University of Newcastle Disability Liaison Officer Michelle Vincent and recent graduate Carli Westmore have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and contributions to education and training with awards from the Central Coast Pathways Committee.

Ms Vincent has been presented with the Contribution to Aboriginal Education Award for her commitment to supporting Indigenous students through the Gibalee Centre and the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS). She has also been recognised for her ability to motivate and strengthen students' desires to achieve, and her ability to connect with Indigenous students on a personal and professional level.

Ms Westmore has received the Outstanding Achievement Award for her dedication to achieving her academic goals in the face of significant adversity. Three years ago she relocated from her family home in the country to study at the Central Coast campus and struggled through isolation, homesickness and a taxing study load. Despite the challenges, Ms Westmore recently completed her Bachelor of Oral Health degree and has now secured a place in the University's Bachelor of Medicine degree program.

The Central Coast Pathways Committee established these awards in 2002 to engage and encourage Aboriginal students and the community to continue their educational journey, identify pathways to realise their educational aspirations and contribute to Aboriginal education on the Central Coast.