SuniTAFE nursing graduate Pearl Dunn was a finalist for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the 2023 Australian Training Awards. 

Pearl graduated from SuniTAFE’s Swan Hill campus in April last year. 

Since then, she has been awarded Koorie Student of the Year at both SuniTAFE’s Graduation and Awards and the Victorian Training Awards. 

Though she did not win the top prize on the night, her nomination at the national level is recognition of her immense hard work. 

She consistently achieved successful outcomes throughout her time at SuniTAFE, despite facing significant hardships outside of the classroom. 

Pearl has overcome these challenges, and is now making the most of her rewarding nursing career at Kerang District Health. 

“My journey has been a positive story for my family and my community,” Pearl said. 

“Having a young niece saying that she wants to be like me when she gets older also makes me very proud. It makes me aware that the younger generation are watching and that I can be a role model for her or anyone else.”

“We are incredibly proud that the efforts of Pearl have been recognised and now at the national level as a finalist,” SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington said. 

“All the hard work and sacrifices that she has made in order to upskill and forge a new career have been worth it and that is obvious on a number of levels now.”

“The Board and all staff at SuniTAFE would like to congratulate her and hope she is an influence for many others to follow a similar path.” 

Pearl spent several days in Hobart networking with the other award finalists before attending the ceremony on Friday night. 

Click here to read more about SuniTAFE’s Diploma of Nursing (HLT54115).