Awarded to an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to the community or built strong links with the community through outstanding partnership and collaboration.

1. Individual: Nancy Cushing

   College of Human and Social Futures

   Associate Professor Nancy Cushing undertook a suite of activities during the COVID-19 pandemic which actively contributed to the University’s engagement priority of fostering connected communities for a more inclusive society. This was done through three strands of activity: showcasing our historians as Vice President of the NSW History Council; celebrating our people and places; and building links with the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums) sector.

2. Team: Patricia Pender, Jessica Ford, Effie Karageorgos, Kcasey McLoughlin, Kathleen McPhillips, Marie-Laure Vuaille-Barcan, Rachel Bond, Kelly Peihopa, Tracy McEwan

   Program in Gender-Based Violence Team

   The Program in Gender-Based Violence is an innovative University-community collaboration created in 2020 to investigate and act on this urgent issue. The PGBV has initiated partnerships with local service providers, community organisations, and policy makers to coordinate the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. In May 2021, they presented The Dresses of Sorrow to the Federal Government, attracting national media attention, discussion in Parliament, and the chance to effect Federal policy.

3. Team: Amanda Johnson, Rhonda Wilson, Donna Hartz

   COVID-19 Vaccination Nursing Team

   An inspiring team from the School of Nursing and Midwifery has demonstrated excellence in community collaboration and engagement, partnering with Walgett Aboriginal Medical Services (WAMS) to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Head of School and Dean of Nursing Professor Amanda Johnson, proud Wiradjuri woman Professor Rhonda Wilson, and proud Kamilaroi woman Associate Professor Donna Hartz were invited by WAMS to assist in vaccinating 500 predominantly Indigenous community members.

Awarded to an individual or team who have advanced the University’s international engagement capability and profile.

1. Individual: Andrea Coda

   College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing

   As evidence of the outstanding contribution to facilitate the University’s capability in forming new global partnerships, Dr Andrea Coda was successful in securing a European research scheme ‘2021 European research and innovation, smart specialisation strategy’(RIS3) worth AUD$4,534,328. The aim of this grant is to introduce a digital-health technology that was pioneered by Dr Coda at our University, to provide cost-effective solutions to the growing number of patients suffering with chronic disease in the ‘Bages Region’ (Central Cataluña-Spain).

2. Team: Debbie Choi, Adam Elhindi, Susan Hood, Chris Scarlett, Frank Agbola, Daphne James, Nathan Towney, Leo Dynevor, Kathleen Butler

   Waikato Priority Partnership Working Group

   Students have not been able to access in-country global experiences due to the pandemic. The Waikato Priority Partnership Working Group adopted a priority partner methodology and approached University of Waikato in New Zealand to maximise overseas exchange opportunities as part of the Life-ready Graduates strategy. 102 applications were received, double the initial target and well above pre-pandemic levels. Strong engagement by group members will provide a foundation for long-term collaboration with Waikato.

3. Team: Shree Andrew, Warrick Glynn, Vivien McComb, Praveen Kuppan, James McCoy, Petrina Mosely, Neil Singh, Ted Stein, Leanne Vaughan

   The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings Team

   The University of Newcastle achieved outstanding success in the influential 2021 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, measured against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). With a strategic process to identify actions across all 17 goals, and also to drive activity in teaching, research and engagement, the project team collaborated broadly to achieve our first ever number one global ranking, and an overall ranking of 12th in the world.

Awarded to an individual or team who have worked with industry in a way that goes beyond standard commercial relationships and have contributed to positive outcomes for both parties.

1. Individual: Dylan Cuskelly

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   As a University researcher, Dr Dylan Cuskelly works closely with the renewable energy industry and has commercialised his own research as a founding member of the successful energy storage start-up MGA Thermal. He maintains a symbiotic relationship between industry and the University, providing continual research funding while advancing the core technology. He also leverages his industry experience and connections to improve student experience, integrating real-world problem solving within undergraduate courses helping produce job-ready graduates.

