Kiara was awarded Bendigo TAFE Student of the Year, sponsored by City of Greater Bendigo, and also Student of the Year: Veterinary Nursing, sponsored by Apiam Animal Health, at the 2024 Bendigo TAFE Industry Excellence Awards .
The clay shooter recently completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing while juggling work at a busy vet practice and rigorous training where she competes against other shooters.
“The majority of my time outside of work is spent training and competing,” Kiara said.
“While I’ve studied at Bendigo TAFE, I’ve been fairly successful; I’ve won multiple medals internationally ... and a Junior World Championship in Suhl, Germany.”
Kiara enrolled at TAFE, where she overcame potential barriers to her success, balancing her demanding competition schedule.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to work in the veterinary industry. Working with animals is a dream come true. I love it,” Kiara said.
“Everything I know about veterinary nursing, I know through TAFE. The facilities there are world-class, and you are working in clinics. The education was very hands-on; you worked with animals, but you also worked with people.
Her success in the classroom has mirrored her success when she competes against competitors and has participated in events in 12 countries.
“My teachers were understanding and willing to go out of their way to accommodate me. I could not have done it without them,” Kiara said.
“This, for me ... acknowledges that everything I am doing is right.”
An award named after Echuca Aboriginal elder Aunty Melva Johnson, which acknowledges the hard work and dedication of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, was given to Robinvale resident Angelika Fevaleaki for being the Student of the Year.
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