Sixteen TAFE NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, teachers and partnerships were recognised at the annual TAFE NSW Gili Awards, last night.

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. 

Gili, an Eora word meaning ‘to shine’, embodies the premise of the awards with its recipients a shining example of excellence in Aboriginal education and training.

TAFE NSW Team Leader Aboriginal Education and Training Unit, Merv Donovan, congratulated the winners for their hard work, dedication and commitment to transforming their lives and the lives of others through vocational education and training outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“The 2019 TAFE NSW Gili Awards celebrates the power of vocational education and training, and the life changing pathways to employment or further study for Aboriginal people.

“I am extremely humbled to be able to acknowledge the remarkable talent, ambition and determination presented by each of the recipients at last night’s awards.” said Mr Donovan.

Ashleigh Knight, received the prestigious Gili Award for her outstanding contributions in supporting Aboriginal participation and achievement at TAFE NSW.

NECA emPOWER Aboriginal Apprentice Readiness Program received the Industry Partnership Award and Youth Engagement Award, while Wiradjuri Language accepted the Community Engagement Award for their exceptional commitment to the community.

A number of TAFE NSW staff including Elsie Gordon, Natalie Wilcock, Rebecca Murphy and Bridget Thomas were also recognised for their commitment and dedication to the vocational education and training outcomes of Aboriginal students.

The 15 awards were presented in 12 categories at the event. The full list of award winners are:

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, mobile 0412 478 415.