Qualification
Certificate IV in Community Services

Trained by
TAFE NSW

Employed by
Weigelli Centre Aboriginal Corporation

Region
Western NSW Region

Rebecca Hambrook believes in the importance of recovery and lived-experience support for First Nations and rural communities. Her career journey has been heavily influenced by her personal experiences, and she’s used VET to support others on their own pathways to success. In choosing to undertake a Certificate IV in Community Services, Rebecca took a crucial step in her personal and professional life; becoming a support worker. Having overcome addiction, incarceration, and trauma, Rebecca chose the community services industry to use experiences to help others facing similar challenges.
The flexibility of online learning allowed her to balance her studies while rebuilding her life. Midway through her course, she secured a role as a support worker at a residential rehabilitation centre, where she was able to apply her knowledge of mental health, trauma, and community services daily.
Now pursuing a Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Rebecca has her sights set on case work or outreach roles. Her commitment to education and helping others has meant that Rebecca has found her calling and is thriving.

Qualification
Certificate IV in Community Services

Trained by
Sureway Skills Training

Employed by
Sureway Employment and Training

Region
Illawarra & South East NSW Region

Indy-Rai Herrett’s expertise in employment consultancy and her qualification in community services is the winning combination that’s made a difference in so many lives. In studying community services, Indy-Rai was able to gain deeper insights to systemic barriers and devise new ways to support individuals to overcome them. To date, she has successfully assisted over 300 clients into sustained employment. Inspired by her studies, Indy-Rai is pursuing a career in social work; she is determined to advocate for those who feel unheard and empower people to rebuild their lives. Through effective communication and strategic collaboration with community organisations, Indy-Rai is forging new pathways for meaningful employment. Most importantly, she is committed to ensuring everyone she works with is treated with dignity and provided access to the support and education they need to thrive.

Qualification
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Trained by
METS Training Services

Employed by
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre — Blackheath Out of School Hours

Region
Western Sydney & Blue Mountains Region

Andrew Hudson is a passionate early childhood and education leader whose journey into the sector began unexpectedly. After 13 years as a chef, which included a stint running his own restaurant, Andrew’s career shifted when COVID-19 forced his business to close. In May 2021, he took on a chef role at a childcare centre but quickly found his true passion for working with children and supporting the families at the centre.
Since finding his calling, Andrew has earned his Certificate III, enrolled in a Diploma, and progressed from room leader to Coordinator of an Out of School Hours service. As father of three, Andrew uses his own parenting experience and his training to provide the best care to the children he works with, and to help their families along the way. He’s known for his approachability, leadership skills, hands-on teamwork, and commitment to open communication. It’s Andrew’s commitment to create real change in his community, and his belief that the most vital aspect of care is a strong bond between child and educator, that makes him an outstanding representative for the sector.

Vocational Student of the Year