FORMER Warrnambool College student Sandra Burrows is a role model for indigenous and non-indigenous young people.
The quiet achiever won the South West Healthcare’s Close The Gap award for her dedication, resilience and the support she gives to other young people.
Next week, Miss Burrows, 18, will begin a social work degree at Deakin University in Geelong.
Warrnambool College Wannik co-ordinator Anne Jane said year 12 had presented many barriers for Miss Burrows but she continually picked herself up. “She kept going and it wasn’t easy for her,” she said.
South West Healthcare’s Adeline McDonald, who works in the Closing The Gap program, said Miss Burrows had worked hard. “She has had a lot of challenges, personal as well, and she’s put in a lot of hard work to achieve what she has,” she said. Miss Burrows said she was grateful for all the support she had received and was looking forward to university.
In 2009, Miss Burrows was the guest speaker at the 2009 Koori Justice Forum in Warrnambool, she has been a driving force behind the establishment of the Kalay Warrior Dance Academy at Warrnambool College, performed tradition dance for the Governor-General Quentin Bryce and, in front of 100 school students at the Warrnambool stadium, performed a solo traditional welcome at a road safety program.
She has also mentored a number of Warrnambool College students.
cquirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au