2022 SATA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Finalists

Angelina is an Anangu woman who lives and works in the remote desert communities of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands in the far northwest of SA.

“Finding good jobs out here is hard. You need to have good training and education,” Angelina says.

“I work as a Coordinator with the community patrols program, helping to keep our children, young people and communities safe.”

When RASAC offered Angelina work with the community patrols, which included certificate training with TAFE, she knew it was a great opportunity for personal growth and career progression, and could help her make a positive contribution to the community.

Angelina has now completed the Certificate II and Certificate III in Community Services.

“Completing my training has helped me to further my career and become more confident, particularly when I talk with senior Anangu leaders and other service providers.”

Angelina now has responsibility to coordinate the work and training for her Anangu Patrol teams.

She delivers in-house training for Anangu workers and assists with TAFE training by interpreting the training into Pitjantjatjara language and helping community workers to understand and take part in the training.

“I live and work in two worlds. Anangu way, and piranpa (white-fella way). I’m proud that I am developing my skills to find the balance to do both.”

“It’s a real achievement to complete training on the APY lands. I want to show my people, my children and other young people that education is important, and we can do it.”

Currently in her new role as Employee Support Officer, Rebecca processes a range of site-based staff enquiries, mandatory documents, employee entitlements and other administrative functions that support the work of the People Support Unit.

Having successfully completed her 18-month office administration traineeship two months earlier than scheduled, Rebecca was fortunate to transition into a fulltime ongoing role.

Rebecca’s traineeship has enabled her to complete a Certificate III in Business Administration, which has assisted her in building the necessary skills and knowledge to become an effective office team member, enhanced her technical skills in document production and broadened her knowledge in general office procedures and operation systems such as complaint handling, continuous improvement, information, knowledge and learning systems.

“In my younger years I grew up living below the poverty line and my schooling years lasted up until Year 11,” Rebecca says”

“It was important for me to find a job straight away to gain an income to help support my family.”

Rebecca is considering further studies by undertaking a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management to develop her skills in leadership, guidance and providing support to others.

“I also visualise working in the future with disadvantaged Aboriginal children and young people in the public education system to help them achieve growth and success and working alongside Aboriginal families and communities.”

“I believe it is important for each Aboriginal child and young person to feel proud and be a confident learner reaching their highest potential.”

Teagen currently works as a full-time enrolled nurse with SA Health at Port Augusta Hospital.

Since becoming a registered nurse, Teagen has been nominated for the Flinders and Upper North Nurses and Midwives award for the 2022 South Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

TAFE SA has also published an article Teagen’s achievements, detailing how she successfully won her cadetship and her journey towards finishing a Diploma of Nursing.

Teagen aims to one day increase her knowledge by doing a Bachelor of Nursing.

“I have been able to get here because of the enormous support from my family and friends.

“I would also have never been able to achieve this nomination without the amazing support from nursing staff at TAFE SA as well.

“I am grateful for the experiences I have had medically as I have been able to gain my daughter through IVF and it sparked my interest into my nursing career, which I will have for the rest of my life. I love that I can help people every day.”

Denzel is a 20-year-old Mitakoodi man who has completed a Certificate III in Business and is employed by Services Australia.

He spent most of his childhood in Mildura on Latje Latje land and now currently resides in Adelaide on Kaurna land.

“I have enjoyed the process of tackling a new challenge and being outside of my comfort zone,” Denzel says.

“I love having a good time and creating memories with those around me as well as putting my head down to achieve the many goals I have on my list.”

“This traineeship itself as well as moving away from home has been a challenge and an experience that I am thankful for as it has taught me lessons that can’t be taught anywhere else.”

“I have built relationships that will last a lifetime and gained skills that I know will add value to my character and career for years to come.”