Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has been appointed as an inaugural First Nations Education Ambassador, sharing the honour with Adelaide's Wayne Milera as part of an AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) and Torrens University Australia (TUA) joint initiative.
Within the role, the proud Kokatha/Narangga man will help to highlight the importance of university education for all players during and after their professional sporting careers, allowing individuals to thrive and successfully transition into life after football.
Wanganeen-Milera is currently studying a Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) at Torrens University Australia, in tandem with his role at the Tjindu Foundation, which works to create positive and long-term change for Indigenous children across South Australia through cultural education.
"I’m very much enjoying studying TUA’s Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) and developing my skills outside of footy," Wanganeen-Milera said.
Since 2020, the partnership between the AFLPA and TUA has seen over 100 enrolments from AFLPA members in TUA courses.
"It’s imperative we continue to support and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who make our game great," AFLPA Acting CEO Regan Bunny said.
"It’s equally important that we invest in providing development opportunities for our members so they can grow as people and as professionals away from the field.
"Wayne and Nasiah are incredibly deserving of this opportunity, and we’re thrilled this partnership is helping them on their journeys. We’d like to thank Torrens University Australia for their continued support and helping create opportunities for our members."
Wanganeen-Milera is currently thriving on and off the field, playing all but one game for St Kilda this year to further cement himself as one of the competition's brightest young talents.
"We are honoured to support Wayne Milera and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as First Nations Ambassadors," Torrens University Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Dominique Parrish said.
"Their commitment to education and their communities is truly inspiring, and we are proud to play a role in their academic and professional development.
"Our partnership with the AFLPA reflects our dedication to providing accessible education and fostering leadership among our First Nations people. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and create lasting impact."