ACPA applauds QLD Training Awards finalists
Announcement posted by Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts 30 Jun 2017
The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) is thrilled to announce two successful nominations in the 2017 Queensland Training Awards (metropolitan region).
Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) student David Biondi-Odo has been named as a regional finalist in the category of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.
Music Head of Department Nathaniel Andrew has been named as a regional finalist in the category of VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year.
The Queensland Training Awards, run by the Department of Education and Training, celebrate the state's top training achievers. A panel of representatives from business, industry and the public sector reviewed over 800 nominations across 14 categories to select just three finalists for each category.
“We are very proud to see David and Nathaniel receive such public recognition for their personal efforts to enrich the experience and reputation of the Queensland performing arts community,” said ACPA CEO, Dr Dimitri Kopanakis.
“David’s story was featured on the ABC’s 7.30 Report last December. In August, he was selected as one of 12 Indigenous dancers from around the world for a scholarship to study at the Banff Centre in Canada, where his performance was described by The Calgary Herald as ‘shockingly mature.’
“Nathaniel’s students have benefited enormously from his international experience and very personable teaching style. He has lifted the professionalism of students considerably since joining ACPA in 2014,” Dr Kopanakis said.
Regional winners will be named in July, and shortlisted for the announcement of state winners at the prestigious Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner on Friday 1 September.
The state winners for each category will represent Queensland at the Australian Training Awards in November.
More details about David and Nathaniel’s involvement with ACPA can be viewed on the Centre’s website: www.acpa.edu.au
Further information about the Queensland Training Awards can be found here: https://training.qld.gov.au/qta/home