Dianne Fleming juggles work, study and motherhood – and now she can add Trainee of the Year to her list of achievements. Ms Fleming works in RMIT University’s Ngarara Willim Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre as an Administration Officer, through the 370 Degrees Group.
She celebrated NAIDOC Week by winning the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) Victorian State Traineeship Employment Award for 2009 in the Participant Achievement Award category. There was a record field of 13 entrants in her category.
“I’m delighted and honoured to win this award,” Ms Fleming said. “I finished my Certificate III in Administration through RMIT’s Business TAFE School in seven months, rather than 12. And now I’m undertaking my Certificate IV.
“There aren’t many opportunities for Aboriginal people in Narrabri,” she said. “All it offers is seasonal cotton work, the dole or Aboriginal art. “Now I’ve become a role model. Other people can come as far I’ve done. My message would be: when you get an opportunity, take it, grab it and run with it.”
Ngarara Willim Manager, Stuart McFarlane, congratulated Ms Fleming. “It’s a fabulous result for Dianne.
“And it sums up what Ngarara Willim is about – giving our people a chance to pick up training in a mainstream environment while still providing supportive, ongoing cultural immersion with directional leadership for our trainee staff like Dianne.”
