Chisholm Institute joins the broader education community in honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of Virginia Simmons AO, a visionary leader whose impact on vocational education in Australia will be felt for generations.
Virginia’s career was defined by her unwavering commitment to educational equity, public-sector advocacy, and lifelong learning. As the longest-serving female CEO in Victorian TAFE history, she led both Chisholm Institute and Kangan Institute with distinction, transforming them into inclusive, future-focused institutions that empowered thousands of learners.
She served as CEO of Chisholm Institute for nine years, having been appointed Director and CEO in April 2001. Prior to that, she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (TAFE) at Swinburne University of Technology for three and a half years, and Director of Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE for 11 years.
Virginia served on numerous economic and education boards, including the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and International Training Australia (ITA), further shaping policy and practice at the highest levels.
A trailblazer in vocational education
Virginia was a pioneer in every sense of the word. She was the first woman appointed as Director of a TAFE institute, breaking barriers and setting new standards for leadership in the sector. Her work helped shape national policy, and she played a key role in major federal reviews, including the TAFE Tasmania review and the Australia Pacific Technical Colleges evaluation.
Virginia contributed to international education development across China, Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific, helping build skills and industry growth in emerging economies. She worked with a wide range of international agencies including AusAID, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank, SEAMEO, and IDP Education Australia.
A champion for learners
At the heart of Virginia’s leadership was a deep belief in the power of education to change lives.
One of her proudest achievements was the establishment of the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation, which continues to support learners facing financial hardship. Her legacy lives on in every scholarship awarded and every student who finds their path through education.
A legacy of leadership and humanity
Virginia’s leadership style was marked by strategic vision, integrity, and compassion. She mentored countless professionals across the sector, many of whom now hold senior leadership roles. Her colleagues remember her as an inspiring mentor and a deeply principled leader.
In a career marked by distinction and dedication, Virginia Simmons AO received some of Australia’s highest honours for her contributions to education. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2010, recognising her national impact on vocational learning and leadership.
Her dedication to advancing opportunities for women in vocational education was formally recognised in 1995, when she received the inaugural Prime Minister's Training Award.
In 2008, she was awarded the Sir James Darling Medal for outstanding contribution to education, and in 2011, she was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
Honouring her legacy
To celebrate her enduring impact, Chisholm Institute established the Virginia Simmons Outstanding Contribution Award in 2024, recognising exceptional leadership and commitment to educational excellence within the vocational sector.
Virginia Simmons AO passed away peacefully on 16 September 2025. Her leadership left a lasting mark on Chisholm Institute and the broader vocational education community.
Reflecting on her legacy, Stephen Varty, Chief Executive Officer of Chisholm, said:
“Virginia was a force for good in education. Her legacy is not just in the institutions she led, but in the lives she changed and the leaders she inspired.”
Her vision and values continue to shape the work of Chisholm Institute today. We honour her memory by continuing the work she championed: creating inclusive, high-quality education that empowers every learner to thrive.
