School traineeship to training award finalist

Christopher Xegas introduction to aged care has seen him catapulted to the regional training awards happening tonight (Friday, June 20).

The Year 12 student from The Oaks, who attends Campbelltown Performing Arts High School is a finalist for School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the aged care sector. Some have said he is a “rising star”.

The teenager is doing a school-based traineeship with Carrington Centennial Care in Camden while studying a Certificate III in Individual Support through UOW College – while also completing his Year 12 studies.

 “I didn’t expect to find myself in aged care, but once I saw the opportunity, it just made sense,” Christopher said.

“I love being able to brighten someone’s day and help them feel valued. I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

The NSW Training Awards, presented by the NSW Department of Education’s Training Services, recognise the achievements of VET students, apprentices, trainees, and educators across the state.

Winners from Friday’s event will go on to represent the Southern & South Western Sydney Region at the state awards in September – a special year marking the 70th anniversary of the program.

Christopher’s story highlights how a VET pathway can lead to a meaningful and rewarding career.

His dedication to his training was very much noticed by those around him.

“Looking back, I’m really proud of how much I’ve grown, not just in my skills, but in how I handle challenges and work under pressure,” he said.

“Being named a finalist shows me that I’m excelling in my role and that the effort I’ve put in is making a real impact. It’s a big confidence boost and motivates me to keep going.”

Kim Butler, SBAT engagement officer, commended Christopher's remarkable ability to juggle the demands of school, training, and work.

“What stood out about Chris was his ability to stay on top of everything – his schoolwork, his training, and his work,” Ms Butler said.

“That dedication made him an obvious choice for this nomination,” she said.

Rosemarie Vujcic, head teacher of Pathways and careers adviser at Campbelltown Performing Arts High School, said the traineeship has seen Christopher’s natural affinity for the role develop along with his confidence.

“It’s clear this experience has solidified his passion for care work – he’s now focused on becoming a registered nurse,” Ms Vujcic said.

“We nominated Chris because of his exceptional commitment to his training and future career.

“Being named a finalist in the NSW Training Awards is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and determination.”

Campbelltown Performing Arts High School Principal Leah McKeown said Chris’ inspires others to see that there’s more than one pathway to a rewarding future.

Science educator’s enthusiasm rewarded

Retired from university teaching many years ago, Dr Deidre Tronson, fascination with science hasn’t diminished. In fact, she still revels in asking “why” and it’s that enthusiasm that has seen her receive an Order of Australia (OAM) for services to science education.

“I am gobsmacked,” was Dr Tronson’s reaction when hearing of her OAM award.

“It’s an honour.”

Dr Tronson, from Werombi, who completed her undergraduate degree in 1969 has had a productive career until her retirement in 2000 – but she never wanted to sit and wile away the years. She wanted to keep her curiosity alive.

The Science in Schools Scheme, which she’s been involved in at Camden Public School since 2009, allows her to continue sharing her love of science and everything it has to offer.

She is part of a team that’s teaches primary school aged students keen on the sciences – methods and process and an added bonus is the science expo. It’s where the youngsters’ show case their comprehension both in theory and practice. Dr Tronson said the students love it as well as the school community.

She reinforces that “science equals thinking” as well as communication.

“It’s being able to understand what’s going on around us – the world and nature – just a little bit.

“I still like to find out things; it’s curiosity.”

She never tires of it and is also learning from the students who sometimes extend her expertise.

Along with her other team member, Dr Tronson uses her research skills to find information and help the students.

“And we all learn more [as well].”

She is grateful for the acknowledgement of the award and to everyone who has “listened and read” her work and gone on that bit further by doing so.

“I hope I have helped them along.”

Dr Tronson achievements also include:

Western Sydney University Lecturer/Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Technology, 1988-2004; Co-Supervisor, post-graduate students in Natural Products Research, 2000-2008;

Supervisor, various high school science workshops, 1990-2019;

Honorary Adjunct Fellow, Centre of Plant and Food Sciences, 2005-2008;

Presenter, various science education conferences, 1996-2007, and;

 Developer, tutor training programs, 1996-2004. Science Education.

She is also a Royal Australian Chemical Institute Fellow.

Other milestones include:

Member, Western Sydney Section, since 1998;

Examiner, Annual Honours Prize, Western Sydney Section, 2005-2013, and;

Co-Recipient, Vice Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Western Sydney, 2002.

She is also an author who has contributed to various media science journals and HSC textbooks.

“Absolute honour” for neonatal champion

Miracles Baby co-founder Kylie Pussell said it was an “absolute honour to be awarded an Order of Australia Medal” for her service to community health, particularly through neonatal support.

 “Making positive change and impact for all lives impacted by a premature or sick birth in the neonatal community is a privilege and to be acknowledged for this warms my heart and makes me very proud,” Ms Pussell from Harrington Park said. 

“As a result of my own personal experiences, my heartbreak and joy, to navigating parenting in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and beyond, I am extremely passionate in helping other families through this traumatic time and helping our babies and families thrive.”

She describes herself as “mum to three surviving miracle babies”.

Ms Pussell suffered a miscarriage, losing her twins 16 weeks into her pregnancy. She would have another pregnancy giving birth to her daughter Madeline at 30 weeks – it was when Ms Pussell was diagnosed with cervical incompetence. It is a condition that causes premature birth or the loss of a healthy pregnancy. Her baby daughter was cared for in Liverpool Hospital’s NICU for six weeks.

Two years later, following a further miscarriage, Ms Pussell delivered twins at just 25 weeks. Both were resuscitated at birth and cared for by the NICU. Her son, Marcus, passed away due to complications from his extreme prematurity.

Her daughter Scarlet required ventilation and surgery – she was also cared for in the NICU at Liverpool and Westmead Children’s Hospital.

Ms Pussell went on to have another child. Her son Liam was born at 38 weeks through planned c-section.

The committed advocate’s list of accomplishments also include:

Miracle Babies Foundation, Chief Executive Officer, since 2017; Secretary, 2009-2017; Co-Founder, 2005;

GLANCE: Global Alliance for Newborn Care, Member, Chair Committee, since 2019, Foundation Committee Member, since 2017, Founding Committee Member, 2019;

Working Group Member, ICHOM Preterm and Hospitalized Neonates Standard Set, 2019- 2020;

Former Member, Perinatal Palliative Care Special Interest Group, Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand.

She is also a Life Member, coach and former president, Camden RSL Netball Club, since 2011.