The Red Bend Catholic College graduate has received another prestigious award – this time it’s the CreatIT Chris Ebeling Industry Award, presented to him at the Sydney TAFE 2016 Student Excellence Awards.

Mitchell's industry success comes as no surprise to his teachers.

The man who put his hometown on the map with a viral YouTube video and who has now graduated with a Diploma of Screen and Media (Radio Broadcasting), has been described as an “exemplary student in every way”.

A quick learner, well rounded in his media job skills, unafraid to try new platforms or techniques, and always willing to accept feedback and develop his skills.

Sydney TAFE said he had an excellent attendance record, worked hard, completed tasks on time, listened to feedback, worked well with any team member, consistently displayed leadership characteristics and showed exceptional progress in his skills during his studies.  

Mitchell received distinctions for all of his graded units in his diploma study, and received two early round offers from universities, as well as two offers from the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

He is now studying a Bachelor of Arts Media at Macquarie University and working part-time at Amplify – a youth orientated video company.

“Since graduating I have had work experience at Smooth FM, 2GB, the ARIAs and 2PK/Rok FM in Parkes,” Mitchell said.

“I am very grateful to Sydney TAFE for all they have done to help me embark on such an exciting career path.”

Mitchell’s award comes less than two and a half months after he was named Western NSW Vocational Student of the Year at the NSW Regional Training Awards in Orange.

The Sydney TAFE Excellence Awards recognises not only academic excellence, but also personal, workplace and community achievements of its graduates, alumni and teachers.

“Every year, literally thousands of students choose to enrol at Sydney TAFE for a range of reasons and many of those students, once qualified, go on to become proud ambassadors for Sydney TAFE.

“To them we say thank you for your continued support,” Sydney Institute Director Alison Wood said.

In his spare time, Mr Coombs is still making videos for his YouTube channel which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6EoaFxqPYcQdqqcCprrryw or on his Facebook page, Mitchell Coombs entertainer.

If you missed the original Bogan Gate tour video, it’s on YouTube along with a couple of updates featuring the community.