2. Team: Kevin Galvin, Simon Iveson , Jamie Dickinson, Joshua Sutherland, James Zhou, Daniel Borrow, Matthew Cole, Annemarie Fawkner

   Reflux Flotation Cell Team

   This engagement commenced with the invention of the Reflux Flotation Cell, an R&D Agreement with an industry partner, followed by five PhD completions. Then a six-party industry consortium was formed to undertake a full-scale trial through the Global Innovation Linkage scheme. The project traversed the so-called “Valley of Death”, avoiding termination on three occasions. The team showed remarkable persistence, fortitude, and adaptability in achieving success, leading to the commercialisation of the technology.

3. Team: Sonia Vilches-Montero, Stacey Baxter

   Developing Water Conservation Behaviours in the Hunter Region Team

   In collaboration with Kirsty Jones from Hunter Water, the team at Newcastle Business School investigated the factors that influence water conservation behaviours across various customer segments. The research used a combination of focus groups and surveys to support the development of targeted and effective marketing campaigns that achieved a widespread reduction in water consumption of residential consumers of the Hunter Region. Findings were incorporated into the design of a successful drought response campaign with up to 25% reduced consumption.

Awarded to individuals or teams who have provided outstanding supervision to Higher Degree by Research candidate.

1. Individual: Jesper Gulddal

   College of Human and Social Futures

   Associate Professor Jesper Gulddal provides precise and invaluable feedback in a manner beyond timely. Before and during the pandemic, he was available for research advice, feedback, and career consults. His example, advice and guidance are paramount to his students becoming self-reliant and independent researchers. Students have particularly appreciated his way of tailoring his supervision to their needs, for example, guiding towards courses, texts, and masterclasses and teaching core skills in one-on-one meetings.

2. Individual: Kerry Dally

   College of Human and Social Futures

   Dr Kerry Dally has recently mentored five PhD students who have, thus far, published 17 articles and chapters in peer-reviewed journals and books, presented at 19 conferences; and, achieved selection on a national panel to review the Disability Standards for Education. This achievement is a testament to Kerry’s extraordinary talent in evoking potential from her students through collaborative partnerships built on mutual respect, which increases the student's quality of research and capability.

3. Team: Deb Loxton, Catherine Chojenta, Melissa Harris

   Worldwide Wellness of Mothers and Babies

   Dr Deb Loxton, Dr Catherine Chojenta and Dr Melissa Harris have fostered the development of work-ready graduates who have made real-world translational contributions to influence policy and practice through a community of praxis models. The Worldwide Wellness of Mothers and Babies (WWOMB) initiative, developed in 2016, has graduated 14 candidates (nine current), produced 73 publications, and influenced international health policies and practices framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Awarded to an outstanding individual academic or professional staff member actively engaged in research, who is within 5 years of PhD completion. Conjoints may also be considered, providing their research is primarily based at the University.

1. Individual: Mehdi Khaki

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Dr Mehdi Khaki is an enthusiastic researcher with an outstanding commitment to research excellence, putting him on a very steep research trajectory. Since 2018, Mehdi has published 21 high-quality journal papers in the best journals of the field, authored a book, received numerous research awards, delivered keynotes addresses, established an international research group, and increased his team of Higher Degree by Research students. Dr Khaki’s research achievements are exceptional for an early career academic.

2. Individual: Michael Ruppert

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Dr Michael Ruppert is a high performing early career researcher with a distinguished history of prestigious international research awards and funding success. In addition, despite his research only position, Michael is always first to volunteer for activities like open days, museum exhibitions and undergraduate mentoring.

3. Individual: Kcasey McLoughlin

   College of Human and Social Futures

   Dr Kcasey McLoughlin’s award-winning research highlights the extent to which Law can be used as a tool to achieve gender equality. She has helped shape important public and scholarly debates about the importance of diversity in public institutions, with policymakers, media outlets and community groups recognising her expertise. Kcasey’s research projects have attracted significant funding and seek to create better outcomes for women and other marginalised groups.

