HEAD: Shining Examples
INTRO: Outstanding staff and students honoured at annual awards.
STORY: The achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff at TAFE Colleges across NSW have been recognised at the 16th annual TAFE NSW Gili Awards.
Held as part of NAIDOC Week, The Gili Awards celebrate the role of education in the Aboriginal community and TAFE NSW’s commitment to providing first class education, training and opportunities for Aboriginal students.
Gili is an Aboriginal word of the Eora Nation meaning “to shine”.
“Each individual honoured shines as a leader and represents what education is achieving for Aboriginal people and our community,” says NSW Minister for Education and Training, John Della Bo sca.
This year’s Meritorious Award recognised the first Aboriginal accredited teacher in NSW, Evelyn Webb, who retired as a TAFE teacher earlier this year. Evelyn was the first Aboriginal person to graduate as a teacher, commencing her career in 1953
“Evelyn is recognised as a pioneer, a distinguished educator and is much loved by her students and her colleagues,” says Mr Della Bo sca.
“It was a pleasure to recognise her devotion to the profession and to her students over a half a century.”
Twelve awards were presented at the event including Apprentice of the Year, won by Alex Robertson and Trainee of the Year, won by Shane Herrington.
The Awards began in 1991 as a key strategy to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal students and to promote the benefits of vocational education and training for Aboriginal people and their communities.
For a full list of winners head to www.det.nsw.edu.au
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