TAFE's Tyson gives the VCE a knockout punch
01 April 2003
Justin Tyson.
Justin Tyson from Meadow Heights, has won the Elders' Award for Outstanding Indigenous Student of the Year, which incorporates the $500 Arnold Davis Scholarship. The scholarship is named after Arnold Davis, the first Indigenous student to win Kangan Batman TAFE’s Harold Richards Award in 1999.
Justin has won the Elders’ Award because his dedication to his studies makes him a role model for other Indigenous students. Since leaving school in Year 11, Justin has experienced a range of problems including mental illness and diabetes. Now at 28, Justin is achieving his long-held dream of completing his VCE. Here is his story in his own words.
“Hello, my name is Justin J Tyson. I was born and bred in Charleville, South West Queensland. I am Aboriginal. My tribe is Bidjara. My Mum’s name is Joanne Fraser and my Dad’s name is Eric Tyson. I went to school at Charleville State Primary School and Charleville State High, before going to Toowoomba State High School in Mt Lofty for one term. I played sports all my school days – athletics, rugby league, touch football and swimming. I came sixth in the Queensland State titles for the Boys Age 13 100 metre sprint, and held the regional record for 15 years with 12.90 seconds over 100 metres.
Mum and I moved to Melbourne 11 years ago. I went to Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville for Year 10 and 11. I didn’t complete my VCE at Worawa College, so one of my dream goals has always been to do my VCE.
I’m 28 now and doing my VCE at Kangan Batman TAFE in Broadmeadows. When I have completed my VCE, I want to do a Diploma of Welfare so I can help my people. If I am successful, I would then like to get a degree in welfare or social work.
Last year I did a Certificate II in Business Administration also at Kangan Batman TAFE. It was a six month course. I loved it – they got me motivated and I got my self-esteem back. I made new friends and it got my brain working again!
This year I’m doing Year 11 of my VCE at Kangan Batman TAFE. I’m studying General Maths, Information Technology, English, Contemporary Australian Society, and Philosophy.
Between classes I go to the Koori Programs Unit for a cuppa and a yarn, or to read the latest Koori Mail newspaper. I also get tutoring through the unit, to help me with my classes.
I always wanted to further my education and get a qualification for a good job. That’s what I’d really like. So I’m very happy and proud of myself that I’m getting the Elders’ Award and the Arnold Davis Scholarship. First, I would like to thank myself and my Mum - she has been supporting me all my life. I’d also like to thank Kangan Batman TAFE and the Koori Programs Unit – Terry, Trevor, Malvina and everyone there.”
Kangan Batman TAFE has 24,000 students across its six campuses in Broadmeadows, Moreland, Richmond, Coburg, Avondale Heights and Essendon.
Each year in May, Kangan Batman TAFE conducts two graduation ceremonies at the Moonee Valley Racecourse to accommodate all of its graduates and award-winning students.
The first ceremony, at which Justin will receive his award, will be held on Friday 2 May. The Hume City Council is the major sponsor of the ceremony, while Broadmeadow is the supporting sponsor.
Justin Tyson has won the following award:
- Elders' Award for Outstanding Indigenous Student of the Year & Arnold Davis Scholarship