Awarded to an individual sessional academic, or team of sessional academics who have made an outstanding impact and contribution to student learning outcomes.

1. Individual: Joseph Pegler

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Since 2017, Dr Joseph Pegler has consistently delivered five courses for Biological Sciences. Since 2020, Joseph has been central to transitioning multiple practical laboratory-based courses to an effective online format. Recognition of the ability to effectively communicate complex topics while delivering a positive student experience resulted in his recruitment to lecture two additional courses in 2021. Dr Pegler’s ability to engage and motivate students face-to-face and online has resulted in consistently positive CES comments and high QLE scores.

2. Individual: Daniel Bell

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Daniel Bell has been a lecturer for SENG1120 (Data Structures) for three years. Students have consistently provided positive feedback on his teaching and commended how dedicated and supportive he is to their learning. Given that SENG1120 is arguably the most challenging and technical core course that Computer Science and Software Engineering students complete in their first year, and more than 200 students enrol in the course yearly, his impact is immeasurable.

3. Individual: Ben Lobel

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   As a casual academic, Ben Lobel provides exceptional support to the Discipline of Chemistry's teaching and learning initiatives. Ben took the lead in updating the Level 2000 analytical chemistry laboratory programs targeting applications in environmental, pharmaceutical sciences and science-advanced materials. Tailoring the labs to these various program streams enhances students’ engagement and demonstrates the relevance of analytical chemistry to their programs.

Awarded to an individual or team of teachers who have made an outstanding impact on student learning.

1. Individual: Michael Carr

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Dr Michael Carr is the course coordinator for MECH1110. Recent CES results show that Michael’s approach to teaching influences, motivates, and inspires students to learn and enhances student engagement. Michael’s students are offered constant feedback and given additional learning support to support their skill development. The material Michael has produced and delivered resulted in 2021 CES results of 4.64/5.0 (Course - MECH1110) and 4.98/5.0 (Teaching).

2. Individual: Marie Hadley

   College of Human and Social Futures

   Dr Marie Hadley is transformational in supporting 'skills learning' through course and program-level interventions locally and globally. With multi-faceted creativity, Marie calibrates her teaching to reach different audiences and secure meaningful impacts in the classroom, University, and beyond. Strategically connecting the diverse strands of her teaching practice in a range of traditional and non-traditional forums, she transforms the skills learning of every student that comes through the Newcastle Law School and 33,000+ students globally.

3. Team: Murielle Kluge, Steven Maltby, Darrell Evans, Rohan Walker, Xanthe Mallett, Rachael Unicomb, Joanne Walters, Vicki Keast, Thomas Nann, Anthony Molinia, Vendela Pento

   STEP Team

   This project team established the development processes, teaching tools and governance frameworks to facilitate the implementation of extended reality (XR) training into teaching and learning environments across the University. With the support of the DVC-A and the University's IT Services, we ran Australia’s most comprehensive process to consider how best to implement and sustain this innovative new technology in teaching. The project delivered a significant advance in the way we educate our students.

Recognises and celebrates the outstanding contribution individuals or teams have made to enhance the quality of the student experience beyond the formal teaching environment.

1. Individual: Debra Donnelly

   College of Human and Social Futures

   Dr Debra Donnelly is committed to improving student experiences, developing graduate outcomes, and preparing students for work integrated learning, particularly those impacting our most vulnerable students. She conceptualised and implemented the 'Teach Ready Program' in the School of Education. It involves a triage approach to address the needs of students at risk of not meeting teacher professional standards or students who want additional support and practicum preparation. The successful multi-faceted approach to supporting education students involves simulation and psychological support.

2. Individual: Hugh Gordon

   Academic Division

   For more than thirty years, Hugh Gordon has shown an exemplary commitment to the student experience through his enthusiastic approach to nurturing and mentoring student performers. Hugh provides students with support and opportunities to add to the vibrancy of the University’s campuses while gaining real work experiences. Hugh’s supportive and collaborative approach is regarded highly by the many students he works with and colleagues across the University.

