Two from North Coast Institute receive state-wide honours in 2005 TAFE NSW Gili Awards
Friday 8th of July
A Bonnie Hills Aboriginal student studying at Port Macquarie Campus and a Kempsey-born Aboriginal staff member working at the Institute Office in Port Macquarie each received awards last night in the TAFE NSW Gili Awards for 2005. Kerry Salt, a part-time student in the Certificate IV in Community Services (Welfare), received an Achievement Award, and Jo-Anne Kelly, the Manager of the North Coast Institute’s Aboriginal Education Unit, received the Staff Award. The awards were presented by the Managing Director of TAFE NSW, Mr Andrew Cappie-Wood, who said that the Gili (pronounced “Killie”) Awards celebrated and recognised the achievements of Aboriginal TAFE students and staff who have contributed much to their communities through education and training.
Kerry Salt was recognised for her very high standard in academic achievements, excellence in leadership and providing strong support for her fellow students. She was also honoured for her commitment to the Aboriginal community, including her active membership of the Biripai Aboriginal Land Council, her 5 years voluntary work with Lifeline and her training activities around suicide prevention.
Jo-Anne Kelly started as an Aboriginal Education Assistant at Kinchela Public School in 1991 and after her appointment as Aboriginal Development Manager at the North Coast Institute in 1996, she played a major role in strategically guiding the Aboriginal Education Unit to a strong and successful operation. She is known for her excellent rapport with staff, students and Aboriginal communities throughout the North Coast.
North Coast Institute Director, Neil Black said, “I am delighted to see that the work of both these valuable members of our community has been rewarded in this way. We are proud of our positive relationships with the Aboriginal community on the North Coast, and these awards are richly deserved.” In 2004, Aboriginal students made up 6.7% of the enrolments in North Coast Institute courses, which was the one of the highest participation rates in the state, and nearly double the percentage of Aboriginal people (3.5% in 2003) in the North Coast population.
Contact Numbers for interviews:
Kerry Salt 0422 377 207
Jo-Anne Kelly 0409 122 933
