A beauty student who learnt her trade in the red centre is one step away from taking on the worlds' best in a competition in China after being named as a member of the Skillaroos.
The Skillsaroos is the Australian International WorldSkills team, who competes against 89 other countries for the title of the world's most skilled country at an international competition every two years.
Last week, Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE Beauty Therapy student Alesandria (Sandria) Tipi travelled to Canberra and attended a special ceremony at Parliament house where she was announced as one of the 39 students in the 2026 Skillaroos.
Sandria is the only member of the 2026 squad from the Northern Territory and will be in the running to compete with Team Australia at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai next year.
Sandria said it is an accolade that she wasn't expecting but feels honoured and excited to get to represent the NT and hopefully Australia.
"Honestly I didn't expect to be where I am right now, I feel really lucky to be given this opportunity," Sandria said.
"I am really looking forward to the next year, I will continue to push myself beyond my comfort zone, hone my skills and I am excited to see how far I progress."
From the age of thirteen Sandria Tipi knew she wanted to work in the beauty industry.
When her family moved to Alice Springs from Auckland New Zealand, she started her apprenticeship, at the age of 17, and enrolled at CDU TAFE Alice Springs Campus.
Now just over a year later her passion for beauty and perfecting her skills are shining on a potential international level.
CDU TAFE Beauty Therapy Lecturer Ella Adami is not only Sandria'a teacher but also her Beauty Therapy mentor, Sandria said it is Ms Adami's encouragement that has enabled her to get this far.
"Without her constant support and encouragement to try new things and to compete at the Regional WorldSkills competition and additionally support while preparing for the National Competition in Brisbane, I wouldn't be where I am now," she said.
"I am grateful for everyone's support and belief in me, especially my family and my mentor."
Over the next year Sandria will undertake an intensive training program focusing on upskilling, professionally and personally through master classes, mentorship and lots of practice in hopes of getting to represent Australia internationally, which will be announced in March 2026.
CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive TAFE Michael Hamilton said this is a monumental achievement for a small TAFE and a testament to the skills and training offered at CDU TAFE.
"It is a privilege to be able to showcase the talent we have from the NT, we are all so proud of Sandria," Mr Hamilton said.
"All of CDU is looking forward to watching her journey to hopefully that international stage and beyond."
