We Caught up With the Winner of the Australian Web Awards

The Australian Web Awards are akin to the Oscars. With less sequin dresses and more recogntion of the best digital work in the country. Following her recent win, Women Love Tech caught up with Arianne Milan, who shared her thoughts on cyber security, SEO and why seamless content forms may have just secured her first place position in these prestigious awards.

Talking TAFE

Arianne Milan’s passion for web design was first ignited during her studies at Macquarie University where she majored in cybersecurity and law. It was during a HTML and CSS unit that she realised her knack for crafting websites – an art form that blended technical expertise with creative expression. Motivated to deepen her skills, Arianne seized an opportunity at Jala Design through a traineeship facilitated by the Australian Training Company. This role not only immersed her in practical web development tasks but also provided her with the chance to pursue a Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Development) at TAFE NSW Granville.

“At TAFE NSW and Jala Design, I was constantly learning something new every day,” Arianne recalls. “From mastering content integration to creating user-friendly forms, I built a strong foundation that would prove invaluable in my career.”

Raising the curtian on the Riverside Theatre Project

A defining moment in Arianne’s career was her involvement in revamping Riverside Theatre’s website. It was a project that ultimately earned acclaim at the Australian Web Awards. Tasked with aligning the website’s design with the theatre’s updated branding, Arianne led the charge in developing a responsive, WordPress-integrated platform. Her attention to detail in content integration, creation of seamless contact forms, and rigorous quality assurance checks were pivotal in delivering a site that not only met but exceeded client expectations.

Reflecting on the project, Arianne acknowledges the challenges she faced. “Creating page layouts that satisfied both the client’s aesthetic preferences and technical requirements was a balancing act,” she explains. “Effective communication and iterative feedback were key to overcoming these challenges.”

Advice for aspiring women in tech

Arianne attributes her success in the ‘Entertainment and Events’ category to her focus on creating accessible and SEO-friendly content. A criterion highly valued in the Australian Web Awards. Her experience at TAFE NSW played a crucial role in preparing her for the multifaceted demands of her role at Jala Design.

“Studying at TAFE NSW not only equipped me with technical skills but also simulated real-world client interactions,” Arianne shares. “This practical approach was instrumental in seamlessly transitioning into a full-time role at Jala Design.”

Looking ahead, Arianne’s career aspirations are ambitious yet grounded in continuous learning. “I plan to further my studies in web design and development,” she reveals. “My goal is to become proficient in both frontend aesthetics and backend functionalities. Ensuring I can deliver comprehensive solutions to our clients.”

For women who aspire to carve a path in the tech industry, Arianne offers some invaluable advice: “Take the leap. Embrace opportunities for growth and seek environments that nurture your skills. The tech industry thrives on innovation and diversity, and your unique perspective can drive meaningful change.”

Arianne encourages emerging developers to cultivate curiosity, perseverance, and a love for problem-solving. The cornerstone qualities that have propelled her own career forward. Her journey from university to award-winning web designer exemplifies the limitless potential within the tech landscape. And, underscores the importance of passion and continuous education for women who love tech.

Featured in main image (from left to right): Arianne Milan, Jarrad Langdon, Christianne Marie and Fabricio Munoz.