A local Woy Woy woman has been singled out from her student peers across New South Wales, taking top honours across three categories in the latest TAFE NSW Gili Awards and the TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards.

A proud Aboriginal woman from Darkinjung Country, Isabel Purser (20), took two awards home at this year’s TAFE NSW Gili Awards, winning Trainee of the Year and Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year. She also received a third award at the 2024 TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards, again winning Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year

Isabel attained a Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting this year through her placement in the  NSW Government Infrastructure Traineeship Program. The two-year traineeship provides work-based employment and training with government, business and consultancies associated with the infrastructure sector along with a universal certificate IV qualification through TAFE NSW.
"Being nominated was in itself such an immense honour, but to be recognised in three categories in both Awards was truly beyond my expectations," said Isabel.

Reflecting on her achievements, Michael Farragher, TAFE NSW Supply Chain and Logistics teacher, praised her exceptional initiative and diligence. "Isabel is an outstanding student who is committed to mastering her vocational education and proactively sought opportunities to apply her knowledge in real-world scenarios.

“TAFE NSW is proud to equip students with practical skills and work experience so they’re ready to make a contribution in their chosen field, as Isabel has already demonstrated in her new role,” he said.

“It’s very gratifying to watch students like Isabel grow and transform their lives through education.”
The latest State Budget allocates nearly $120 billion for large infrastructure projects including housing, new and upgraded schools, hospitals, clean energy and transport projects across NSW until 2028, which will increase the already significant demand for skilled procurement employees.  Procurement is a key driver of ensuring infrastructure projects are delivered on time and on budget, managing risk and increasingly in supporting sustainability goals.  

Isabel is currently employed with the NSW Department of Education through its Cadetship program. She is committed to leveraging her skills to promote diversity and make a positive impact within her community. "I chose procurement because I'd always been really interested in finding out what happened in the pre-construction phase. Since completing my studies, I’ve come to appreciate how important this role is to not just the delivery of the project but also to the positive impact procurement can have on local communities," Isabel said.

“I really credit my teacher Michael’s engaging skills to teach the theory and then bring it to life with examples from his own industry experience.  He also demonstrated effective problem-solving skills that enhanced my learning, which I have been able to apply in my new role,” she said.
Isabel is furthering her studies with a Diploma in Procurement and says she would encourage other young people, especially young Aboriginal women, to consider a career in procurement and contracting.  

“Honestly, just apply for a role in the industry, even if you don't get it, it's still great to put yourself out there. You can excel in this industry, there’s so many opportunities,” she said.
The Gili Awards are named for the Eora word meaning 'to shine’ and acknowledge outstanding achievements of TAFE NSW’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, employees, and community partners.

TAFE NSW Student Excellence Awards recognise students those who achieve outstanding academic results, who provide significant contribution to their professions, and who exhibit exceptional personal qualities.

Media contact: Melanie Pope, Communication Specialist, melanie.pope@tafensw.edu.au, 0400 074 007.