2023 Rob Riley Memorial Prize awarded to Vasse student Reilly Cockbain

A Vasse student studying at the Cape Naturaliste College is one of WA’s top two performing Aboriginal public school students who has received the 2023 Rob Riley Memorial Prize. Education Minister Tony Buti announced Cape Naturaliste College graduate Reilly Cockbain as the 2023 recipient of the ATAR prize and Melville Senior High School graduate Lailah Frazer as the 2023 VET prize winner. “Congratulations to Reilly and Lailah on being awarded the prestigious Rob Riley Memorial Prize,” Dr Buti said. “These highly deserving recipients have shown dedication to their studies throughout their secondary schooling. “I look forward to following their journeys as they embark on further education and training endeavours.” The Rob Riley Memorial Prize is awarded to the highest achieving Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Aboriginal students in public schools. Reilly from Vasse studied economics, geography, maths applications and English in Year 12. He also completed general business management and enterprise and achieved an ATAR of 95.9. “I’ve been reading about Rob Riley and he is a really inspirational leader and true advocate for indigenous people,” he said. “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award and I will carry on his legacy. “This was a very emotional moment for both my parents and me.” After leaving Cape Naturaliste College, Reilly is taking a gap year in 2024 with plans to travel. He will be working in the interim and plans to attend university next year to study economics and possibly political science, but would like to see what inspires him on his travels. Cape Naturaliste College principal Rob Nail spoke highly of Reilly’s success. “This award is a reflection of the determination, dedication and perseverance he showcased throughout his schooling years,” Mr Nail said. “The staff of Cape Naturaliste College, along with the wider community, are exceptionally proud of Reilly and we are delighted to see his achievements celebrated through the Rob Riley Memorial Prize. “Reilly is a talented, kind and humble young man who has left a wonderful and lasting legacy at the College.” Prize winners received $5000 each to further their education and training, a copy of Rob Riley’s biography and a certificate. The Rob Riley Memorial Prize is named in honour of the late Aboriginal human rights advocate.