Dubbo College Senior Campus year 12 vice-captain Khan Barnes has been presented a major state education award, the prestigious Nanga Mai award, which recognises his outstanding achievements in public speaking.
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The 18-year-old student is a proud Ngiyampaa man and is well known for his commitment to his cultural heritage.
"It's a really big achievement for me, my culture is a massive part of my family," Mr Barnes said.
"It's something my mum raised me to be very passionate about.
"It's a great honour, I'm very proud, and I hope to make my family proud."
The annual Nanga Mai awards are an initiative of Aboriginal Education and Communities in recognition and support of the work of Aboriginal students, teachers and other department staff, as well as Aboriginal community members and schools that demonstrate excellence across diverse educational areas.
As a member of the Dubbo College student representative council Mr Barnes chairs meetings to ensure students voices are heard.
He is an activist within the community and has addressed communities across NSW about waterways and environmental issues from a youth's perspective.
Mr Barnes recently attended a global indigenous forum in the United States as a youth delegate focusing on modern issues facing Australian indigenous communities.
The Nanga Mai presentation are usually held in Sydney, however, this year they were unable to run due to unprecedented times, but the news was not taken poorly by Mr Barnes.
"I wouldn't say I'm disappointed in not being able to attend the awards ceremony," Mr Barnes said.
"I'm glad to receive it around my peers, the people I have spent the last two years completing my schooling with.
"It feels more connected to the people.
Mr Barnes is currently in the process of completing his HSC and noted that this achievement is one of many highlights of his year.
"This award means so much to me. I'm so passionate about my culture, and I'm so passionate about my people and a lot of the stuff I do is to help my people," he said.
"I don't need awards to recognise the work I do, but it's nice to feel that acknowledgement because it feels like my voice is being heard.
Dubbo College Senior Campus Headteacher Equity, Mr Mark Dann, said he has watched Mr Barnes grow and mature through his time at Dubbo College and spoke highly of his students achievements.
"Khan is a very impressive young man. He is serious about his culture and empowering young people to shine," Mr Dann said.
"We are very proud of Khan and wish him every success into the future."
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