The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award recognises the achievement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student who displays a strong understanding and knowledge of the vocational education and training system and demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community.
State or territory training award winners of this category are automatically finalists for the Australian Training Awards and will compete at the national level.
Since growing up in rural New South Wales, Sally Moylan has been passionate about the environment, bush tucker and caring for the land. Looking for a career path that would allow her to work outdoors, Sally enrolled in the Canberra Institute of Technology’s Certificate III in Horticulture (Parks and Gardens). In recognition of her outstanding achievements in her field of study, Sally was named the 2014 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.
"I have a real passion for young people and want to combine and use my experience in the sporting and horticulture areas to pass that on and encourage young people to care for the environment and to lead healthy lifestyles - through physical activity, gaining a trade and growing their own food such as bush tucker," Sally said.
Over the next year, Sally will represent the vocational education and training sector as an ambassador and advocate its benefits.
"I want to be seen as a leader and a good role model in my community and an advocate for young Indigenous people of Australia. And hopefully by sharing my story and achievements, I’ll inspire the youth of Australia to follow their dreams and believe that they too can do what they’ve always wanted to do.
"It’s going to be a full on 12 months, but I’m really looking forward to it. Winning the award was definitely a highlight of my career and a proud moment!"
Sally currently works for the Australian Capital Territory’s Government’s Parks and City Services Division and is continuing her studies with a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management. She has recently taken on a mentoring role in her workplace, assisting apprentices who are commencing their studies.
Outside of her work, Sally plays professional cricket for the Australian Capital Territory women’s team and mentors young women cricketers who are just starting out in their sporting careers. She is considering further study options in the horticulture field and would like to one day be a teacher of sustainable living and bush tucker.