Top honours for Rory
24 September 2010
A less-than-ideal educational journey as a child was the impetus behind Rory Smeaton's drive to succeed. Where others may have let aspirations of higher education fall by the wayside, Rory's end-goal has always been in sight.
As a staff member at Kangan Institute's Indigenous Education Centre, Rory is all about embracing challenges, motivating others and helping our students aim high.
His efforts were recognised last month when he took out top honours as the Victorian Koorie Student of the Year category at the annual Victorian Training Awards.
Held each year to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector, the awards are always hotly contested by the best in the business.
Without much confidence he would come through with the win, Rory attended the ceremony held at Crown Casino and says he was a bit lost for words when his name was announced.
"I was up against three other people and was completely not expecting to win the category," he says.
"I think I was in shock. At best I think I wanted to cry with happiness but I didn't know what to do. I'm still really surprised at the reaction from everyone at the ceremony - they were all saying how well I did.
"There were a lot of managers and CEOs at the evening, and many of them came and congratulated me after the win."
Rory was nominated for the award by Swinburne TAFE, where he completed his Diploma of Youth Work in 2009.
As a child, Rory says he had a number of negative educational experiences, showing a high level of maturity to overcome these challenges.
"I had a dream to engage in higher education and a genuine commitment to make a positive impact on other young Indigenous people," he says.
"This motivated me to successfully complete a Certificate IV in Youth Work in 2008. I then went on to the diploma, and now I'm working as an indigenous liaison officer at Kangan Institute.
"My family and my educational journey have had such a positive impact on me that I now have the confidence and self esteem to push myself and embrace the challenges and responsibilities of my role."
With his award and a handy prize cheque under his belt - which will go to the purchase of a car and make the daily commute to work much easier - Rory's goal of helping other young indigenous people achieve great things remains a strong driving force.
"I just want to keep doing what I do; supporting indigenous students though courses and helping them with any issues they have, and just trying to make a difference," he says.
Kangan Institute's hospitality student and Crown Casino trainee Mandie Hambridge was also honoured at the Victorian Training Awards, reaching the finalist stage of the Victorian Trainee of the Year category.
