A group of inspiring young leaders have been recognised for their efforts to further their careers.

Malakai Warner, Miriyan Sandy, Cody Hamilton, Jyleeah Green and Karla Saunders – all graduates of HBNC’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) Hospitality Training Program – won the Young Leaders Award at this year’s NAIDOC Awards.

This category recognises young people who act as role models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, through employment, sport, education or training.

SQW project officer, Lesa Stagg, nominated the group.

In her nomination submission, Lesa said the group members were “future leaders and a true testament to this year’s NAIDOC theme – Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up.

“The students started their 14-week course in February 2022 and I can proudly say that all have successfully completed their Certificate II in Hospitality,” Lesa said.

“These students were so determined to complete their course. Each week, I witnessed their growth in confidence, their openness to working together as a team and their resilience to continue on through struggles.

“They supported each other to ensure they all completed their goals and stayed on task. They are a true inspiration to all of us.”