GANBINA is an Aboriginal word that means ‘rise up’, a testament to the many young people who have adapted to changing circumstances and achieved success despite this year’s difficulties.
In honour of these young people, a number of families across Greater Shepparton gathered around their screens on Friday, November 13 to virtually attend the 2020 Ganbina Youth Achievement Awards. The Ganbina Youth Achievement Awards acknowledge the achievements and efforts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in education, training and employment.
“The unprecedented events of this year, with its challenges and multiple disruptions to everyday life provided even more reason to celebrate the success and achievements of our young people,” Ganbina general manager, Larissa Falla, said.
“We are incredibly proud of the strength and resilience we have seen this year in our participants and other young people within community. They have stepped up and in in true Ganbina fashion, risen to the occasion.”
A special message from Suzanna Sheed MP acknowledged the hard work of all the award winners and gave special mention to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth graduating year 12 in in 2020.
This year, Greater Shepparton Secondary College student Rae-Nee Roberts, along with other winners in multiple categories, was recognised for her achievements in schooling, employment, leadership and volunteering. With an exemplary academic record, Rae-Nee’s teachers stated her positive approach to her studies positions her as a role model within the school and community.
In addition to her studies in 2019, Rae-Nee attended the Alpine School of Leadership and is a current participant in the three-year Ganbina Youth Leadership Program. Rae-Nee is an active member of Junior School Council, participates in the local Army Cadets and works part-time at McDonalds. Rae-Nee’s aspiration for the future is to become a nurse.
“I encourage all of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to strive for the best and give everything a go, as daunting as the experience may be, I believe that if you don’t give it a go, you will never know,” Rae-Nee said.
“Stepping outside of your comfort zone and experiencing new things is key for success and being able to evolve.”
