As National Reconciliation Week draws to a close, St Aloysius College Cronulla student Matilda Thearle has made history as the first Allied Health school-based Aboriginal trainee at Sydney Local Health District. 

The Year 12 student is completing a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance through placements at Balmain Hospital and Forest Lodge Child and Family Health Centre, gaining hands-on experience across a range of health disciplines. 

The traineeship has seen Matilda named a finalist in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category at the 2026 NSW Training Awards, with winners announced on 4 June. 

“It’s just so rewarding to be able to help patients get back to doing daily activities and to see them gain confidence,” Matilda said. “My plan is to continue doing Allied Health Assistance as a job when I finish school.” 

A proud Badjiri woman whose family ties trace back to Cunnamulla in south-west Queensland, Matilda also travelled to Victoria last weekend to compete at the Australian Indigenous Surf Titles at Bells Beach, placing fourth in the Open Women’s division. 

“I feel really proud that I can represent at such a high level, not only as an athlete but also as a proud young Aboriginal woman,” she said. 

For Matilda, Indigenous sporting events are about far more than competition. Through them she has built friendships, strengthened her connection to culture and gained a deeper understanding of Aboriginal communities across Australia.  

Participating in smoking ceremonies before competitions connects her to the land and waterways where she surfs. 

Away from competition, she also coaches surfers of all ages at Cronulla Surfing Academy. 

Yvette Kennedy, Instructional Leader Pathways and Partnerships at St Aloysius College said Matilda had shaped her educational journey with real purpose.  

“She has taken ownership of …