Bendigo TAFE student Angelika Fevaleaki has been named among the state’s finest after being announced as a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Training Awards (VTA) – Koorie Student of the Year.
The VTA nomination comes after she was recognised as Bendigo TAFE’s 2024 Aunty Melva Johnson Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year in February
A proud Mutthi Mutthi woman, Angelika was the first in her family to finish high-school. With dreams of becoming a youth worker Angelika enrolled at university to continue her education journey but felt she needed some life experience first.
Fast forward a few years and the Robinvale resident, revisited her passion with plenty of experiences to draw on including extensive employment, further study and a family of her own.
Angelika enrolled in the Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015) in Mildura which was delivered by Bendigo TAFE and customised for Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
“The course was facilitated through the Bendigo TAFE teacher coming to Mildura, on Latji Latji Land, each month for two to three days,” said Angelika.
“My passion and my drive would have to be my life experiences and my understanding of growing up and seeing my relatives that weren’t given an opportunity or the support to be better and be great.
“My grandparents weren’t given the right to be able to have an education so I think it’s just beyond amazing that I had the opportunity to do so and do it freely.”
While studying, Angelika worked as a family preservation and reunification response practitioner with Mallee District Aboriginal Service and in partnership with MacKillop Family Services, supporting families with strengthening their bond and their relationship.
Today, Angelika continues to make a difference as a project officer for the Department of Justice and Safety’s Local Aboriginal Justice Action Committee, advocating for Aboriginal justice across the Mallee.
“I’m pretty proud of myself and proud of being a person to stand there for all Aboriginal people across the nation," she said.
“It’s always good to be that role model for my children so then they can be something that they want to be.”
Sally Curtain, CEO of Bendigo TAFE praised the achievements of Anjelika.
“Bendigo TAFE is incredibly proud of Angelika and what she has achieved for herself, her family and her community."
“We are privileged to be part of her journey by providing access to skills and training on location."
Results will be announced at the 70th Victorian Training Awards Ceremony on Friday 30 August 2024.
Presented by the Victorian Skills Authority, the ceremony will celebrate the achievements of 40 finalists that have been named across 14 categories, including individual awards, employer awards, training organisation awards and industry collaboration.
