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Gunbalanya graduates shine in NT study awards

14 February 2014

Kirsty Garnarrdj (left) and Arijay Camp (right). Kirsty is winner of the inaugural Karmi Sceney Indigenous Excellence and Leadership Award, while Arijay Camp won the Northern Territory School Based Apprentice of the Year Award.  Kirsty Garnarrdj (left) and Arijay Camp (right). Kirsty is winner of the inaugural Karmi Sceney Indigenous Excellence and Leadership Award, while Arijay Camp won the Northern Territory School Based Apprentice of the Year Award. 

TWO graduates from West Arnhem College Gunbalanya School will be honoured in a special ceremony at Parliament House in Darwin this Friday, after taking out top training awards in the Northern Territory.  

Kirsty Garrnadj and Arijay Camp will travel to the Northern Territory Board of Studies Awards evening in Parliament House on Friday 14 February, with assistance from the West Arnhem Regional Council, who will fly the students from Gunbalanya to Jabiru.

Arijay Camp won the NT School Based Apprentice of the Year Award. Arijay completed his school based apprenticeship at Gunbalanya Meat Works under the guidance of Training Supervisor Shane Townsend. Arijay was diligent in his school studies and training towards becoming a qualified butcher in the community. 

Kirsty Garnarrdj won the inaugural Karmi Sceney Indigenous Excellence and Leadership Award. Kirsty has worked hard in all areas of leadership within the school and with her peers. Kirsty aspires to do the best she can in all areas of her senior years at school. She is a good role model for young women in the community.

Kirsty’s father Andy Garnarradj, a Cultural Liaison Officer with the West Arnhem Regional Council, said he was proud of both the students.

“Both former students have been recognised through the Department of Education for their excellence at Year 12 level for 2013,” Mr Garnarradj said. “It is the first time Gunbalanya School had been represented at the awards and we are very proud of our students.”

Gunbalanya School Principals Esther Djayhgurrnga and Sue Trimble said Gunbalanya School, parents and students were very proud of the outstanding achievements of Kirsty and Arijay.

“Arjya achieved his award through the partnership with the ILC – Meatworks at Gunbalanya. He has been a diligent worker and all are very impressed with his skills. Industry partners are highly valued in developing student pathways and this is the result is what can be achieved.

“Kirsty has one of the first ladies to graduate from Gunbalanya. She has outstanding leadership qualities and will shortly commence a traineeship with ERA.

“If students come to school at Gunbalanya we can achieve outstanding results.”