Inspirational Jaz plans to care for Country

BY SHANELLA MAJID

Student, graduate, apprentice and award winner Jasmine Williams says Pele helps to inspire and motivate her as she works towards her five-year plan.

She hoped, in that future, to be working in land rehabilitation for mines in either Weipa or Western Australia.

“I really like to take care of my country and hope to give my share back to my mob,” Jasmine – also known as Jaz – said.

The youngest daughter of Stanley Fujii and Jasmine Williams Snr, Jaz said she was proud of her multicultural background.

She said her mother’s side was Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, PNG, Welsh (UK), Vanuatuan, Italian and Malaysian, and her father’s side was Torres Strait Islander, Japanese and Samoan.

Jaz identified as a proud Wuthathi

(Shelbourne Bay), Wagadagam (Mabuiag Island), Thabu (Saibai Island), Argun (Badu Island), Dheoyboy (Boigu Island) and Buzi (PNG) young women.

Last year – the year she graduated from Western Cape College (WCC) in Weipa as school captain – she was a finalist in not one, but two Queensland Training Awards categories.

She won the Tropical North Queensland Region School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award and the Tropical North Queensland Region Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.

She was also nominated for the 2022 Western Cape Apprentice and Trainee Award in Weipa last October.

In 2020 she was the year 10 School Ambassador at WCC and the following year earned herself a two-year, school-based traineeship with Rio Tinto, MRAEL and TAFE Queensland, while still studying at school and doing work experience with Rio Tinto Land and Rehabilitation team.

“My dream job is to work within the land and rehabilitation work area to help care and look after my country after mining,” she said. on 4069 1586.

She already has a Cert lll in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, a Diploma in Business, a Cert ll in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, a Cert ll in Tourism, and Certs ll and lll in Sports and Recreation.

She will be studying for her Bachelor of Environmental Science at Griffith University in Brisbane for the next three years.

“My biggest support and inspiration is my family and past Rio Tinto work colleagues,” she said.

“In five years’, time I hope to be working with the land and rehabilitation team in Weipa or Western Australia.

Her family and friends are proud of her achievements and wish her the best in the upcoming years.

“I hope my achievements and recognitions inspire other young youths to aim high and achieve their goals, no matter how big they may be, and always remember to be proud of where you come from,” she said.

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