3. Team: Alison Hillier, Andrew Steinbeck, Claire Pemberton, Emma Joel, Fran Baker, Jennifer Goh, Kylie Clarkson, Michael Paver , Nicole Gammie, Ruth Cameron , Sally Turbitt, Tracey Cox, Tracy Whitby , Zoe Mathers , Karla Brandstater Angus Hunt , Christy Farr-Forrest, Emma Drake, Hayden Russell, Keely Godwin, Rebecca Partridge, Sarah Jenkinson

   SOS (Successful Online Study)

   The Successful Online Study (SOS) team brought together staff from ITS, Library and Academic Learning Support to deliver ten online sessions for students in Semester 2. The program responded to students’ requests for support and connection. Sessions covered online study strategies, accessing support from home, online reading and note-making, connecting with other students and valuable IT tools and apps for study. The sessions provided a vital mechanism for students to remain connected to the University of Newcastle. Student participants valued the support offered in one "place” from the three contributing units.

Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional performance, service or achievements.

1. Individual: Bret Sutcliffe

   Global Engagement and Partnerships Division

   Students in China can now study with their peers and access campus facilities at no extra cost through the Overseas Learning Centre initiative, proposed and implemented by Bret Sutcliffe. What makes Bret’s contribution outstanding is that the project was delivered within three weeks after approval by Executive Committee. The initiative demonstrates the viability of innovative models for transnational delivery of University programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

2. Individual: Maureen Jones

   Academic Division

   Maureen has been a long-standing University staff member working in a complex environment to enable students where patience and compassion are key. In her role with Pathways and Learning Support and previously English Language and Foundation Studies, Maureen has provided outstanding student support for more than two decades. Her work in student administration, and her commitment to student equity has touched thousands of lives, assisting students from first-in-family and disadvantaged backgrounds on their journey into higher education.

3. Individual: Claire Bridgman

   College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing

   2021 saw the establishment of the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute, as well as the roll out of the inaugural year 1 of Medicine in Gosford. This would not have occurred so successfully, nor on time, without the exceptional efforts of Claire Bridgman. Claire has truly brought this project to life, established lasting and strategic networks with key stakeholders within the Central Coast Local Health District, and fostered an engaged, dynamic, and prolific clinical school.

Awarded to a team which may consist of either a work unit team or individuals from different work units whose collaboration has produced an outstanding contribution.

1. Team: Coral Black, Lisa Ogle, Lindsey Fratus, Bronwen Thomas, Mala Scorse , David Coupe , Cassie Connor , Narelle Hampe , Gillian Shaw, Sarah Jansen, Matthew Davis

   Library Leaders Group

   The University Library has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to both students and the University community during the pandemic by transforming services online and focusing on supporting access to spaces and collections. Through service innovations and new initiatives, the Library was able to ensure continuity of services and support while providing access to crucial infrastructure and resources to support equity and inclusion. This continued while undertaking the closure of Huxley Library and undergoing organisational change.

2. Team: Djoeke Van Loon, Jess Rokobaro, Amy Downing, Madeline Jubb, Paul Farina, Leeanne Palmer, Michelle Janout, Judy Lee, Breen Roberts, Toby Fox, Anthony Glover, Jade Hartigan, Jayne McCartney, Emma Liyanarachchi, Rebecca Hall, Cass Perkins, Joal Gray, Kai Suzuki, Jamie-Lee Costa, Alex Larsen Maya Borthwick, Abbey Barcham, Kristen McQualter

   Student Living Team

   During unprecedented times, the Student Living Team provided unwavering support for our residential student community and contained a COVID-19 outbreak through close collaboration with University colleagues. This included the development of detailed procedures including clear responsibilities for all stakeholders involved to ensure a succinct workflow of moving students into isolation in a supportive manner, support for wellbeing, ensuring catering and access to supplies, virtual engagement, and the eventual move out of isolation and associated cleaning of facilities.

