Ms Bass studied a Certificate III in Business Administration and was nominated by her TAFE Western teacher to go in the running for the prestigious award.

“I felt honoured to be nominated by my TAFE teacher and was both very excited and shocked to be the winner of my category as I’ve been told there were more than 27,000 TAFE Western students enrolled in 2016,” she said.

Born and raised in Dubbo, Ms Bass graduated Year 12 from Dubbo College Senior Campus in 2015.

While Ms Bass is currently  studying a Bachelor in Business at the University of Newcastle, she undertook her TAFE studies while in her gap year.

“I always intended on having a gap year before I moved away to study at university. I was eager to gain experience in the business environment and develop my communication skills,” she said.

“I was lucky enough to come across an advertisement for a trainee business administration position at WNSWLHD. Everything about this position was ideal for me and I was keen to learn more about the health system.

While it was never her intention to receive a qualification during her gap year, Ms Bass said it has benefited her.

“By completing this certificate, I was able to develop new skills I could apply at uni and future job opportunities as I was assessed on my ability to use Microsoft programs and communication skills,” she said.

Now at Newcastle  for University, where she is majoring in leadership and management through her course, Ms Bass is just finishing her first semester and anticipates to go on industry placement next year, where she intends to find an area of interest to work towards.

The inspiring Ms Bass message to other young Dubbo Aboriginal girls is to take chances. 

“I didn’t even think I would be chosen for the job at WNSWLHD let alone excel this much to receive an award,” she said.

Other Dubbo students successful in the awards included Angie Brown, Jeramiah Carter, Dannielle Smith, Garry Pitman and Luke Moody, and Laura Offley.