Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall congratulates Tingha Preschool educator Nathan Milson on receiving a State Government scholarship to further his teaching qualifications.
Wednesday, 10 February 2021
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today congratulated committed Tingha early childhood educator Nathan Milson on being awarded a prestigious State Government scholarship to assist with higher-studies and continue his work with local Indigenous children.
The scholarship, which is worth up to $20,000, has been awarded to Nathan under the 2020-21 Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program and aims to make it easier for people to commence or upgrade their qualifications to a bachelor degree in early childhood teaching.
Mr Marshall said the scholarship would help Nathan deepen his existing knowledge of early education.
“It’s fantastic to see a young man like Nathan stepping up and playing an important educational role at Tingha Preschool,” Mr Marshall said.
“Nathan intends to progress his studies and deepen his understanding of early childhood environments, and gain additional skills and capabilities which will be passed on to the children he teaches.
“I congratulate Nathan on his commitment to education and wish him every success in his career as a qualified early childhood teacher.”
Mr Milson said he wanted to help Indigenous families and children on their educational journey.
“I want to be an important part of my Indigenous community and be a positive male role model for the children,” Mr Milson said.
“This scholarship provides me with an opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills which I can then put to use helping children get the best start in life.
“I also want to show other young Indigenous men and women that we can achieve anything, we just need to believe in ourselves.”
Inverell District Family Services CEO Nicky Lavender said she was extremely proud of Nathan’s achievements.
“Nathan started with us four years ago at Kindamindi Preschool, where he completed his Certificate III in Early Education and Care, then Diploma,” Ms Lavender said.
“He is just a wonderful educator who has a real passion for early education and supporting and promoting his community.
“This scholarship will allow him to continue to invest in himself as a professional educator, which will benefit our wider community and future generations of Indigenous children.”
While visiting Tingha Preschool, Mr Marshall also took the opportunity to take a look at the new $74,953 bus.
“For the first time ever Tingha has a specialised, 12 seater bus service which ensures no child misses out on their day at school,” Mr Marshall said.
“The bus does pick-ups and drop-offs Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, removing transport barriers which face a number of local families.”
The bus was purchased through the State Government’s Community Grants Program, which was specifically created to increase the number of Aboriginal children and children from disadvantaged backgrounds accessing preschool.