Bringing people together through events

Her achievements have also seen her named a finalist for Vocational Student of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards, North Region.

For Katya, events have always been about more than logistics. They have been a way to build community. After moving interstate, she realised that she needed to build a new support network from scratch.

“I started a brunch club to meet people,” Katya said. “When I moved to Townsville in 2023, I had to start all over again. Events became the best way to meet people and build a support network.”

Soon after moving to Townsville, Katya became pregnant and experienced severe hyperemesis gravidarum, forcing her to leave work and pause her plans.

“I lost 23 kilos during my pregnancy, was hospitalised four times and spent most of my day in bed. It was really isolating,” she said.

After the birth of her daughter Charlotte, Katya returned to study as a way to rebuild her confidence and take the next step towards the career she wanted. Studying online gave her the flexibility to complete her diploma around motherhood.

“The flexibility was amazing,” Katya said. “I could take my daughter to swimming lessons or rhyme time at the library and then study while she napped. It gave me a chance to do something for myself while still being there for her.”

Katya said the diploma also showed her how broad event management really is.

“I thought I was going to be a party planner,” she said. “But I’ve learnt finance, HR, stakeholder management and all the behind-the-scenes work that makes events happen.”

Determined to gain practical experience, Katya approached TAFE Queensland’s marketing team about volunteering. That first step opened the door to hands-on experience at events including North Queensland Toyota Cowboys match days as well as student and graduation events.

Through TAFE Queensland’s partnership with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, Katya was also introduced to the Cowboys Community Foundation, the charity arm of the club.

What began as volunteer experience has since grown into paid employment, with Katya working with the Foundation’s 50-50 Charity Raffle and supporting event coordination.

Cowboys Community Foundation Chief Executive Officer Fiona Pelling said Katya had made a strong impression from the moment she began volunteering with the Foundation.

“Katya came to us while she was still studying, with her daughter Charlotte still a newborn, and brought a can-do attitude during a time of many firsts in her life,” Ms Pelling said.

“The things about Katya that shine through are not only how capable she is, but her openness, her passion for learning, her positive attitude and her infectious energy.”

“She showed initiative from the beginning, adapted quickly, and was able to contribute early on. It has been wonderful to see her grow from volunteering into paid work with our 50-50 Charity Raffle, while continuing to build her skills and pursue her own ventures.”

“Katya is a great example of what can happen when TAFE Queensland training is combined with practical, hands-on experience.”

Alongside her work with the Foundation, Katya has also relaunched the community initiative that first sparked her interest in events, Blush & Brunch Townsville.

Katya also recently coordinated the Women’s Society Christmas Gala at The Ville, supporting fundraising for Orange Sky and managing multiple moving parts including performers, suppliers, venue staff, styling, signage and the event schedule.

“It showed me how much event management is really about managing people and keeping everyone moving in the same direction,” she said.

Completing her diploma has changed the way Katya sees herself and her future.

“Before I started the diploma, I never would have thought I’d call up TAFE or the Cowboys and ask to get involved,” she said. “Now when I walk into a room as a TAFE graduate, I feel proud. I feel like I belong there.”

“As mums, we give so much to our kids, but we need to do something for ourselves too. For me, study has been that thing. It’s helped me build confidence, meet people and take steps toward the career I really want.”