MEDIA STATEMENT: Queensland small employer wins big at national training awards

Queensland small employer wins big at national training awards

• A life-changing First Nations employer from Far North Queensland has claimed gold at the 2024 Australian Training Awards in Canberra.
• Yarrabah-based Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation has been recognised as the 2024 Small Employer of the Year.
• Since 1994, the Australian Training Awards have recognised and celebrated outstanding achievements in the vocational education and training (VET) sector across all Australian states and territories.

With a unique training model blending traditional knowledge with western science, Yarrabah-based charity and not-for-profit organisation Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation has been recognised with the 2024 Small Employer of the Year Award.

Partnering with TAFE Queensland and other service providers, the First Nations corporation delivers a range of nationally-recognised and non-accredited training - including a standout Indigenous ranger traineeship program, to better protect land and sea country.

Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation Executive Officer Helen Tait said she was thrilled to see the organisation’s dedication and hard work recognised at the national level.

“The training awards have been a very positive and enriching experience for our team,” Helen said.

“We are grateful for the recognition and all the support we have received from our partners in delivering our training outcomes and empowering our ranger team to make a positive impact on our community and country.”

The national awards ceremony follows the Queensland Training Awards, held in September where 14 winners - from Weipa to Currumbin - were recognised at the State Final in Brisbane. Ten of those recipients went on to represent Queensland at the Australian Training Awards.

TAFE Queensland teacher Miriam Davies also represented Queensland in the Excellence in Language, Literacy and Numeracy Practice category – a direct-entry category at the 2024 Australian Training Awards. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates congratulated all finalists for their passion, tenacity and talent.

“Seeing such strong representation from Team Queensland at this year’s Australian Training Awards shows the diversity and strength of our vocational education and training sector,” Minister Bates said.

“From arboriculture and business, to health and hospitality, we’re growing an outstanding skilled workforce to deliver essential services, benefit local industry, and grow our economy.

“All our finalists can be proud of their inspiring journey to the Australian Training Awards.

“I congratulate Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Peoples Prescribed Body Corporate Aboriginal Corporation on their win – recognised as a small employer empowering local people and changing lives through training and employment in the Far North.

“Becoming a Queensland Training Awards or Australian Training Awards finalist can open doors to amazing employment, business, and networking opportunities.  

“You may even end up being recognised at the very highest level – raising your profile, while inspiring others to work hard and overcome obstacles in their own life.”

To learn more about the Queensland Training Awards and to be notified of nominations opening, please visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/qta

For video and images of Queensland winners from the 2024 Australian Training Awards, please visit the Dropbox.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Armsden 0417 518 532