TAFE NSW has recognised Dubbo’s Elizabeth ‘Aunty Beth’ Wright’s valuable contribution to education with a significant award.
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Aunty Beth received the prestigious Aboriginal Staff Award at the 2018 TAFE NSW Gili Awards on Monday.
The Gili Awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of Aboriginal students and employees who have contributed to Aboriginal communities throughout 2017.
Aunty Beth said she felt humbled to win the award.
“I am not an awards person because I don’t think anybody is any better than anyone else but I am happy to receive it,” she said
“You go to work, you do what you have to do but to be appreciated for it is a bonus. My mum always told me that I should teach the way I’d like to be taught, so no one gets left behind and every student is important in my classroom.
“I think having an aboriginal education focus is important. My people were very intimidated by educational facilities, even the buildings were frightening. My mum wasn’t allowed to go to the local non-aboriginal school, so I don’t teach with racism and I don’t say the word hate, I carry that philosophy with me into my classroom every day.
“The fact that educational facilities were frightening to my elders and now my people can come to TAFE and feel comfortable to learn is an achievement in itself. It was just a dream for some of my people to seek education, so my teaching is my dreaming.
“I am very thankful to my ancestors who fought the hard fight and my husband and family who always support me, my children who are carrying on my dreaming, my seven grand-kids and my parents and parents in law who made education a priority for me.”
TAFE NSW Relieving Regional General Manager, Adam Bennett, congratulated Aunty Beth for her hard work, dedication and commitment.
“Gili is an Eora word that means ‘to shine’ and I am proud and humbled to be in a position to acknowledge the achievements of Aunty Beth,” Mr Bennett said.
“Aunty Beth is a teacher at the Yarradamarra Centre for Aboriginal programs at TAFE NSW Dubbo. She has made a significant contribution to improving the vocational and educational outcomes for Aboriginal peoples, including teaching Wiradjuri, Gamilaraay and Yuwaalaraay languages across the region for the past seven years.
“Aunty Beth is passionate about closing the gap Aboriginal peoples face when it comes to education, training and employment. She is a wonderful role model for all TAFE NSW staff and stakeholders in promoting respect and understanding for Aboriginal peoples and their culture and a thoroughly deserves this award.”