From TAFE to State of Origin: A Day of Inspiration for NASCA’s Young Women

Recently, a group of passionate and driven students from NASCA’s Young Women’s Academies embarked on a powerful visit to Newcastle. The day blended education, culture, and sport into an inspiring and unforgettable experience.

The day commenced at TAFE NSW Newcastle, where young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from across NASCA’s Academies converged to explore new opportunities and connect with inspiring role models.

A Day at TAFE 

Following a warm welcome, students immersed themselves in a variety of engaging activities designed to broaden their horizons and highlight diverse career pathways and personal development opportunities. Campus tours offered students a chance to explore the TAFE grounds and gain insights into the courses and training options available after school. A shared BBQ lunch provided a relaxed setting to connect with each other and build relationships with students from different academies.

The afternoon featured insightful yarning circles led by representatives from the Newcastle Knights women’s team, alongside mindfulness activities designed to promote mental wellbeing. A standout session was a dynamic career panel featuring professionals from across various sectors, including Andrew Higgins, IPROWD staff, and Kieryn Morley, Brendan Laing, and Katelyn Hughes from Cummins. The young women were particularly inspired by Katelyn Hughes’s experience as a woman in a trade, working as a diesel mechanic.

Women’s State of Origin

To top off an already impactful day, students attended the Women’s State of Origin at McDonald Jones Stadium. This provided a thrilling evening of elite women’s sport, fostering community pride and showcasing inspirational role models. For many, it was their first time witnessing professional female athletes compete on such a grand stage, and the experience left a profound and lasting impact.

Opportunities like this are crucial for NASCA’s young women, as they provide invaluable exposure to new possibilities, offer inspiration through diverse role models, and empower them to believe in their boundless potential. When young women witness success stories from their own communities, whether in sport, education, or career, they begin to visualise what is truly possible for themselves.

NASCA extends its immense pride to every student who attended and expresses sincere gratitude to TAFE NSW, the Newcastle Knights, Cummins, and all the incredible guest speakers for their invaluable contributions in making the day so meaningful.