IAHA MEDIA RELEASE – Aboriginal future health leaders recognised in NT Training Awards
20 September 2021
One current and one graduate trainee of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Academy have been recognised at the 2021 Northern Territory Training Awards gala, held on Larrakia Country on Saturday 18 September 2021.
Elyssia Tallon Rosas, current NT Academy student, was awarded School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year and 2020 graduate, Lorraine Randall, took home the award for Trainee of the Year. The NT Training awards recognise excellence and achievements in gaining the highest standards of knowledge and skills, in contributing to high standards of training, and for personal achievement in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. These are the second awards each trainee has received, with Elyssia receiving the Local Champion Award and Lorraine receiving the Inspiration Award in the IAHA Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Academy awards in 2020.
In accepting the awards, both Elyssia and Lorraine spoke about the critical role of the IAHA NT Aboriginal Health Academy in supporting them to start their journeys into health. Lorraine said: “I’d like to thank Indigenous Allied Health Australia for giving me a chance for a better future and giving me the ongoing support that I’ve kept in my heart. I’d also like to thank my Mum for all her hard work and support that she’s given me, and I’d also like to thank my colleagues, the Speech Pathology team for inspiring me to continue my training to be a Speech Pathologist. This is only the start of my journey and I’m keen to make a difference in Aboriginal Communities being a Speech Pathologist”.
IAHA Director of Workforce Development, Kylie Stothers, congratulated Elyssia and Lorraine saying: “IAHA are very proud of both Elyssia and Lorraine for all that they’ve already achieved, knowing this is the beginning of their story and they will continue to make a big impact. It’s also great recognition of the IAHA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy, showing what our young people can achieve with the right cultural and personal wraparound supports in place”.
IAHA Chief Executive Officer, Donna Murray, agreed saying: “It’s great to see the continued growth of Lorraine and Elyssia. We look forward to supporting their leadership, further education, and transition into the workforce as they continue their journeys in health. Lorraine and Elyssia will have impact in our communities in leading change and empowering local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to consider a health career.”
IAHA congratulate Elyssia and Lorraine on their success and achievements, and the well- deserved recognition through the 2021 NT Training Awards.
Background
The IAHA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy is an innovative, community- led learning model that is about re-shaping and re-designing how training and education is delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in high school embedding the centrality of culture and a holistic approach to health.
The model is designed to work collaboratively across disciplines and organisational structures (health, education and training, employment) to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school student engagement, retention and successful completion of Year 12 with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance. It aims to demonstrate the success of education and training outcomes when social and cultural determinants are considered and partnered with wrap around supports brought together and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and communities.
IAHA have received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health for the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Academy.
For more information, please visit the IAHA website. END MESSAGE
Enquiries:
Kylie Stothers
P: (02) 6285 1010
E: kylie@iaha.com.au
DOWNLOAD MEDIA RELEASE – IAHA Release – IAHA Health Academy Students recognised in NT Training Awards
