TAFE NSW Eora student, Christopher Currie has been recognised for his academic achievements and positive work ethic at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards yesterday.

Mr Currie, who completed a Certificate IV in Music Industry (Performance) at TAFE NSW Eora in 2018, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year at the gala awards ceremony at TAFE NSW Ryde.

TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Alison Wood, commended Christopher for his commitment and dedication he has shown to his studies.

“These awards recognise our most passionate, industrious and skillful students, and demonstrates the commitment of TAFE NSW to train the workforce leaders of the future when, where and how it suits them,” Ms Wood said.

“We are confident that the exciting learning opportunities we created for these winners helped them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their career.

“TAFE NSW is proud to equip our students with practical skills and work experience so they’re ready to hit the ground running in their chosen field.

“It’s incredibly rewarding for TAFE NSW teachers to watch students like Christopher grow in the knowledge that the skills and talents they learn with us have the potential to transform their lives,” Ms Wood concluded.

Mr Currie is a proud Bundjalung man from Yamba who has a passion for music and visual arts. Through his talents as a songwriter, Chris brings to the forefront issues of identity in the community and culture as he truly embodies what makes an excellent Aboriginal student to the wider community. When Chris is performing an original piece of music, he is telling the stories of his life and commanding the audience to listen.

“During my time at TAFE NSW, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at a number of TAFE NSW functions, record an original demo, and create the music to accompany the 3D animation which was projected onto the façade of Government House Sydney as part of Vivid Sydney in 2018. I worked closely with Aboriginal artists from TAFE NSW Eora and other musicians and animators from across the TAFE NSW network to achieve a common goal with a deadline.

“I love music so much that I’ve decided to continue my studies at TAFE NSW and am now studying a Diploma of Music Performance at TAFE NSW Ultimo. I love putting pen to paper and writing my own songs. I enjoy being part of the community and working with other TAFE NSW students on their song writing an playing techniques,” Mr Currie concluded.

Media contact: Laura Kelly, Media and Communications Business Partner, laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au, mobile: 0411 777 676