28 June 2021

A TAFE NSW graduate and Riverina Aboriginal Health Worker has claimed a prestigious training award and spoken candidly about her wrestle with a learning disorder in a bid to offer hope to others.

Jenna Weymouth, a TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga graduate and Aboriginal Health Practitioner with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, was this month awarded the ATSI Student of the Year at the Riverina Training Awards.

The mum-of-one from Leeton praised the support she received from TAFE NSW and said she hoped the award could act as an inspiration to others living with a learning disorder.

“Learning has never been my strong suit and at school, I finished everything last because I was dyslexic,” Ms Weymouth said.

“This award is a validation that all my work and study has paid off and I hope it sends a positive message to others living with learning difficulties.”

The proud Wiradjuri woman has a long history with TAFE NSW, having recently completed a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice and previously earning a Certificate III in Retail, a Certificate II in IT and a Certificate IV in Education Support (Special).

Her true passion lies in Aboriginal health and Ms Weymouth said her recent TAFE NSW qualification enabled her to progress from an Aboriginal Health Worker to an Aboriginal Health Practitioner, allowing her to support patients clinically, as well as socially and emotionally.

“Aboriginal families are different: your family isn’t just who’s under your roof, it’s the whole Aboriginal community,” she said.

‘There are so many health issues prevalent in the Aboriginal community and I’m passionate about raising awareness.”

She’s both passionate and practical, running the successful Aunty Jean’s program in Leeton, which offers a meeting place and a range of services for Aboriginal people with chronic health conditions.

“I wouldn’t have the confidence or hands-on skills to have done any of this without TAFE NSW,” Ms Weymouth said.

“My teacher gave me incredible support in a culturally appropriate manner.”

Ms Weymouth will now progress to the NSW Training Awards at Sydney Town Hall on 24 September.

TAFE NSW teacher Julie-Anne Gleeson paid tribute to Ms Weymouth’s commitment to progressing her career through education and training.

“Jenna is a wonderful example of how someone can get the real-world skills and experience through TAFE NSW to take their career to the next level,” Ms Gleeson said.

Semester two courses are now open at TAFE NSW Leeton. For more information, call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au

Media contact: Daniel Johns, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, (02) 6938 1441, mobile 0477 722 428