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    Recognising excellence in Aboriginal Education

    Selected from across the state, the TAFE NSW 2026 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.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that the following contains names of people who have passed to the Dreaming.

    2026 Gili Award Winners

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    Billy York

    Agri, Transport and Manufacturing Student of the Year
    Accepted on behalf of Billy by Shane Lawrence

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    Christopher Frail

    Ngemba

    Construction and Energy Student of the Year

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    Sonia Lawson

    Barkindji

    Creative, Cultural and Experience Services Student of the Year

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    Sharlene Payn

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year

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    Karliah Green

    Wakka Wakka

    Equity, Foundation Skills, Aboriginal Culture and Languages Student of the Year

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    Martin Morris

    Wiradjuri, Kamil

    Health, Wellbeing and Community Services Student of the Year

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    Support First Nations Apprentices Microskill – Project Team

    Reconciliation Award
    TAFE NSW Domestic Violence Project

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    Daphne Parsons

    Walbunja and Dharwa

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee of the Year

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    Jason Coram

    Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee of the Year

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    Ngulla Murrandah

    Gundungurra

    Bruce Kendall Award for Recognition of Service to TAFE NSW
    Accepted by Ngulla's children Sam, Alex

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    IFARES – TAFE NSW and Fire and Rescue NSW

    Industry Partnership Award

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    Developing Digital Literacy with the local Aboriginal Community

    Community Partnership Award
    TAFE NSW and Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation

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    NSWALC Junior Rangers Program

    Youth Engagement Award
    TAFE NSW and NSW Aboriginal Land Councils

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    Christopher Morgan

    Gamilaraay

    Higher Education Student of the Year

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    Olivia Clark

    Kamilaroi

    Trainee of the Year

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    Karliah Green

    Wakka Wakka

    Young Achiever of the Year

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    Sharlene Payn

    Digital, Business and Finance Student of the Year

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