Our Achievements
Southbank Institute Graduate Wins Training Award
Brisbane grandmother and Southbank Institute of Technology graduate Cynthia Macklin was named Vocational Student of the Year last night at the 2009 Queensland Training Awards ceremony for the Brisbane North Region.
The annual awards, convened by the Queensland Department of Education and Training, recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations within the Queensland vocational education and training sector who strive for excellence, best practice and innovation.
Cynthia Macklin recently completed a Certificate III in Business Administration through Southbank Institute’s School of Indigenous Australian People, a branch of the Institute that provides training and educational opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders within a context of cultural sensitivity.
Ms Macklin was delighted to receive both the Regional Vocational Student of the Year Award and thanked her Southbank teachers, employer and family for their support.
“I can not give enough thanks, gratitude and appreciation for the valued support, constant care and teaching skills during my training at Southbank,” Ms Macklin said.
“Enrolling (in the Certificate) was a turning point in my life and completing it gave me the confidence and knowledge to achieve my goals,” Ms Macklin said.
“I see my role within my own community differently now – I see that education creates a better future.”
Since graduating, Ms Macklin has put her new-found skills to use delivering support services to communities affected by domestic violence, alcohol abuse and unemployment with the Kurbingui Youth Development Association in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
She also sits on the Board of Koobara Indigenous Children’s Pre-School and Kindergarten and is developing programs to stop violence against women.
Southbank Institute of Technology Director and CEO Craig Sherrin congratulated Ms Macklin on both her Award and career achievements to date.
“Cynthia is one of our many success stories and has done herself and Southbank Institute very proud.
“As well as attaining the honour of this award, Cynthia has put the experience and training gained at Southbank into immediate action and is making a real difference while achieving her personal career goals.
“These Training Awards serve to highlight the significant contribution made by Queensland’s vocational education and training sector to the community and economy, and a skilled workforce is more important now than ever before.
“Cynthia’s achievements should inspire many others to come to Southbank Institute and realise their own potential.”
Last updated 27 November, 2009