A local student has been nominated for a prestigious award for her commitment and passion for community services.
The Victorian 7NEWS Young Achievers Awards acknowledge and celebrate the positive achievements and success of young people up to the age of 29 across Victoria.
Lancaster resident Abbey Brown, 17, was nominated for the Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award by her trainer at GOTAFE, Jody Tadic.
Abbey said she knew her trainer was nominating her but was surprised the nomination went through.
“I didn’t realise it was this huge deal,” she said.
“I didn’t make it to semis, but even just being nominated was crazy.”
Abbey completed certificates I, II, and III in community services at GOTAFE while simultaneously wrapping up her formal education.
After completing her Year 12 studies at the end of last year, she is working towards a Certificate IV in Community Services, making her one of the youngest people in a course filled with adults.
She said that it was her mum, who works in community services, that inspired her to go down the same path, as well as her battles with mental health.
“I always wanted to be the other person instead of the one being supported,” Abbey said.
“With the mental health that I went through when I was younger, I didn’t have that option — and now I do.
“I want to give that option to others.”
Abbey has her sights set on completing her diploma by next year, and then wants to move into a community services position where she can help people struggling with their mental health.
Mrs Tadic had taught and mentored Abbey for the past three years as she studied community services at GOTAFE and nominated her for the Inspirational TAFE Student Award.
In her application for Abbey, Mrs Tadic described her nomination as “a testament to her remarkable journey of resilience and personal growth”.
“Look, Abby’s just, she’s a phenomenal student, to be quite honest,” Mrs Tadic said.
“She’s had to overcome barriers of mental health as well, so they were quite challenging at times, especially when having to study at the same time.
“But she worked on that, and she’s overcome those barriers — leaps and bounds.”
While she did not become a finalist for the Kangan Institute Inspiration TAFE Award, the nomination is still an exceptional achievement.
On behalf of the Free Press, congratulations, Abbey.