Dr Georgia Durmush wins Transgrid Indigenous Achievement Award

The award recognises young Indigenous people using their own stories and life experiences to give back to their communities and make a difference.

Dr. Georgia Durmush is a Wailwan and Gomeroi academic based in North Sydney and is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education and Australian Catholic University ACU.

She also mentors Indigenous higher-degree students at ACU, sharing her wisdom and fostering their growth.

Georgia was presented with her award at 7News Young Achiever Awards NSW & ACT gala dinner in Sydney.

“It was so surreal; I wasn’t expecting to win so it was a beautiful surprise, it’s an absolute honour to receive this award.

“We know education is a gamechanger, but a lot of our mob are leaving school earlier, so it’s really important that Indigenous youth, their voices and education is put to the forefront,” she said.

Yura Ngura Indigenous Advisory Manager Sherrie Anderson presented Georgia with her award.

“Transgrid has been sponsoring this award for five years and every year we’re blown away by the incredible stories we hear, and this year was no exception.

“The calibre of finalists was exceptional and their contribution to society is one to be commended and celebrated. On behalf of Transgrid I’d like to congratulate Georgia for her efforts to support Indigenous students,” she said.

Dr Durmush welcomed the spotlight the award places on education and hopes it will encourage others.

“I’m really looking forward to ways we can work together in terms of looking at Indigenous education and wellbeing. It’s important we can all collaborate in different ways to better support Indigenous students to thrive and flourish.

“I hope that any student, Indigenous or not, who is looking at further study to just give it a shot, give it ago and follow your dreams and your passions

Transgrid would also like to congratulate the other finalists Alex Sanderson, Cleveland McGhie and Emma Johnston.

“It was a tough choice for the judging panel but the passion, commitment to excellence and hard work of the finalists proves our future will have more strong Indigenous role models for many years to come,” said Sherrie Anderson.

About the Awards:

Since the creation of the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards NSW/ACT in 2014, it has applauded the leadership, vision, excellence and commitment of young people, whilst highlighting their efforts and success. The purpose of the NSW/ACT Young Achiever awards is to acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of all young people up to and including 29 years of age.

Media enquiries:

Jonathon Hall 0428 413 708