Bellingen student named Aboriginal Employment Strategy’s School-Based Trainee of the Year

DELLA Byrnes,17, has been named Aboriginal Employment Strategy’s (AES) School-Based Trainee of the Year, receiving her award at a special awards ceremony in Sydney.

Della has just completed Year 12 at Bellingen High School (ATAR level HSC and Certificate III Business) while simultaneously excelling in her traineeship with the Gumbaynggirr Rangers through Coffs Harbour AES.

Throughout her two-year traineeship, Della has been involved in a diverse range of activities, gaining an extensive array of practical and process-based skills.

practical and process-based skills.

During her time with the Gumbaynggirr Rangers, Della has gained certification in Marine Mammal Observation, a remote pilot license (drones), and snorkelling and scuba diving certificates.

She has also completed fire warden training, mammal rescue training and two ranger exchanges to Cairns representing Rangers of NSW within the largest remote mission in Australia.

Locally, she has assisted in the management and revitalisation of the Bellinger river turtles (taking bloods, giving vaccines), and collaborated with Envite in the restoration of Sealy Lookout.

In a collaboration with Taronga Zoo, Della also assisted in an Australian-based study on the migration of sea turtles.

Over the two-year period, she has also learned about invasive and native plant identification, mangrove restoration, seagrass restoration, assisted in the capturing and rehabilitation of seals, participated in freshwater diving to monitor and record data of turtles, and helped in shorebird surveys to monitor and observe endangered bird species.

She has also learned how to conduct water quality testing as well as assisting in a three-day cultural burn.

Della has taught in over five primary schools and conducted 10 classes about culture.

She is a proud member of the Budaabang Bari dance group, performing for community events such as Riversounds, Bellingen International Women’s Day, the Buluunggal festival, community and school-based NAIDOC events, and is a mentor for Sista Business.

Volunteering is an important part of completing the traineeship.

Della has volunteered as a mentor in Gumbaynggirr Learning classes (teaching weaving) and in helping with numerous school-run events.

The traineeship came about for Della through a nomination from North Boambee-based Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation and the AES Group Training Organisation.

In February 2024, Della, along with Leyland (Buddy) Roberts and Khairyn Briggs commenced their traineeships.

During the experience, they reported “enjoying the hands-on practical experience and the relevant industry specific training that will be beneficial for our training and development”.

“But the most valuable and fulfilling experience is the wealth of cultural knowledge and insight that has been bestowed on us by the Gumbaynggirr Land and Sea Rangers and our honourable community Elders,” they said.

As a result of Della’s hard work, she has received early offers from three universities and the Gumbaynggirr Rangers have offered her a full-time traineeship in 2026.

By Andrea FERRARI