Aaliyah Kearney named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for Western Sydney and Blue Mountains
Less than 18 months after joining Western Sydney University as an Ignite Indigenous Trainee, Aaliyah Kearney, 19, from Quakers Hill, has been named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year for the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region at the 2026 NSW Training Awards.
A proud Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa and Yorta Yorta woman raised on Darug Land, Aaliyah commenced the Ignite Indigenous Traineeship Program in February 2025.
She has now completed a Certificate III in Business while working in the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching.
“This award is a testament to the strength of culture and community, and a reminder that hard work and dedication make a real difference. This traineeship has been life changing and I am very proud to represent Western Sydney University through this achievement,” said Aaliyah.
During her Traineeship, she developed expertise in administration, business processes and stakeholder engagement, and supported events and projects. She has also represented her culture on many occasions delivering Acknowledgement of Country speeches at university-wide events.
A highlight was contributing to the Ignite Traineeship promotional video, encouraging other Indigenous Australians to consider vocational education pathways.
Following completion of her traineeship in February 2026, Aaliyah secured ongoing employment as a Learning and Teaching Administrative Assistant, an achievement that reflects her capability and commitment.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor Brian Stout, praised Aaliyah’s professional growth and leadership.
“Aaliyah is an exceptional emerging professional whose growth, commitment, and maturity have been remarkable. She has demonstrated impressive leadership, proudly representing her culture and community through public speaking, including delivering the Acknowledgement of Country at the Learning and Teaching Showcase in 2025,” said Professor Stout.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership, Professor Michelle Trudgett, also acknowledged Aaliyah’s achievements.
“Seeing Aaliyah’s growth over the last 12 months has been extraordinary. Her journey highlights the impact of culturally responsive training pathways in supporting Indigenous Australians to thrive in education and employment. Her achievements stand as a reflection of both personal determination and the strength of community and cultural connection,” said Professor Trudgett.
The Ignite Indigenous Traineeship Program at Western Sydney University is delivered by the Division of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership and provides a structured and culturally supportive vocational pathway for Indigenous participants to gain paid experience in university operations as Business Administration Trainees.
Aaliyah will now progress to the next stage of the NSW Training Awards, representing the Western Sydney and Blue Mountains region. The University community extends its congratulations and wishes her every success as she continues her inspiring journey.
ENDS
3 June 2026
Media Unit