Tarnisha began a School Based Traineeship in Business Services with the Upper Hunter Shire Council when she was in Year 10.

She studied business services and completed the exam while she was still in Year 11. It was a fantastic opportunity for Tarnisha, giving her skills in the workplace and knowledge that she applies to her Year 12 studies, which she will complete this year.

The 17-year-old school captain and Student Representative Council president was also the recipient of the Peter Hilder Memorial Award for an Indigenous VET student, and the Upper Hunter Shire Young Citizen of the Year 2018.

Tarnisha credits her opportunities, accolades and growing confidence to her school-based traineeship with the council and Certificate II in Business through Tamworth Public Schools, saying she felt overwhelmed by the community’s faith in her and the encouragement received.

Running the 2017 NAIDOC celebrations for the Upper Hunter Shire Council has been the pinnacle of Merriwa Central School Tarnisha’s blossoming career so far.