It is evident where Khyleesha, one of Kildare's College Captains for 2022, gets her strong leadership skills and passion for social justice from, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Last week, Vicky Welgraven, a proud Adnyamathanha woman from the Northern Flinders Ranges SA (Khyleesha's mother), was honoured in the ‘Australia Day 2022 Honours List’ and appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for ‘Significant Service to Women through Social Welfare Organisations, and to Indigenous Health’. Vicky is an advocate and champion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) women, ensuring their interests are represented and their voices are heard.
“My mum has always inspired me to be an advocate for change and to lead by example; it is amazing to see her rewarded for all her hard work,” Khyleesha said. “I am so proud of her as a woman, a mother and a leader. She inspires me every day to be the best person I can be.”
In her leadership role as College Captain, Khyleesha hopes to foster a safe and friendly community with strong spirit, support and connectedness. Taking learnings from her mother's work, Khyleesha hopes to inspire future leaders within Kildare College and to teach and inspire our current generation of students.
Vicky said, "I have always believed that women should have a voice and be represented. I am honoured to have been recognised so publicly for the work that I do. The fact that Khyleesha, in her role as College Captain, can now also empower and enact change, I could not be more excited for her future and those of her peers."
Vicky has an extensive biography of achievements and is the first South Australian Aboriginal woman to be appointed to the role of Australia Day Ambassador. Her achievements are nothing short of incredible and we are honoured to have Vicky involved in the Kildare College community. Her powerful and heartfelt messages have had a positive impact on staff and students.
