Well Rebecca Harcourt and Scott Parlett, I want to begin by sharing my deepest gratitude. Since 2010, Nura Gili has supported and guided me to make a career in aviation a reality.
On Friday, I was a finalist in the Aboriginal Education Council NSW award category and the WINNER of two incredible awards. The Nura Gili Youth Leadership Award and the NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year Award.
The line up of incredible young people was out of this world and we all shared a determination to advance our communities and fight for the things we believe in. From health care, to language, to conserving nature, to sharing and promoting diversity in STEM; we covered so many important aspects of building a thriving and diverse community. I am privileged to be invited into rooms like this; filled with unstoppable young people determined to make a difference to the world around them.
I want to share a special thank you to the judges who reviewed 300 nominations across NSW and the ACT for this award. I am deeply appreciative to be considered the winner. It's unbelievable. Thank you for your time, support and efforts in making this an unforgettable night.
Finally, thank you to the award sponsors, the The Fullerton Hotel Sydney and 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards NSW ACT, my family and to every organisation that has ever supported me. I am in the position I am today thanks to my hard work, but because of you and your support.
My journey in aviation began with the Australian Air Force Cadets at 15, where I realised a future in aviation was the only thing for me. I was determined to become an aerospace engineer and pilot and advance this industry. With the support of many organisations, family and friends, it happened over 13 years of incredibly hard work.
I realised the opportunities available to me could be for everyone, so I made it my mission to spread awareness of the career opportunities and possibilities through volunteering and speaking at schools, conferences, events and podcasting across Australia.
"You can't be what you can't see - so let me show you what is possible."
At the same time, I have kept asking for a seat at the decision-making table, where I find you have to be resilient and well supported to succeed at that table. So, my formula of support + resilience = success, developed at 15 years old continues to serve me at 30.
Whilst the support mechanisms continue to change, the mantra remains. So, as I go on to continue to advance the aerospace industry globally, I will continue to inspire the kids in schools and support the organisations that changed my life and gave me the platform to make change.
Thank you Mark Fuda, Lee de Winton FRAeS, @Nicole Sorbara, CareerTrackers, Nura Gili, CareerSeekers, Western Sydney International Airport, Alexandra Tzortzis, Peter Sheehan, Qantas, Melinda Small, Lisa Norman, Hugh munoz, Andrew Bartlett, MADALAH, Shalom College UNSW, Gina Cohen, michelle kubie, Lisa Sarzin. This is certainly our award.