Melbourne Polytechnic is proud to announce Djuno Fisher as the Outstanding Creative Arts Student of the Year 2025. Djuno’s remarkable journey from drag performer to graduating from the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services CUA50420 (Costume) as a costume designer exemplifies the transformative power of vocational education and the importance of authentic self-expression in creative industries.
Djuno’s path to costume design began during their five-year career as drag queen "Baby Doll." Through performing, Djuno discovered their true passion lay not in being on stage but in the artistry behind the scenes. "I eventually realised that being on stage wasn't actually what I wanted to do. It was more the costuming, the design of the performance and the backstage stuff," Djuno explains.
This discovery led Djuno to Melbourne Polytechnic's Diploma of Live Production & Technical Services CUA5042 (Costume), where they found both technical excellence and a supportive community under the guidance of teacher Amanda Silk.
Djuno's success stemmed from Melbourne Polytechnic's strong industry partnerships. Key projects included collaborating with the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) on the production "Famous" under renowned costume designer Savannah Wegman. This experience taught Djuno to adapt their skills to different performance requirements, particularly the unique physical flexibility needs of circus performers’ costumes.
Djuno's standout project involved designing costumes for Mozart's "The Magic Flute," creating drag-inspired interpretations of Sarastro and the Queen of the Night. These designs showcased Djuno's ability to blend classical theatre with contemporary queer aesthetics, demonstrating the innovation that vocational education can foster.
The industry focus of the Diploma of Live Production & Technical Services CUA5042 (Costume) provided Djuno with invaluable professional opportunities. A prestigious internship with Opera Australia in Sydney expanded Djuno's understanding of large-scale costume production. Additional collaborations with Swinburne University and various film projects created a comprehensive portfolio of industry experience.
These connections highlight Melbourne Polytechnic's commitment to providing students with real-world experience that directly translates into career opportunities in the creative industries.
Beyond technical skills, Djuno distinguished themselves through peer mentorship and community leadership. As a nominee for an Outstanding Student, Djuno stands out from others because of their sensitivity to those around them and natural ability to step in, offer support, to keep the energy in the room positive and buoyant. This supportive approach created a collaborative classroom environment that benefited all students.
Djuno's advocacy extends beyond the classroom through performance art that challenges public perceptions of gender and identity. By taking queer expression into public spaces, Djuno demonstrates how creative education can empower students to become agents of social change.
Djuno's career goals reflect the ambitious scope of their Melbourne Polytechnic education. Plans include developing their personal brand "Djunosaurus", creating ensemble costumes for the queer community and working on major productions including international drag competitions and red-carpet events.
Djuno reflects on excelling as an LGBTQ+ student in a vocational training program, "I think it's really important to show trans folk at this level, to show that they're this capable of greatness. So important that it's shown and that it's heralded and that it's paraded through the streets because people like me exist and we can thrive in these environments," she says. Djuno's story shows that vocational education can be a space where diverse students are allowed to be themselves, are guided through hands-on training by industry experts and can go on to achieve amazing things.
Melbourne Polytechnic congratulates Djuno on this well-deserved recognition. Their journey from drag performer to award-winning costume designer illustrates how vocational education can transform passion into professional success.
Push your creative boundaries with our hands-on, practical courses in Live Production and Technical Services at Melbourne Polytechnic.