Indigenous Student of the Year – Jett Charles
Jett Charles is a proud Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba man whose achievements reflect the power of education to advance self-determination and social justice. His academic success during his Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal) has been complemented by his leadership in cultural contextualisation projects and thoughtful advocacy.
Jett represented RMIT on the Global Citizenship Challenge study tour in Vietnam, demonstrating his capacity to apply cultural insight and leadership skills on an international stage while advocating for inclusive, global learning.
Jett models integrity, inclusion and service and his authentic and reflective approach in the classroom have helped foster a genuine culture of respect within the program.
VE Student of the Year Award – Jacob Sigabalavu
Jacob Sigabalavu is a Diploma of Project Management student who demonstrates academic excellence, discipline and applied leadership. As a student, Jacob has consistently produced high-quality work that integrates project-management theory with real-world community impact.
Described by his teachers as ‘humble, reflective and motivated to apply every new concept to tangible social outcomes’, Jacob not only excels within his study at RMIT but in the broader community with national youth advisory and governance roles.
As a Youth Advisor for Youth Enterprises Australia, he has worked collaboratively on projects that developed employment pathways and engagement strategies for young people facing disadvantage.
His inclusive leadership is demonstrated through his work with the Victorian Social Cohesion Youth Reference Group and as Vice President of the Fijian Community Association of Victoria, where he facilitates dialogue across diverse cultural groups and builds partnerships between community organisations and government agencies.
Jacob is an exceptional representative of not only RMIT, but of the broader Victorian VET sector.
Reflecting on his win, Jacob said “I am still somewhat shocked to have won this prestigious award and have never seen my parents so happy and proud. It has been fulfilling being able to learn from such supportive RMIT staff who value student-focused collaborative learning.”
As for his notes for anyone considering vocational education as an option, Jacob advises, “Don't be afraid to take the next step in your academic career; dream big and get involved in something you're interested in or passionate about.”
