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    Recognising excellence in Aboriginal Education

    Selected from across the state, the TAFE NSW 2025 Gili Awards recipients highlight and celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as well as the innovative programs and dedicated TAFE NSW staff who empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities every day.

    Congratulations to the 2025 Gili Award winners

    Three people standing together, with the person in the middle holding a framed certificate and a glass award. The individuals on either side are in formal attire with name tags, and floral arrangements are visible in the background.

    Blaze Taylor

    CPALES Student of the Year
    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

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    Six people standing in a row in formal attire. One person on the left holds a certificate or award, and another on the right holds a glass trophy. The background features a plain white wall with floral decorations at the bottom.

    Sharon Taylor, Precise Air Aboriginal Pathways (PAAP)

    Industry Partnership Award

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    Three people standing together, with the person in the middle holding a framed certificate.

    Terrie Lowe

    Bruce Kendall Award for Recognition of Service to TAFE NSW

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    2025 Gili Award Winners

    A person in a light-colored suit holding a certificate and an award in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Lachlan Peachey.”

    Lachlan Peachey

    Wiradjuri

    Agribusiness Student of the Year
    Certificate III in Arboriculture

    A person holding a transparent award and a certificate in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – TAFE NSW – Malachi Matoe.”

    Malachi Matoe

    Worimi

    Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of the Year
    Certificate II in Maritime Operations

    Person holding an award and a certificate in front of a backdrop with multiple TAFE NSW logos.

    Blaze Taylor

    Wailwan

    TAFE NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
    IPROWD

    A person holding an award and a certificate in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Tori Kingston.”

    Tori Kingston

    Wurundjeri Woiwurrung

    Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year
    Aunty Fay Program (Certificate III in Health Assistance)

    A person holding a framed certificate and a glass award in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Outstanding Young and Emerging Talent – Shaun Myers – TAFE NSW.”

    Shaun Myers

    Gadigal

    Infrastructure, Energy and Construction Student of the Year
    Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

    A person holding an award and a certificate in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Technology and Business Services – Student of the Year – Mandy Cutmore.”

    Mandy Cutmore

    Anaiwan

    Technology and Business Services Student of the Year
    Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through TAFE Digital

    A person holding an award and a certificate in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Excellence in Vocational Education and Training – James Barry – TAFE NSW.

    James Barry

    Ngarigo

    Tourism and Experience Services Student of the Year
    Certificate III in Guiding

    Four individuals standing in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. One holds a framed certificate reading “2025 Gili Awards – Precise Air Aboriginal Pathways,” and another holds a glass award.

    Precise Air Aboriginal Pathways

    Industry Partnership Award

    Three individuals standing in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. One holds a framed certificate reading “2025 Gili Awards Cowra Hospitality Program,” and another holds a clear glass award.

    Cowra Hospitality Program

    Community Partnership Award

    A person holding an award plaque in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The plaque reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy – Katie Spry.”

    Katie Spry

    Gumbaynggirr

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee of the Year

    Two individuals standing in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. One holds a framed certificate reading “2025 Gili Awards – Paid to Learn Program,” and the other holds a glass award.

    Paid to Learn Program

    Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team of the Year

    A person holding a framed certificate and a glass award in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – Domestic Violence Project.”

    TAFE NSW Domestic Violence Project

    Reconciliation Award

    A person holding a framed certificate and a glass award in front of a TAFE NSW backdrop. The certificate reads: “2025 Gili Awards – This award is presented to Terrie Lowe for outstanding achievement and contribution to TAFE NSW.”

    Aunty Terrie Lowe

    Bundjalung

    Bruce Kendall Award for Recognition of Service to TAFE NSW

    A person holding an award and a certificate at a TAFE NSW Gili Awards. The background features the TAFE NSW logo repeatedly.

    Blaze Taylor

    Wailwan

    Career Pathways, Aboriginal Languages and Employability Skills Student of the Year
    IPROWD

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