Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE

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Shepparton Outstanding Student announced

GOTAFE's Outstanding Student of the Year Award for the Shepparton Campus was won by Koorie Nursing student, Erin Peers from Mansfield.

Erin excelled in the Certificate IV in Health (Nursing) last year and was nominated as the overall campus award winner from a field of 11 outstanding students in their fields.

As a high achiever, Erin was nominated for the award because of her dedication to commit to her studies while dealing with some major health issues. While completing VCE is a big enough challenge in itself, Erin managed to deal with her medical issues while continuing to give 100% to her studies.

Erin's passion to secure a career in nursing gave her the drive to complete her VCE and take the necessary steps to accomplish her goal. To achieve this it meant leaving her friends and family at home in Mansfield and relocating to Shepparton. Erin explained, "I was confronted with more challenges with the move as I didn't know anyone in the area and I was the only female in the Student House I was sharing."

Erin talked about the support she received from her family, partner and GOTAFE staff which have helped her stay motivated. "I have always believed that to achieve your goals you have to follow your dream. I was able to do this as my parents are supportive and have always encouraged me to do my best and meet all the challenges I'm faced with."

Overcoming the hurdles and still determined to create a pathway for her career, Erin supported her self during her studies, working part time in an Aged Care facility.

GOTAFE Koorie Education Coordinator, Carol Smith described Erin as a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Student of the Year award. "Erin has consistently demonstrated strong leadership via participation in community events such as Crocfest, Careers Day Out and Breast Cancer Week and assisting with the coordination of a health information day at the Shepparton Marketplace."

"She also represented the Institute at the Indigenous Youth Mobility Program National Conference in Canberra, where she shared her journey in hoping to inspire other young Indigenous people to achieve."

Erin is committed to honouring, celebrating and sharing her culture with the wider community via her involvement in the Mansfield Reconciliation Group and Scar Tree project.

Upon announcing Erin as the Outstanding Student of the Year Award winner for Shepparton Campus, GOTAFE CEO/Director, Peter Ryan commended "Erin graduates tonight as an inspiration to all. She is a testament to overcoming adversity, and being able to achieve if you have the drive, discipline and passion."

The next milestone for Erin is to become a paramedic, and following her studies with GOTAFE, Erin has been offered places for both Division 1 Nursing and paramedic programs at University.

Over 1200 students graduated at the GOTAFE Shepparton Campus Graduation ceremony from the Primary Industries, Service and Technology Divisions, the Koorie and Multicultural Education Units, the National Centre for Equine Education, the National Centre for Dairy Education, and Innoven. The students receive recognition for completing nationally accredited courses at Advanced Diploma, Diploma and Certificates I to IV levels.

The outstanding students for the Benalla, Seymour and Wangaratta Campuses will be announced at graduation ceremonies over the next week.

For more information on course options contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 GOTAFE (468 233).