3. Team: Lucia Trujillo Uribe, Jacqui McLachlan, Natalie Jones, Lauren McCosker, Casey Linklater, Rose Brisbane, Belinda See, Eliza Gray, Seok Lee Tan, Amelia Reddall, Maxine Squires, Renae Carr, Shane Alvisio, Sue Pascoe, Laura O'Brien

   College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Professional Experience Team

   The College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Professional Experience team has responded to the challenging situation brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic with the utmost professionalism, going above and beyond to demonstrate an outstanding service to a variety of stakeholders. In an industry where Work Integrated Learning is essential, the team has responded to the evolving situation to assist in preparing the future workforce that will keep our regions safe during such challenging times.

Awarded to an individual staff member who commenced at the University in the previous 5 years, and who has demonstrated outstanding capacity to contribute meaningfully within the early stages of their career at the University.

1. Individual: Astrid Gearin

   Academic Division

   Astrid regularly takes the initiative to foster greater collaboration across the organisation and in doing so delivers high-quality and human-centric service to a variety of stakeholders. Astrid has shown commitment to the University by providing outstanding and genuine service and dedication to our staff, students, and stakeholders to build a stronger and safer community for all.

2. Individual: Tom Carey

   College of Human and Social Futures

   New to both the University and the field of education, Tom has hit the ground running. His capacity to produce outstanding work under enormous time pressures has resulted in significant media coverage of the Teachers and Teaching Priority Research Centre’s impact, producing frequent, high-level stakeholder engagement. Tom’s exceptional stakeholder management is central to our relationship with the Paul Ramsay Foundation and is a cornerstone of our international engagement with the Jacobs Foundation, the Aga Khan Foundation and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

3. Individual: Vanessa Blackwell

   Academic Division

   Vanessa joined the University in February, and has proven to be a competent, hardworking administration assistant, organising and facilitating the smooth flow of the Student Support Units, Counselling and Health Service appointments. She has worked with the GP during campus closure, grasped many new programs and systems and used initiative in managing the daily COVID-19 restrictions for patients and student’s appointments.

Recognises and celebrates an inspirational leader, or group of leaders who role model our leadership behaviours and contribute to our University’s success.

1. Individual: Karen Blackmore

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Associate Professor Karen Blackmore has provided leadership to the Discipline of Computing and Information Technology (CIT) during very difficult times and overseen many strategic initiatives: updating the Bachelor of Information Technology Program and the creation of the Bachelor of Data Science, and she has expanded industry and community engagement.

2. Individual: Elena Levchenko

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Dr Elena Levchenko has demonstrated empowering, compassionate, and decisive leadership during her tenure as Head of Discipline Mathematics in 2020-2021. She has led the Discipline through challenging times while always looking after colleagues through collegial and transparent decision processes. Elena strives for excellence as a leader in both tertiary education and research as well as supports others to positively shape the future of our University.

Recognises and celebrates an individual or team who have made an outstanding contribution to supporting and promoting equity and diversity, and fostering inclusion within the University of Newcastle.

1. Team: Lisa Ogle, Sally Turbitt, Jacqui Harris, Imogen Harris-McNeill, Tahlia Kelso, Angela Booth, Kua Swan, Michael Paver, Cynthia Brown, Aimee Herridge

   Library Equity and Inclusion Community of Practice

   The Equity and Inclusion Community of Practice champions and accelerates a culture of inclusivity. The group are all volunteers who research and disseminate information on emerging equity issues, practices, and opportunities in academic libraries. Focusing on ‘critical librarianship’, the CoP interrogates every element of our service, challenging the status quo and ensuring our libraries are a welcoming, safe space with inclusive services. The University Library already sees results from the team's work through increased staff engagement and participation.

