Elkira Wins Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Congratulations to Elkira, a proud Wakka Wakka woman, who has been named the 2026 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the South Australian Training Awards!
Elkira, Administration Assistant in Maxima’s First Nations Team, took home the award at the Gala Presentation on Friday, 11 September, capping off an incredible night for her, her family, and the Maxima team who came along to cheer her on.
“I am beyond excited, proud, and speechless!” Elkira said. “To be named as a finalist in the South Australian Training Awards was a win in itself. But to be named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year 2026 is unbelievable!”
The nerves built throughout the night as the individual award categories were announced. “When they said my name as the winner, I was so excited and in complete shock! Everyone that came to support me at my table, Maxima staff and my mum, cheered so loud in excitement for me as well,” she said. “The pride I felt walking towards the stage to accept my award was the best feeling.”
Elkira joined Maxima on an Administration Traineeship, coming from a hospitality background working in hotel reception, food and beverage, and as a barista. She had long wanted to move into administration and build a career helping people, and Maxima gave her exactly that opportunity.
“Maxima has been by far the best workplace I have worked in, and it is like a large family,” she said. “Everyone is so nice and we all have our own unique characters. This not only makes my days at work more enjoyable, but it motivates me to come in every day because I get to be around good people and a great team.”
These days, Elkira’s role centres on inducting South Australian apprentices and trainees – soon expanding nationally – along with preparing induction paperwork, managing checks and clearances, maintaining candidate databases, and handling enquiries from stakeholders across the country. “My days do get quite busy, but I love what I do, and I have a great team supporting me,” she said.
For Elkira, the recognition is about far more than a personal achievement. “This award reminds me that all the hard work, commitment, determination, and perseverance have all paid off,” she said. “It also represents all the people and organisations that have walked alongside me along the way.” The win carries weight for her community too.
“It helps me advocate to how valuable traineeships and apprenticeships are, and to show people what pathways there are out there – and they can lead to meaningful employment and life skills, especially for First Nations individuals.”
The SA Training Awards win adds to a growing list of recognitions for Elkira, including being named a Student of the Month with ACCM, a 2025 First Nations Trainee of the Year Finalist at Maxima’s own Graduation and Awards ceremony, and a 2026 Young Person of the Year Finalist at the South Australian NAIDOC Awards. But for Elkira, the people have mattered just as much as the accolades: “One of the most valuable highlights of my time at Maxima would be meeting so many amazing people and creating long-lasting friendships along the way.”
Elkira’s message to anyone considering a traineeship is simple: back yourself. “I encourage others to take that leap of faith, step out of your comfort zone, back yourself, and say yes to opportunities that come your way. You never know where it may lead you,” she said. “Traineeships and apprenticeships are a very valuable pathway to gaining a qualification, getting real world experience in a workplace, whilst also getting paid. If you do come across an issue or get a little stuck, just know you are not alone.”
Maxima extends huge congratulations to Elkira on this outstanding achievement, and to all of the 2026 SA Training Awards finalists and winners recognised on the night. Thank you also to the South Australian Skills Commission and Principal Partner Sponsor MAS National for a fabulous event celebrating the very best of vocational education and training in South Australia.
Elkira will now represent South Australia on the national stage at the 2026 Australian Training Awards.