“I want to be involved in creating big changes within the structural factors which cause domestic violence,” she said. 

The 24-year-old won the 2017 North Coast Achievement Award at the North Coast Training Awards.

The award acknowledges the high achievement of a student who demonstrated commitment to their vocation. 

She was one of six winning TAFE NSW students across seven categories awarded at the event at the Byron Theatre in Byron Bay on June 16. 

Ms Denham completed a Diploma of Community Services at TAFE NSW Port Macquarie in 2016. 

Ms Denham said people who make jokes about the traditional roles of women should be called out for their behaviour. 

“They have to understand they might be harmless jokes but they have a big impact in contributing to the issue,” she said. 

As a single mum Ms Denhan said she chose to study at TAFE NSW as a pathway back into studying.

Ms Denham said it was tough to juggle her commitments to study and also that of her family life. 

“It was hard to find that balance at first,” she said. 

Ms Denham said during her studies she gained confidence within herself and received incredible support from teachers and peers.

For as long as Ms Denham can remember social and community work has been a huge passion and a driving force in her life.  

In 2017 as part of her Charles Sturt University placement at Create Space Ms Denham will undertake a social norms campaign for preventing violence against women and girls. 

TAFE NSW North Region regional general manager Elizabeth McGregor said all the staff at TAFE NSW Port Macquarie were very proud of Ms Denham.

“Jessica thoroughly deserves this recognition,” she said.

“She decided what she wants to be and has gone for it with great ambition and passion.”

The North Coast Training Awards recognise outstanding achievement in vocational education and training on the North Coast from Taree to Tweed Heads and are part of the statewide NSW Training Awards for 2017.