Victorian Koorie Student of the Year
Linda Bamblett
Reservoir mature age student Linda Bamblett won the 2008 Victorian Koorie Student of the Year Award. Linda completed a Diploma of Youth Work at Swinburne University of Technology TAFE and now inspires others with her leadership, compassion and commitment to the role of education in empowering Indigenous people.
Linda was nominated by Swinburne TAFE for the Victorian Training Awards and she was honoured to accept the nomination even though as a Koorie it is often seen as culturally inappropriate to promote oneself.
“I felt that if I won the Award that I could talk to young Koories about the importance of education,” said Linda.
“If I, an older Koorie woman could obtain a Diploma of Youth Work and a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) with little formal education, then there are enormous opportunities for young Koorie people to achieve their educational aims.”
As a youth leader working with young homeless people at the Bert Williams Hostel, Linda recently used her advocacy skills to achieve extra funding to improve accommodation at the hostel.
An inspirational leader who encourages individuals to reach their full potential, Linda initiated a partnership with Swinburne’s First Stop service to provide a pathways course for young Indigenous people and people experiencing homelessness and social and economic disadvantage.
Linda continues to provide encouragement and inspiration to her community.
“I continually counsel our clients and other Indigenous community members about their capacity to re-enter the education system,” said Linda.
“To have the belief that once they set a goal for themselves that they can overcome any odds and they are more than capable of achieving their goals. To grasp the opportunities that come their way as I wished I had when I was younger.”