Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year

Sponsored by East Arnhem Shire Council.

Winner: Yupunu Fiona Marika - Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management

Employer: Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation
Registered training provider: Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.

Yupunu Fiona Marika is one of three senior rangers and leads a team of men and women in land and sea-based management activities.

Undertaking her Certificate II Conservation and Land Management studies increased her knowledge of plants and animals and developed her literacy and numeracy skills, boosting her confidence and self-esteem. It has also developed her leadership skills and emphasised her authority in her senior ranger role.

Yupunu also works to deliver the Learning on Country program at Yirrkala school, successfully engaging students in learnings and improving school attendance. Yupunu says her studies have helped her meet her cultural obligations to pass on skills and knowledge to the next generation.

Runner up: Dawn Ivinson - Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention

Employer: Department of Children and Families
Registered training provider: BCA National Training Group