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Burdekin trainee recognised after standout year
For Nicole Cervoni, the Burdekin Library was the place she had dreamed of working since she was 11 years old. Now, the 19-year-old from Millaroo has turned that childhood goal into award recognition, named a finalist for the Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards North Region.
Nicole Cervoni completed her Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) through TAFE Queensland while undertaking a traineeship with Burdekin Shire Council, finishing her studies two months early.
In the same year, she launched a Digital Mentors program, ran community Cricut workshops, was elected Burdekin Youth Mayor, represented the Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club in the Burdekin Water Festival, was named the 2025 Burdekin Young Citizen of the Year and was awarded the 2025 TAFE Queensland Gold Coast Trainee of the Year Award
For Nicole, each achievement has been driven by the same motivation: helping others and giving back to the community that raised her.
Her interest in the traineeship started after seeing a family friend complete the same pathway at the library.
“I remember thinking it was the coolest job,” Nicole said. “From then on, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to work at the library, help people and be part of something that mattered to the community.”
While studying at Burdekin Catholic High School, Nicole completed work experience at the library, joined the local youth council and made herself known to library and council staff before applying for the traineeship.
Once in the role, she quickly became known for her energy, initiative and ability to connect with people of all ages.
“My favourite part was always helping people,” she said. “Whether it was through the library, Youth Council or community events, I loved being able to support people and give back in a practical way.”
That mindset led Nicole to create practical solutions for library customers, including a local Justice of the Peace contact list after noticing how often people called the library looking for support outside regular JP hours.
Nicole said combining her TAFE Queensland studies with hands-on experience at Burdekin Shire Council helped her build workplace skills and confidence.
“Being able to put what I was learning into practice made such a difference,” she said. “I had colleagues I could learn from, ask questions and test ideas with, and that helped me grow so much faster.”
Nicole said the traineeship came during a major transition from school into full-time work and study, but strong support from her workplace helped her stay focused.
“Leaving school and stepping into full-time work and study was a big adjustment,” she said. “But I never felt like I had to do it on my own. I was fortunate enough to receive unwavering support from my family, friends and the Council and library teams.”
Her leadership extended well beyond the library counter.
As Burdekin Youth Mayor, Nicole helped represent young people across the region, while her Burdekin Water Festival involvement saw her raise about $3,000 for the Home Hill-Ayr Lions Club.
She said those experiences reflected the community spirit she grew up with in Millaroo.
“Everything I’ve been able to do comes back to the people around me,” Nicole said. “My family, my colleagues, my friends and my community have always shown up for me, and that makes me want to show up for others.
Nicole now lives in Townsville, where she is studying a Bachelor of Education at James Cook University. Long term, she hopes to use her experience, leadership and passion for community to help create positive change in education.
“I want to be in a position where I can help people and make meaningful change in the education system,” she said. “I want to gain experience, understand what needs changing, and use my voice to help make things better.”