Former Griffith resident Kate Williams has recieved a prestigious award recognising her strong determination, talent and ambition
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She was honoured with the Achievement Award at the 2018 TAFE NSW Gili Awards, hosted by His Excellency General the Honorable David Hurley at Government House.
The Gili (pronounced Kili) Awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of Aboriginal students and employees who have contributed to Aboriginal communities throughout 2017.
Ms Williams said the phone call to notify of the award was an unexpected shock.
“I was excited, I had no words and I had a huge smile on my face,” she said.
Ms Williams says she hopes other young people from Griffith have the courage to chase their dreams.
“It's not too hard to reach out and grab what you want from life.”
Ms Williams, who moved to Nowra from Griffith to study, is enrolled in a Certificate IV in Community Services.
“I work for an organisation called Connecting Families where I mentor Aboriginal children, be a friend to them and offer respite,” Ms Williams said.
“I remember one 12-year-old who had been in foster care since he was a baby. He once told me he hated being in care and just wanted to be a part of a family.
“I knew then I wanted to work in this industry. I’m planning to go on and do a TAFE NSW Diploma and then my aim is to help Aboriginal communities with drug and alcohol issues.”
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TAFE NSW Regional General Manager Kerry Penton congratulated Ms Williams for her hard work, dedication and commitment to transforming her life through quality vocational education and training.
“Gili is an Eora word that means ‘to shine’ and I am proud and humbled to be in a position to acknowledge the achievements of Kate,” Ms Penton said.
“The Gili Awards demonstrate the power of vocational education and training and the life-changing pathways to sustainable employment or further study for Aboriginal people.
“Kate has demonstrated strong determination, talent and ambition while being supported by community, industry and dedicated TAFE NSW employees to achieve their goals,” Ms Penton said.
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