By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

 

MORWELL’S Anna Solomon was the recipient of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Year Award at Federation University’s 2024 FedAwards.

In her first year of study, Ms Solomon was recognised for her outstanding effort as an undergraduate student and for making a positive impact on the Federation University student community.

Ms Solomon said she was shocked to receive the award and didn’t see it coming even up until right before her name was called.

“I actually wasn’t expecting to receive the award for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander of the Year Award, instead I just assumed I was invited to the awards night to receive something for sport,” she said.

“When they announced the category for my award, my uni mates all looked to me and said that I’d probably get this, and I didn’t have any feeling that it would be me.

“I was really honoured to receive this award in my first year of uni, and having this recognition not only within the university but (from) the Indigenous community.

“I have loved everything about my first year of studying and am super proud of myself in being able to complete this first year with juggling so much else in my life.”

Studying a Bachelor of Social Work, Ms Solomon aims to work for and have an effect on her community.

She gave much appreciation to her cousin Nick Johnson, the Aboriginal Student Success Officer at the Federation University Gippsland Campus – who just so happened to be the one to present her with the award.

“Not only has he been such a great help with guiding me through my first year and helping me through my study, he has been such a big part of my safety and connection I have felt being at Federation University,” Ms Solomon said.

“I know that I wouldn’t have had such a successful first year without him. It was even more special when he was the one to present my award to me.”

That has trickled down to her and she appreciates being seen as a leader amongst her Indigenous student cohort and community.

“It’s really nice to be seen as a role model to other Indigenous students and community members, as this is something I really value when it comes to being a positive figure within the Indigenous community,” Ms Solomon said.

“Even though I felt that the year I had wasn’t much of a standout to those around me, my schedule this year including starting uni, working full-time and playing sport, it’s nice to have reassurance that I am still making an impact in my community and am on the right path.”

Currently working in the DFFH (Department of Families, Fairness and Housing), Ms Solomon said she loves her current role within the Child Protection system and has helped inform her of what she will look to pursuit after her studies.

“I do look up to my supervisor a lot, Narelle Ratzman, who is in the Aboriginal Cultural Support & Awareness Advisor role, and I really admire her work and the way she helps the community for our Aboriginal Children and Families, so possibly something like this type of role down the line,” she said.

The award was a summation for all she sets out to achieve as well as for her outstanding sporting achievements in netball for the Gippsland Stars and Morwell Football-Netball Club.

The circle defender was the recent local VNL upstart program first player signing (initially entered an Under 23 side as their highest contingent) and was also named as captain for Netball Victoria’s inaugural First Nations squad.

“Our first season at Stars was such a big year. There were so many things to build within the club which was actually really nice to be a part of,” she said.

“Not only was it exciting to have a couple of wins in our first season, which I know is a struggle other VNL teams have had in their first years, it was great to be able to play at a higher level with other girls I have played against previously in (the) Gippy League.

“The connections we have made on and off the court in the past year has 100 per cent been our strongest gain.”

With the recent announcement the Gippsland Stars will enter a VNL Championship team, Ms Solomon is looking forward to being exposed to a higher standard of professionalism and soak in the knowledge from other championship players.

The 2024 FedAwards were held at the Federation University Mt Helen Campus on November 11.