Congratulations to the successful nominees in the University of Newcastle's Faculty of Business and Law Excellence in External Engagement Staff Awards 2013.

Introduced for the first time this year, the awards are designed to reward outstanding staff performance and are a reflection of the Faculty's commitment to external engagement. Nominations were open to all academic and professional staff in the Faculty.

Two team nominations have taken out the awards in recognition of outstanding staff performance in external engagement during 2012.

Michael Seamer and Catherine Seamer have taken out the award for their engagement work in connection with the Newcastle Business School Year 11 Business Plan Challenge. Since its launch ten years ago, Michael and Catherine have been the driving force behind this very effective outreach activity and valuable channel for building community partnerships.

The competition offers prize money and scholarships to the value of $14,000 and has grown from a base of around twelve local schools to the current 700 strong state-wide school database that annually receives notification of the event.

The second award goes to Jacquie Svenson, Sarah Breusch, Colin James, Shaun McCarthy, Daniel Matas and Felicity Wardhaugh in connection with the Law on the Beach initiative and Evening Advice sessions operated by the University of Newcastle Legal Centre.

Since its inception in 2004, Law on the Beach has responded to the community's need for accessible advice on legal problems. The Evening Advice sessions staffed by volunteer private solicitors also provide free legal advice. Both initiatives provide students with a valuable engaged learning experience and have created a mutually positive impact between the University of Newcastle Legal Centre and its external partners, in particular the Newcastle legal fraternity.

Both winning teams will have the opportunity to celebrate with colleagues and friends at the Faculty's upcoming Prize Giving Ceremony on 4 June, when they will be presented with their Certificates of Award.