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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

2026 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 2026 South Australian Training Awards – what a talented group of individuals!

Proudly sponsored by

BHP

Elkira Simmons

Certificate III in Business
Training Provider: Australian College of Commerce & Management Pty Ltd
Employer: Maxima Training Group (Aust) Ltd
Elkira Simmons is a proud Wakka Wakka woman who has built a strong foundation for her career through a Certificate III in Business, and a traineeship in recruitment and administration.

Her VET experience has developed practical workplace skills in communication, organisation and customer service, while also building her confidence and professionalism. Transitioning from self-doubt to a permanent role at Maxima, Elkira has demonstrated consistent growth and commitment to excellence.

What sets Elkira apart is her leadership and advocacy. She actively promotes training pathways at community events including NAIDOC Week and school expos, encouraging other First Nations young people to pursue education and employment opportunities.

Through her positive attitude, strong work ethic and pride in her culture, Elkira is not only building her own career, but inspiring others to believe in themselves and take the next step in their training journey.

Lucas Pittaway

Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical)
Training Provider: Aviation Australia Pty Ltd
Employer: Alliance Airlines Pty Ltd

A proud Ramindjeri man, Lucas Pittaway’s journey through vocational education demonstrates determination, adaptability and a love for understanding and mastering complex mechanical systems.

As an apprentice studying Certificate IV in Aeroskills, Lucas is building a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer in a highly technical and demanding industry while working at Alliance Airlines.

Lucas entered VET as a mature-aged learner after a diverse career, which included a lead role in the 2011 feature film Snowtown, and brings strong practical skills and life experience to his training and workplace.

He excels in leadership and his spirit of collaboration has seen him gravitate to student leadership roles. He supports other apprentices, contributes to team problem-solving and embraces continuous learning in a complex environment.

Lucas’s career is now ready to take flight, and he’s looking forward to the varied pathways open to him as an aircraft maintenance engineer.

Lucinda Bilney

Certificate II in Community Services
Training Provider: Bradford Institute of Advanced Education
Employer: GOGO Foundation
Proud Aboriginal woman Lucinda Bilney’s journey through VET reflects resilience, personal transformation and a commitment to community. Completing a Certificate II in Community Services after more than 16 years away from formal study, she balanced training with significant life responsibilities, including becoming the primary carer for her two nephews.

Through training, Lucinda rebuilt her confidence, developed communication and trauma-informed support skills, and reframed her lived experience as a strength. She has since progressed into further study in fitness, with a clear goal to support young people using health and wellbeing as a pathway to resilience.

One of Lucinda’s key strengths is her generosity and commitment to sharing her learning—now volunteering as a lived experience mentor with the GOGO Foundation, supporting others facing similar challenges.

Lucinda’s path through the vocational education sector is a powerful example of how education can transform lives, strengthen families and create meaningful impact across community.

2026 finalists