Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

2025 Finalists

This award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who is undertaking an apprenticeship, traineeship, or a course of study leading to a nationally recognised qualification. The award recognises the student who has been outstanding in all aspects of their training.

Meet the finalists in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category for the 2025 South Australian Training Awards – what a talented group of individuals!

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BHP

Callan McKenzie

Certificate III in Plumbing and Gas
Training Provider: TAFE SA
Employer: Trainee and Apprenticeship Placement Service Inc
Host Employer: Connekt Contracting Pty Ltd

With a strong interest in practical, hands-on work and a desire to build a stable and rewarding career, Callan was inspired by the success and satisfaction of tradespeople in his community, especially his brother who had completed his boilermaker apprenticeship. This encouraged Callan to pursue an apprenticeship in the plumbing trade and gain hands-on experience and technical expertise.

Along the way, he has taken pride in inspiring friends and family members to begin apprenticeships too, and in encouraging younger people in the community to consider the trades.

Callan has been heavily involved with Trainee and Apprenticeship Placement Service Inc (TAPS) and Connekt Plumbing, working on their Reconciliation Action Plan. He has also been involved in the Cultural Leadership Program with TAPS, designed to bring First Nations apprentices together in a well-supported community.

Callan has built great productive relationships with other apprentices in the program, sharing guidance and advice when needed.

Dimity Groth-Ross

Certificate III in Carpentry
Training Provider: TAFE SA
Employer: Stairlock

Dimity’s love for working with timber was inspired at high school by her tech teacher. His kindness, patience, and encouragement to be creative laid the foundation for Dimity’s career path.

During high school, Dimity lived independently, working to support herself. Balancing adult responsibilities left little time to pursue her dreams. It took years of hard work, challenges, and support before she could begin a Certificate III in Carpentry apprenticeship, but she always knew woodworking was what she wanted to do.

At Stairlock, Dimity has explored various roles, including transitioning to the Install Team, which was a fortunate move. The trust and support from management has been invaluable, and the mentorship of her boss and the team has been instrumental in shaping her into the carpenter she is today.

Kiri Allen

Certificate II in Aeroskills (Mechanical)
Training Provider: Flight One School of Engineering
Employer: Boeing Defence Australia

Passionate about aviation from a young age, Kiri has navigated her own path to get where she is today, never losing sight of her dream of working in the aviation industry. She is proud to be part of Boeing Defence Australia, helping service aircraft that protect Australia.

Kiri’s achievements include a Certificate II in Aeroskills traineeship, attainment of units from a Certificate IV qualification, and safety- and aircraft-specific certification on base – a solid foundation for working in aircraft maintenance.

Working collaboratively has been especially rewarding for Kiri, as team members complement each other’s strengths and overcome challenges together.

Not having a mentor to guide her into this field has fuelled Kiri’s desire to be a source of inspiration for others, especially aspiring Indigenous pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians seeking an aviation pathway.

Kiri’s next step is to undertake an apprenticeship, moving her closer to becoming a leader in aviation maintenance.

Nyre Coffee

Certificate III in Business
Training Provider: Australian College of Commerce & Management
Employer: Maxima
Host Employer: ANZ Gawler

Nyre, a proud young Aboriginal woman, recently achieved a Certificate III in Business through a school-based traineeship, working at ANZ Gawler and gaining experience and building confidence.

She chose this pathway to challenge herself and create options for the future. The traineeship helped her grow in many ways, from learning how to work in a team to supporting older customers who struggle with technology. Supported by her manager, Nyre has also learned how to be calm and professional when faced with racism and ageism.

Involved in her community as captain of her ice-hockey team (having represented Australia too) and as a member of the school student council, Nyre also contributes to the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy, Aboriginal Power Cup, and Kaurna Indigenous Hockey Team.

Throughout life’s challenges, Nyre has stayed focused because she wants to make a difference – for herself, her family, and her community.

Go back to all finalists

2025 finalists