A young Aboriginal graduate from Central Australia has marked a career milestone beneath one of the country's most significant cultural landscapes.

Aggie Saunders, a 2022 Follow the Dream graduate from St Philip's College in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, was among 28 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees to graduate from the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) at 'Ayres Rock Resort' (a renowned hotel near Uluṟu).

Ms Saunders received a Certificate III in Hospitality and Tourism, a nationally recognised qualification that prepares graduates for employment in tourism hubs such as Yulara, as well as opportunities across Australia.

The graduation ceremony coincided with the Governor-General's visit to the Northern Territory and formed part of events marking the 40th anniversary of the historic handback of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa to Aṉangu in 1985.

Proceedings began with an Inma performance led by Aṉangu leaders, grounding the ceremony in culture while acknowledging the achievements of the graduating cohort.

Since 2011, NITA — delivered in partnership with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia — has supported more than 760 First Nations young people through culturally grounded training programs that combine practical skills with wrap-around wellbeing support.

Surrounded by family, community leaders, trainers and guests, Ms Saunders was congratulated on her achievement, and celebrated as part of a growing cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people building careers in Australia's tourism and hospitality sectors.