2024 Award Winners

Our volunteers and their exceptional contributions to the community were recognised at the annual University's Volunteer Achievement Awards on Thursday 5 December. Congratulations to all those nominated in 2024.

Student Volunteer of the Year

A photo of Alex Nguyen accepting award from Provost John Williams AM

Alex Nguyen receives her 2024 Student VolunteerÌýof the Year from Acting Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor John Wiliams AM.

Alex Nguyen has volunteered for more than 300 hours across twelve programs for The University of ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É. Three volunteer coordinators noted her extraordinary level of commitment and professionalism in her roles. As a member of theÌý, Alex's highlight was elevating the University’s image by guiding Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador during their recent visit to ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, earning 2,500+ views on government social media.

Through her role with the International Student Ambassador Volunteer Program, on behalf of the Future Students Team, Alex's contributions extended beyond routine duties. She took a proactive approach to peer mentoring, program improvement, and knowledge sharing, initiating a resource hub for sharing best practice, positively contributing to the improved confidence and capabilities of newer team members.

In 2024 Alex won a National Student Volunteer Week Advocate role. She capitalised on her roles in the Community Volunteering Advisory Committee and the Community Volunteer Program, to launch two campus-based events, along with tirelessly interviewing volunteers for social media campaigns, spreading the word about volunteering.

Community Volunteer Group of the Year

Talking with Aussies community volunteer group

Tamra Purton (holding certificate) next to Provost John Williams AM, alongside the dedicated volunteers of the Talking with Aussies Program

The Program has been serving international students for 29 years, most recently averaging 4,000 hours of voluntary contributions per year.

In 2024, 130 dedicated volunteers tailored various activities to support their international students, including walks, coffee chats, also group excursions such as visits to cultural centres.ÌýThese dedicated volunteers understand their responsibilities as the ‘safe’ people who support vulnerable international students; however, they also value that the sharing and learning is mutually beneficial.

Tamra Purton has coordinated this popular program which receives ongoing praise through student feedback indicating that participants appreciate the cultural immersion opportunities, building their understanding of another culture, and the growth in their self-confidence.

Student Volunteer Group of the Year

The Academic Integrity student group

Claudia Gottwald (holding certificate) next to Provost John Williams AM, alongside the volunteers of the Academic Integrity Ambassadors Program

Since mid-2022 Ms Claudia Gottwald has led the Academic Integrity Ambassador Program, invigorating enthusiasm about the topic through the wonderful work of 25 volunteers, who have given more than 375 hours over the last two-years. They have hosted Academic Integrity Awareness Week, conducted class visits, hub stalls, also supporting events, colloquiums, and panels, in addition to creating educational resources.

Recently, these dedicated ambassadors demonstrated their self-motivation by coordinating their own participation and being present for the whole of the key event of the year, running well-attended games and pop-up stalls for Academic Integrity Awareness Week.

Ms Gottwald, an avid promoter of academic integrity, has gained recognition at eight conferences, receiving award commendations, a conference grant, also leading the establishment of a Student Academic Integrity Champion International Network.

Volunteer Project of the Year

The recipients of the Volunteer Project of the Year award

Claudia Welsh, John Williams AM, and the volunteers of Children’s University

With such warm sm