MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:40:54): I rise to share several inspiring achievements of residents of Western Victoria. Last Friday I presented the Victorian Training Awards to some fantastic individuals. Outstanding amongst those is Tanya McDonald. Tanya’s award of Koorie Student of the Year recognises a student who demonstrates the relevance of lifelong learning for themselves and their community. The impetus for Tanya’s enrolment, at 38, in a diploma of community services at South West TAFE, complemented by a graduate certificate in family therapy, was her very personal experience of family violence. Acknowledging the importance of support from community services and individuals, she is determined to model the benefits of education, no matter what age it begins. Tanya is pursuing her passion for Aboriginal advocacy, especially in addressing the health needs of local Aboriginal people and communities. In her words, the diploma of community services has completely changed her life.
Category: Parliament
