The University of Newcastle, Australia

Finalists for the 2011 University of Newcastle Leadership Award that recognises emerging young leaders in business and the community have been announced.

The six finalists from the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid-North Coast have a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship to provide education and training opportunities to develop their leadership skills at the Chancellor’s Dinner to be held this week.

As part of the selection process each finalist was asked to make a three minute presentation on ways to improve the future of the Hunter for the benefit of its community. Some of the topics covered included ways to improve the mental and physical health of the region, how a fast train between Newcastle and Sydney would improve tourism and the impact of intergenerational learning on the Mid-North Coast.

Leadership Award selection panel chair Professor Tim Roberts, said the finalists exhibited initiative, creativity and commitment in their professional and community lives.

“The Leadership Award seeks to contribute to the future leadership of our region. Investing in our young people today will reap great rewards for the community tomorrow.”

An Encouragement Award worth $3,000 will be presented to a finalist. The award is sponsored by FordCommm.

The finalists are:

Mary-Louise Clifford, Founding Director, Glenning Valley Child Care
From the Central Coast, Ms Clifford is also the Business Manager for the Oakdowns Early Learning Centre located in Hobart, Tasmania. She is a passionate advocate for families, equality and children and believes her leadership role lies in educating the community about representation, equity and the importance of early childhood education.

Trudi McCaul, Home and Community Care Team Leader, UnitingCare Ageing
From the Mid-North Coast, Ms McCaul believes in creating strong partnerships and networks to enhance service delivery in the home and community care sector. In her role she endeavours to enrich the lives of clients, their carers, families and her team. Ms McCaul’s programs have been adapted to community-based programs and residential aged care across New South Wales.

Professor Philip Morgan, School of Education, University of Newcastle
Professor Morgan’s vision for 2020 is a healthier Hunter community, both physically and mentally. He believes access to quality education, gender equality and physical activity are the vehicles for contributing to change. Professor Morgan’s work has had a major impact on community health, demonstrating that evidence-based programs can reduce the burden of disease and improving the quality of life of families.

Roderick Smith, Lawyer, Evescourt
Mr Smith is the Director and Chairperson of Renew Newcastle. He is a dedicated advocate of the organisation promoting urban renewal in Newcastle through the creative arts and small businesses. In addition to his voluntary involvement with Renew Newcastle, Mr Smith operates a legal practice. He is also a musician and has released an album of his music.

Hugh Thomson, Lawyer, Daracon Group
Mr Thomson has made a diverse contribution to the Hunter community, from fostering local youth to participating in community service programs, sport and politics. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Hunter Live Network, plays basketball for the Newcastle Hunters, mentors secondary students in the ABA Ambassador Program and is President of Newcastle branch of the NSW Liberal Party.

Rebecca Wilson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Newcastle Airport
Ms Wilson is the Chair of Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) PULSE committee that organises and hosts events to raise money for the institute’s early career health and medical researchers. In 2010 she was awarded the Young Achiever in Tourism Award by Hunter Central Coast Tourism in recognition of her contribution to campaigns marketing the region.

The winner of the 2011 University of Newcastle Leadership Award will be announced at the Chancellor’s Dinner on Thursday 21 July.

For interviews with Professor Tim Roberts, Leadership Award finalists or for more information about the award contact University of Newcastle Media and PR Officer Media and PR Officer Leonie Brann on 02 4921 6856 or 0448 898 813.