Aboriginal Territorian and aspiring health researcher Jahdai Vigona received a big rap from his boss.

Professor James Smith of Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin, the nation’s leader in Aboriginal and tropical health research, described him as, an ‘amazing young man’.

He said the 20-year-old Tiwi Islander already had a publication track record as a respected Aboriginal researcher ‘that you would expect to find among someone twice his age’.

And that he was making a significant contribution to health and wellbeing projects relating to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males through his role as a project assistant with the Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing.

Jahdai was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the NT Training Awards.

He began working in community services and health research because he wanted to help bring about positive change for Aboriginal people.

He has completed a Certificate III in Community Services and is now working towards a Certificate II in Community Health Research (Monitoring and Evaluation).

And while studying, he works on social and emotional wellbeing projects relating to Aboriginal mental health, alcohol and gambling.

Jahdai’s understanding of Aboriginal people has helped him change the way Menzies conducts research on Aboriginal communities.

An unexpected spin-off of his hard work is that he has become an in-demand public speaker.

He visits communities and schools on behalf of the Bridging the Gap Foundation to talk about Aboriginal health, particularly the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, and the dangers of drink driving.

Jahdai said he has received strong support from Menzies and registered training organisation GTNT.

“I am very well connected with my community and extended family,” he said. “Having family in the community makes me proud in seeing them witness my work and social achievements.

“I know the work that I am doing makes my family proud.”