Recognising Excellence in Aboriginal Education
Selected from across the state, the TAFE NSW 2023 Gili Awards recipients highlight and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achievements, as well as the innovative programs and dedication of TAFE NSW staff members, that help empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities every day.
Congratulations to the 2023 Gili Award Winners
Reconciliation Award
Community & Partnership Award
Health, Wellbeing & Community Services Award
Agribusiness Student of the Year
Tyler Murray
Certificate III in Agriculture
TAFE NSW Armidale
Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year
Taela Douglass
Certificate III in Vocational and Study Pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as part of the IPROWD program
TAFE NSW Eora
Creative and Design Ideation Student of the Year
Melissa Streater
Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts
TAFE NSW Wauchope
Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year
Joseph Gordon
Diploma in Audiometry
TAFE Digital
Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year
Lucinda Shilcock
Certificate III in Electrotechnology
TAFE NSW East Maitland
Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year
Thomas Wright
Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) as part of Tribal Warrior’s Maritime Training program.
TAFE Digital
Technology and Business Services Student of the Year
Matthew Apps
Diploma of Government
TAFE NSW Tamworth
Tourism and Experience Services Student of the Year
Jayden Moore
Certificate III in Tourism
TAFE NSW Coonabarabran
Trainee or Apprentice of the Year
Lucinda Shilcock
Certificate III in Electrotechnology
TAFE NSW East Maitland
Young Achiever of the Year Award
Jonah Blackburn
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour
Industry Partnership Award
Oolong Aboriginal Art Engagement Program
Community Partnership Award
The Toomelah Local Aboriginal Land Council and TAFE NSW Pheasant Coucal Habitat Restoration program
Youth Engagement Award
Walgett Community College Engagement Program
Aboriginal Employee or Team of the Year
Fiona Frail
Non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Employee or Team of the Year award
Goran Otomancek
Reconciliation Award
Aboriginal Acknowledgement of Country Microskill project team
Bruce Kendall Award
Marilyn Nolan and Pamela Touma
TAFE NSW 2023 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Lucinda Shilcock
Certificate III in Electrotechnology
TAFE NSW East Maitland
Make the move
Here at TAFE NSW, we warmly welcome over 30,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Learn in a safe, supportive environment to gain the skills needed to get to where you want to be. Choose from hundreds of courses including Building and Trades, Agriculture, Aboriginal Art, Culture and Languages, Healthcare, Childcare and more.
Ready to make the move?
Frequenly Asked Questions
Gili (pronounced 'kill-ee') is an Eora word meaning ‘to shine’. It is a very apt name for these awards, as the recipients are a shining example of excellence in Aboriginal education and training within TAFE NSW.
Nominations can come from either students or teachers – and they go through a process of endorsement and then judging by a panel that comprises both TAFE NSW employees and external stakeholders. Judging occurs against set criteria and is completed independently before scores are collated to arrive at the award winners.
Aboriginal students have access to various financial assistance options. Under Smart and Skilled, Aboriginal students residing or working in NSW, including identified border postcodes, are eligible for subsidised training places and full fee exemptions. Additionally, scholarships and financial support for travel, accommodation, and meals are available., Aboriginal students may also qualify for ABSTUDY, a government program providing financial assistance specifically for Indigenous students. To learn more about applying for ABSTUDY, detailed information can be found on the Centrelink website.
TAFE NSW provides a range of support services to Aboriginal students from dedicated Aboriginal student support staff and specialist study centres to personalised learning plans and mentoring. By offering these services, TAFE NSW aims to create an environment where Aboriginal students can achieve their goals, gain valuable skills, and progress towards their desired career paths in a safe and nurturing setting.