NINE Aboriginal students celebrated on Tuesday after completing two years of their school-based traineeships around the district at their graduation day in Moree.
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Two years ago, the students from Moree, Goondiwindi, Narrabri and Walgett worked with Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES) to secure a traineeship, allowing them to complete their Higher School Certificate and receive on-the-job training and experience.
At the graduation a number of friends, family, AES representatives, business owners and corporate services gathered to watch the students receive their completion certificates.
AES CEO Kristy Masella said it was a “deadly” sight to see and hear young, Aboriginal success stories, and the nine graduating were a part of 110 Aboriginal students graduating around the state.
“I can relate as I grew up in a country town and unfortunately there is negative talk about young people but these nine students are proof that youth are committed to giving back to their community,” she said.
Ms Masella said it was the positive stories and times of hardship, and struggle shared between the graduates that inspired her.
“These Aboriginal students could very well be the first in their family to complete a traineeship, enter a career or even finish high school but once they achieve those goals it inspires other Aboriginal people around them to do the same,” she said.
Ms Masella said investing in the community’s Aboriginal youth was investing in the future.
“Ever heard of the Koori grapevine? Well it’s real… When Aboriginal people see other Aboriginal people working in a shop, out on the road or within the community they are more likely to use those services, buy those products and attend those events,” she said.
Trainee with CSIRO in Narrabri, Rachel Tompkins, decided to do her traineeship in the agricultural industry as she developed a love for the land.
“As a result CSIRO offered to sponsor me through an indigenous cadetship studying a double degree in ag science and business at university,” she said.
The nine graduates ended the two years on a high, all agreeing they received something from the experience.
AES representative Natalie Tighe said each graduate should hold their head high.
“You all have gained strong characteristics and are valued members of your community,” she said.
The graduates included: Dakoda McGrady, Centrelink Goondiwindi; Tyler Gander-Lawton, ANZ Bank Moree; Carla Milgate (Moree), Jemma Boyd (Narrabri) and Deborah Walford (Walgett), Commonwealth Bank; Jayson Fing and Robert Wade, Graincorp Moree and Rachel Tompkins and Robert Condran, CSIRO Narrabri.
