Taylor Hampton named Victorian Koorie Student of the Year

Kangan Institute leadership and management student Taylor Hampton has achieved a significant milestone, being named the 2024 Victorian Training Awards Koorie Student of the Year last Friday.

The award recognises Taylor’s exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and commitment to his community.

“Winning this award feels amazing. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to represent Kangan and VACCA at the Victorian Training Awards,” Taylor said.

“Thank you to everyone who came to support me. It meant so much to have so many people cheering me on.”

Taylor, a proud Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri man, enrolled in Kangan Institute’s Certificate IV in Leadership and Management ((BSB30520) to enhance his career prospects while working at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA). The course was a customised training program delivered for VACCA employees, with dedicated support from Kangan Institute’s Indigenous Education Centre throughout the learning journey.

Taylor’s dedication and achievements led to his promotion to new roles at VACCA, including acting external training program manager responsible for delivering cultural training across Victoria.

The leadership and management extraordinaire also actively contributes to his community through his work with VACCA’s Koorie FACES program and his involvement in developing a new program to support Aboriginal parents and carers.

Additionally, Taylor has co-authored a children’s book, "Our Mob," to promote cultural pride.

(2024 Victorian Koorie Student of the Year Taylor Hampton (middle) with Kangan Institute representatives - Reconciliation Action Plan Committee Co-Chair Annie Scott, Chief Industry and Education Officer Janelle Arena, Deputy Board Chair Hal Swerissen and Program Lead - Management Tony Webb.)

As a leading education institute and employer, Kangan Institute has an established commitment to Reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations peoples and communities. With an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan in place, Kangan Institute aims to ensure it creates a culturally safe environment for First Nations staff and students, enabling them to thrive and succeed.

Taylor’s award follows a legacy of success achieved by Bendigo Kangan Institute First Nations students from the institute’s metropolitan and regional TAFE brands, Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE.

Kangan Institute’s Taylor was joined by fellow finalist Angelika Fevaleaki of Bendigo TAFE, who was also up for 2024 Victorian Koorie Student of the Year. Their achievements mirror the success of Bendigo TAFE’s Desirae Kilduff, who won 2022 Victorian Koorie Student of the Year, as well as the 2023 World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Outstanding Student Achievement Award (Bronze).

The 70^th Victorian Training Awards ceremony, presented by the Victorian Skills Authority, was held on Friday, August 30, 2024, where winners across all categories were announced.

As Victorian Koorie Student of the Year, Taylor will represent Victoria at the upcoming Australian Training Awards to be held in late 2024.

Comments for attributing, Sally Curtain, CEO Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE:

“It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff that we have a winner and a finalist for the Victorian Koorie Student of the Year Award.

“It's an honour to have played a role in Taylor's success. Our commitment to providing quality vocational education and training, while collaborating with community and industry to foster a culturally safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, has contributed to empowering Taylor to achieve this prestigious award.

“Students like Taylor are the future of Australia, and their determination inspires us to continue delivering the critical skills they need to thrive.”