Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Sponsored by
BUSY At Work
Supporting Skills Growth for Business and Apprentices
For almost 50 years, BUSY At Work has been helping businesses build skilled workforces and supporting Australians to start and succeed in their careers.
As one of Australia's leading Australian Apprenticeship Support Services providers, BUSY At Work works alongside employers and apprentices to make the apprenticeship journey simpler, more successful and more rewarding for everyone involved.
From sign-up through to completion, BUSY At Work provides practical, local support tailored to the needs of both businesses and apprentices. This includes managing apprenticeship administration, providing advice on available government incentives, helping navigate requirements and delivering ongoing mentoring and support throughout the apprenticeship.
For employers, this means less time spent on paperwork, access to expert guidance and greater confidence in retaining and developing skilled staff. For apprentices, it means having a dedicated support network to help them stay on track, overcome challenges and successfully complete their qualification.
In NSW, where many industries continue to face skills shortages, apprenticeships remain an important way for businesses to grow their own talent, strengthen their workforce and support the next generation of skilled workers.
As part of The BUSY Group, a trusted not-for-profit organisation delivering education, skills and employment services across four countries, BUSY At Work remains committed to strengthening Australia's workforce by helping more people gain skills, secure meaningful employment and contribute to thriving local communities.
Whether you're looking to take on an apprentice or begin your own apprenticeship journey, BUSY At Work is here to help every step of the way.
For more information, visit busyatwork.com.au, email busy@busyatwork.com.au or call 13 28 79.
Joanne Campbell
Qualification
Certificate IV in Housing
Training Provider
CHIA NSW
Employer
Homes North Community Housing
Region
New England
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Joanne Campbell combined her Certificate IV in Housing with frontline work through a cadetship with CHIA NSW and Homes North Community Housing. A proud Aboriginal woman born and raised in Guyra, Joanne has deep connections to her community, Country, family and kinship.
Motivated by personal hardships, including losing everything in a house fire, Joanne is passionate about supporting others facing housing challenges. As a caseworker on the Tingha Pathways Project, she provides guidance and access to safe, affordable housing, drawing on her lived experience, empathy, and strong community connections. Joanne prioritises building trust, respect, and compassion in her work and credits her mentor and colleagues with helping develop her confidence and leadership skills.
Committed to making a positive difference, she inspires her family and community through hope, perseverance, practical knowledge, and compassionate service.
Brodie Gibson
Qualification
Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services
Training Provider
TAFE NSW
Employer
Parkes Shire Council
Region
Western NSW
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Brodie Gibson completed a Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services, to build a rewarding career in local government as a surveyor.
Overcoming significant personal challenges, Brodie transformed his life through dedication to study and work. Initially unsure about his career path, he discovered a passion for maths and surveying, which has helped him achieve key life goals, including purchasing his own home.
As one of only two surveyors covering a large regional area with Parkes Regional Council, Brodie is recognised for his reliability, teamwork and positive approach. A proud Aboriginal man, he is passionate about giving back to his community. He has represented his region at Aboriginal employee forums, contributed to discussions that strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal communities, and visited local schools to encourage and support young Aboriginal students.
Brodie advocates for better industry collaboration, improved technology, and a positive workplace culture. His journey from hardship to accomplishment is an inspiring example for others pursuing traineeships, showing that determination and effort can lead to success.
Ruby Hall
Qualification
Certificate III in Business
Training Provider
Sureway Skills Training
Employer
GTES
Host Employer
Hammond Health
Region
Riverina
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Ruby Hall is a determined young professional from Lake Cargelligo who completed a Certificate III in Business with a focus on the medical field. Leaving school after Year 10, Ruby embraced vocational education as a pathway to build meaningful skills and broaden her career options.
Throughout her training, Ruby developed strong organisational, communication, and time-management skills that helped her thrive in a demanding workplace. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including the loss of a family member and cultural responsibilities, she persevered and successfully completed her qualification on time. In the workplace, Ruby has become a reliable team member who supports colleagues and contributes positively to daily operations.
She proudly shares her VET experience to inspire others, especially those in her Aboriginal community, and remains closely connected to her culture through active participation in NAIDOC events. Ruby’s journey exemplifies resilience, professionalism, and the power of vocational pathways.