Published: 12 August 2021

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Tourism WA project officer Amber Ugle-Hayward has been announced as a finalist in the WA Trainee of the Year 2021 award. The category is part of the WA Training Awards 2021, which recognise excellence in the vocational education and training sector.

Amber, who graduated from the Public Sector Commission’s Aboriginal Traineeship Program, is one of three people shortlisted in the category.

She said she was very grateful for the traineeship experience with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

“It’s helped me build my confidence and communication skills to raise Aboriginal culture within the State Government,” Amber said.

“Whatever the outcome is, I’ll forever cherish the application experience and being a finalist.”

Amber joined the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation - which includes Tourism WA - in January, where she currently works in the area of Aboriginal Tourism.

Nani Creative graphic designer, Kevin Wilson, is a finalist in the highly contested WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year category of the awards.

Kevin did the graphic design elements of Tourism WA’s Jina: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025 as well as the striking whaleshark artwork which can be seen in the Tourism WA foyer.

Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on September 17, 2021.

Acting Managing Director Derryn Belford congratulated both Amber and Kevin on their fantastic achievements.