Narrandera High School student Tahlia Gilbert has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education in NSW public schools at the 19th annual Nanga Mai Awards.

Tahlia’s award was the outstanding all-rounder student of the year in NSW’s secondary education.

This award is presented to an Aboriginal student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and excellence across a range of activities, including attendance, leadership, academic commitment and progress, community service, cultural commitments and a positive attitude to school.

Tahlia was delighted to accept the award.

“I felt so happy and proud for my community and my family,” Tahlia said.

“All of the hard work, stress and dedication towards my learning and my culture finally paid off.

“My one thought was my parents and hoping they knew how much love I have for them and pride with having them by my side through everything.

“With multiple awards through this last year of schooling, this award was truly the icing on top of the cake.”

Tahlia is one of 14 students with outstanding results in diverse areas, as confident public speakers, talented performing artists and high achieving sportspeople, to win an award this year.

She joined 11 dedicated teachers, Aboriginal community leaders and identified schools recognised at the awards ceremony in Parramatta on Monday, November 25.

Tahlia was impressed with the awards ceremony in Sydney. “The ceremony was wonderful,” she said.

“I felt very inspired by hearing about the other award winners and their achievements, while also listening to the guest speaker.

“The performances were amazing and had such passionate, beautiful dancing.

“It was amazing to see the other side of education and fully understand how the education for Aboriginal and Torres Islander students is improving immensely and to see that the younger generation are in such great hands.”

A proud Wiradjuri woman, Tahlia has distinguished herself as an exemplary ambassador for NSW Public Education.

At Narrandera High School, she became the first female Indigenous school captain, serving as a visible role model for her peers.

Tahlia has demonstrated strong leadership, supporting Elders at NAIDOC celebrations and Elders’ luncheons, and confidently delivering Acknowledgements of Country in Wiradjuri language at both school and community events.

Her leadership was recognised this year when she earned second place in the Zonta Indigenous Leadership Awards.

In her application, Tahlia reflected on her connection to culture, writing: “When I speak in language, the first thing that goes through my head is making my father and my culture proud, and when I stand up and speak, I am inspiring the younger generation as well.”

Tahlia has showcased her talents through dance, performing at the Schools’ Spectacular and serving as a leader of the Riverina Barradambang Dancers, who will perform at the 2024 State Dance Festival.

In 2024, Tahlia was named the Riverina Indigenous VET Student of the Year, a recognition of her commitment to completing a School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) in Certificate III Human Services with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

She works at Narrandera Hospital as part of her HSC studies and aspires to pursue a nursing degree at university.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said NSW public schools worked to enhance and elevate Aboriginal culture and identity through education.

“Today we celebrate educational excellence in our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners, leaders and educators,” Ms Car said.

“I want to send a big congratulations to all the hardworking students, teachers, school and community leaders being honoured at the Nanga Mai Awards.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said the quality of the nominations for the 2024 awards had been outstanding.

“Congratulations to all our award winners. These awards recognise students, staff and community members who demonstrate excellence across all areas of Aboriginal education, from academic achievement, performing arts and public speaking, through to sport and leadership,” he said.

“Improving outcomes for Aboriginal students is crucial to building the equitable and outstanding public education system we strive for under the Plan for NSW Public education.

“Key to that is providing culturally responsive educational opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and colleagues to enable them to thrive.” 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 28 November 2024.