TAFE NSW Muswellbrook’s Lachlan Ellis has been named the state winner in the Australian Education Union’s 2026 Heart of TAFE photography competition, after capturing a striking photo of welding training in action.
Lachlan, who is completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade, was encouraged by his teacher to enter the competition. With no background in photography, he was surprised to be selected as the NSW winner for his photo of a fellow classmate working on the tools.
“I wasn’t expecting to win, so it feels like a great accomplishment,” he said.
“My mate Corban was welding tow plates together and I thought it would make a really cool shot. It turned out awesome.”
His photograph was selected from 108 entries submitted by TAFE NSW students from across the state, capturing the practical, hands-on learning experience at the heart of his training.
Lachlan was announced as the NSW winner at TAFE NSW Ultimo as part of National TAFE Day celebrations, receiving a $1,000 cash prize from the NSW Teachers Federation branch of the AEU. He now progresses to the national finals at Parliament House, Canberra, on 28 October, where he’ll compete against winners from every state and territory for the overall national title and a $5,000 cash prize. The winning photograph will also be exhibited at Parliament House.
