFE, Mr Heeney was instrumental in transforming the institution into a “contemporary TAFE” that better served the community of north-east Victoria.
However, his time there was not without significant challenges.
Mr Heeney successfully steered the institution, which comprises 10 campuses across the region, through natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had bushfires in Wangaratta and floods in Shepparton,” he said.
Mr Heeney also explained that the institution had previously relied solely on on-campus delivery, but due to the pandemic, it was forced to adapt its approach.
Nevertheless, under his leadership, GOTAFE obtained a seven-year accreditation, secured funding for a youth foyer in Wangaratta, invested $8 million to transform the Seymour campus, and $11 million into upgrades at the Shepparton trades campus.
He also oversaw the creation of a mobile campus to serve a diverse community previously unable to access TAFE services.
But it was not only the physical upgrades that made a difference under Mr Heeney’s leadership.
He also improved staff and student engagement and satisfaction.
“When I arrived, we had some of the poorest staff and student satisfaction in the state,” Mr Heeney said.
“Now we have the best.
“Many students often feel like they’re just a number; our students have told me that they felt part of the community and that we supported their training.”
The institution was also named the Inclusive Training Provider of the Year in 2020 and was a finalist in the Large Training Provider of the Year category at the Victorian Training Awards in 2020 and 2022.
Mr Heeney also developed the first social justice charter within the TAFE sector in Victoria, which highlights GOTAFE’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
While he expressed mixed feelings about leaving GOTAFE, he also noted his pride in the many successes achieved during his tenure.
He left the organisation poised for further growth and innovation, with strong student metrics.
“At first, the students and staff had the mindset of GOTAFE being substandard, and some students didn’t think they could get a qualification,” Mr Heeney said.
“Seeing them finish their studies and receive that qualification was a proud moment.”
Mr Heeney believes the staff will continue their outstanding work in providing crucial education to the community of north-east Victoria.
“GOTAFE will absolutely evolve and grow in the coming years. From my point of view, I left it in a position for growth and innovation,” he said.
Mr Heeney’s new position as genU’s chief operating officer will allow him to continue his passion for serving communities; however, this time on a national level.
He will be working with a diverse range of people, from those with disabilities to those in need of aged care services.
He will also be involved in business and community services, including inclusion programs and food and business support.
“(We) would like to thank Mr Heeney for his service and dedication to the organisation over the past five years and wish him well in his future endeavours,” the GOTAFE board of directors said in a statement.
GOTAFE executive director education Kristie O’Brien has been appointed as interim chief executive.
The board will shortly commence a national recruitment process for an ongoing chief executive.