TAFE Digital student, Stephanie Morris from Surfside, was recognised for her achievements at the 2019 TAFE NSW Gili Awards in Sydney last week.
Attended by The Hon. Dr Geoffrey Lee, Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, the 2019 TAFE NSW Gili (pronounced kill-ee) Awards celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal students, as well as the accomplishments of TAFE NSW employees and innovative programs that have empowered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout 2018.
Ms Morris who was awarded an Achievement Award said, “I have completed three certificates with TAFE Digital, the most recent one being a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting – Radiography. These qualifications have helped me gain employment at the Katungul Aboriginal Medical Service Centre, where I’m able to educate and improve the oral health of my local community, friends and family.”
TAFE Digital General Manager, Megan Aitken, congratulated the winners for their hard work, dedication and commitment to transforming their lives and communities through vocational education and training.
“Last night’s celebration marked the 29th year that the TAFE NSW Gili Awards have recognised the power of vocational education and training, and the life changing pathways to employment or further study for Aboriginal communities.
“Gili is an Eora word meaning ‘to shine’ and is fitting for Ms Morris whose achievements we are extremely proud to acknowledge.
“Ms Morris has demonstrated remarkable talent, ambition and determination through her studies with TAFE Digital and her commitment to her local community,” said Ms Aitken.
Fifteen awards were presented in 12 categories at the event. The full list of award winners are:
Award Category
Winner
TAFE NSW study and home location
The Gili Award
Ashleigh Knight
TAFE NSW Dubbo
Encouragement Award
Chenoa Endacott
TAFE NSW Mudgee
Kalem McLean
TAFE NSW Eora
Achievement Award
Stephanie Morris
TAFE Digital / Surfside
Juanella McKenzie
TAFE NSW Campbelltown
Jeffery Amatto
Award for Academic Excellence
Norma Binge
TAFE Digital/ Buderim QLD
Apprentice of the Year Award
Steven Green
TAFE NSW Grafton
TVET Award (Schools)
Kirsten Fitzpatrick
TAFE NSW Bathurst
Non-Aboriginal Staff Award
Bridget Thomas
Aboriginal Staff Award
Natalie Wilcock & Rebecca Murphy
TAFE Digital
Bruce Kendall Award
Elsie Gordon
Industry Partnership Award
NECA emPOWER Aboriginal Apprentice Readiness Program
Youth Engagement Award
Community Engagement Award
Wiradjuri Language
TAFE NSW Tumut
Media contact: Bonny Gunn, TAFE Digital Media Business Partner. M: 0417 134 048