Staff Writers

Empowering Indigenous leadership starts with strong foundations, and for Kit Hawes, that foundation began at Ayers Rock Resort through the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA).

The NITA program blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, offering trainees the opportunity to work at both Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, two iconic locations for their traineeships.

Now a proud NITA graduate, Kit has come full circle. She works as Education Support and Training Coordinator at the resort, guiding the next generation of trainees.

Kit was recently named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the 2025 GTNT Group Awards, a proud moment for NITA and the wider community.

The awards celebrate apprentices, trainees, supervisors, and businesses who go above and beyond in training and development.

Her journey is one of more than 750 NITA success stories, each representing a meaningful step forward in Indigenous empowerment and career development.

The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, offering placements at the Cultural Centre and with local partners such as Back Country Bliss, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.

With strong community support and passionate students like Kit, the NITA program continues to build brighter futures.