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Swinburne University celebrates the inaugural Northern Territory Programs Trade Talent Awards
Swinburne has recognised two students from remote Northern Territory communities in its inaugural Northern Territory Programs Trades Talent Awards.
Swinburne's Northern Australia Programs has held its first Trades Talent Awards, recognising two students from remote Northern Territory communities for their contributions and progress in trade-based training.
The programs ran in six remote communities in 2025, delivering a range of trade-based accredited and non-accredited short courses to 175 adult Indigenous students. Swinburne partners with theArnhem Land Progress Association's Remote Australia Employment Service (ALPA RAES) to deliver its Northern Australia Programs in remote communities.
The award recipients
Dallas Mayali from Minjilang completed an accredited concreting skill set, as well as non-accredited skill sets in landscaping and fencing. Robert Nawirridj from Gunbalanya completed two accredited skill sets in carpentry and small motor maintenance, and a non-accredited skill set in fencing.
The awards recognise students who display teamwork in the workplace, consistent attendance and participation, initiative, innovation, workplace health and safety, skills progression, leadership and managing competency challenges effectively.
Swinburne Northern Australia Programs Teacher Jon Wallace said:
“Both Robert and Dallas were keen to learn. You could see the satisfaction when they completed a project or solved a problem. The award gave the recipients a sense of achievement and gives our participants something to aim for in the future.”
Dallas and Robert were presented with prizes and timber trophies, designed by Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design students Jade Bevilacqua and River Evans.
Building skills and pathways in remote communities
Swinburne's Northern Australia Programs Manager Rachael Woods said the awards reflect individual training accomplishments and help improve future employment opportunities.
"It's a unique opportunity to recognise and award the hard work demonstrated by our students through our partnership with ALPA, and to reinforce the value of training and education in their communities," she said.
The students learn and gain experience through community projects like concreting paths, landscaping, building furniture and maintaining small machinery.
ALPA RAES Community Hub Manager (Gunbalanya) Rebecca Smith said the program's courses are practical, achievable and immediately relevant in remote areas.
"Having local people complete the work also builds pride, ownership and longer‑term care of shared areas," she said.
She explained the awards are positive examples and demonstrate possibilities to other community members.
"These programs build confidence, work readiness and real skills, while creating pathways into further training or employment without overwhelming participants."
