Western Australia

Top Aboriginal public school students awarded

22/02/2018 3:45 PM
• Winners of the Rob Riley Memorial Prize announced
• Ashley Maroney and Kienan Davis to receive $5,000 each for further training
Two of Western Australia's top performing Aboriginal students have been named the winners of
the 2017 Rob Riley Memorial Prize.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery today announced John Curtin College of the Arts
graduate Ashley Maroney as the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) prize winner, and
Belmont City College graduate Kienan Davis as the Vocational Education and Training (VET)
prize winner.
The Rob Riley Memorial Prize is named in honour of the late Aboriginal human rights advocate
and is awarded to the top performing Aboriginal students in public schools.
Ashley will study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and International Relations, at
The University of Western Australia before going on to study law.
She is a role-model for other young people as an AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring
Experience) ambassador and wants to become a politician.
Kienan achieved a number of qualifications in tourism, business and sport and recreation while
at Belmont City College and is now studying a Diploma of Nursing to fulfil his dream of
becoming a paramedic.
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"I congratulate both students on their outstanding achievements.
"Ashley has had a remarkable year with her dedication and commitment resulting in an
exceptional Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 97.4.
"Kienan has excelled in all areas of tourism and I look forward to following his journey as he
switches into nursing on his path to become a paramedic."
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
"Rob Riley was a prominent and passionate Aboriginal activist and leader who left a lasting
legacy, and receiving the Rob Riley Memorial Prize is a great honour.
"Both Ashley and Kienan have very bright futures ahead of them and should be proud of their
achievements so far."
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
Aboriginal Affairs Minister's office - 6552 5900