Ngali has proven himself to be an outstanding student and person, Dubbo College executive principal Stacey Exner said.

She said Ngali was extremely talented, especially in the field of dance.

As well as being a member of the Dubbo Ballet Studio, he had performed at the Sydney Eisteddfod, choreographed a dance at the Dubbo Eisteddfod and had been selected for the Bangarra Public Schools dance group that would perform at the Schools Spectacular and State Dance festival, Ms Exner said.

“We are very proud of Ngali  and everything he has achieved. This award is fitting recognition and the Emerging Leaders Forum will be a great experience for him.”

Dubbo MP and Deputy Premier Troy Grant said all of the nominees should be congratulated, especially Mr Shaw.

“Ngali has been a fine mentor and good role model for other students both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal,” Mr Grant said.

“I also congratulate Chelsea Watts from Dubbo, Jessie Mills from Wellington and Meegan Seymour from Trangie on being nominated for this award.”

Dubbo College South Campus principal Ross Gorrie said Chelsea deserved recognition for what she had brought to the school.

“Chelsea has demostrated remarkable dedication to cultural, academic and social aspects of her life and is always willing to support her peers in their pursuits,” he said.

“She is always willing to take up any position required at school assemblies and formal occasions and is a credit to her family.

Mr Gorrie said her achievements included being part of the successful school debating team and her input to the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.

The top students from the award nominations across NSW, including Ngali, will head to Sydney in August to attend the Emerging Leaders Forum, where they will meet with Aboriginal, business and government leaders.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Leslie Williams said the award program recognises emerging leaders, rewards students’ commitment to their local community and connects students to community leaders and role models.

“The Aboriginal Student of the Year award highlights the outstanding contributions that young leaders are making in their local communities across the state,” said Mrs Williams.

“I warmly congratulate all of the award winners and I look forward to meeting some of them in Sydney later this year.”