2. Team: Emily Fuller, Felicity Cocuzzoli, Louis Ndagijimana, Rhyall Gordon, Ceanne Trotter, Jace Blunden

   Relational Navigation Team

   This team collaboratively facilitate a suite of programs reframing equity approaches in higher education through the innovative conceptual framework of relational navigation. Across the programs, students from a diverse range of backgrounds are supported by and contribute toward projects and programs on campus and in the community. The program leads work individually and collaboratively with and across community sectors; with colleagues in the sector; and, importantly, with the students—as partners.

3. Team: Alice Jackson, Jake MacDonald, Mandy Hawkins, Loren Collyer

   Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership

   The Office of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership led a collaborative effort to develop a Cultural Capability Framework and accompanying training program for the University. The Framework is designed to increase staff understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, cultures, and knowledges, and facilitate a truly inclusive and culturally safe environment on our campuses. This outstanding work strengthens the University's ability to meet its Indigenous commitment and provides a leading example for the sector in engagement, education, and action to support strong outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Recognises and celebrates innovative initiatives and solutions development by an individual or team to promote, enhance or protect the health, safety and wellness of our staff and students.

1. Team: Tanille Elley, Brie Valentisch, Molly Blair, Matthew Leonard, Jemma Donkin, Amy Nevin, Nicole Rigby, Michael Buchanan, Andrew Eschebach

   School of Education Professional Staff Team

   Mobilising into action with the unexpected announcement of the Hunter Building closure, the Professional Staff team of the School of Education had six weeks to sort, pack, track and relocate the contents of staff offices and teaching resources from widely dispersed storage sites. The team went above and beyond to support academic staff in need while carefully, efficiently, and sensitively managing the emotional realities of moving academics from offices that had been their professional location for decades.

2. Team: Rachael McDermott, Emma Edwards

   Campus Care Team

   The Campus Care team provide an essential, responsive support service to the University community to enhance and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of University staff and students by responding to high-risk incidents and situations and supporting individuals involved. The Campus Care team are “unsung heroes” of the University, working tirelessly to ensure restorative resolutions to any scenario involving people across the University.

3. Team: Bronwyn McGrath, Cheryl Wilson, Hellen Cohen, Jayne McCartney, Lilly Rodger, Hugh Gordon, Owen Cross, Sarah Sylvester, Fiona Bastian, Tara Magnay, Georgia Killick, Vanessa O’Neill, Stav Barboutas, Jodie Higginson, Kylie Parker

   Food Relief to Students in Quarantine Team

   On 6 August 2021, our Vice-Chancellor announced that two on-campus Callaghan students had tested positive to COVID-19 and had been transferred off-campus by NSW Health. Close contacts needed to self-isolate and additional International House students were later asked to remain in lockdown. In less than 24 hours, following an emergency meeting of Infrastructure and Facilities Services and University of Newcastle Students Association, a collaborative effort that involved staff from all Divisions, as well as the Lions Club, Oz Harvest and Woolworths, provided food and relief packages to IH students.

Our University Values are our guiding principles. This award recognises and celebrates an individual or team who have gone above and beyond to exemplify our Values of equity, excellence, engagement and sustainability.

1. Individual: Astrid Gearin

   Academic Division

   Astrid Gearin works tirelessly to promote and uphold the University’s values of Equity and Engagement, consistently working above and beyond her duties as the student-facing Coordinator of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to ensure sexually and gender diverse students flourish at the University. She has been pivotal to the gender-inclusive bathroom rollout, Pride Week, coordinating the ALLY Network, and generally supporting student health and wellbeing. The energy, passion, commitment, and authenticity that Astrid brings to these values is an inspiration to staff and students working across the University.

2. Individual: Vivienne Chuter

   College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing

   Vivienne Chuter exemplifies the University’s values and has worked tirelessly to develop and lead a podiatry program that takes an innovative approach to teaching and learning; developing a ‘living lab’ model that encompasses sustained partnerships with community stakeholders, draws on industry partnerships, that addresses community need and produces community-facing research addressing local and global challenges. Viv has made significant contributions to the profession through her work with AHPRA and developing national guidelines for diabetes-related lower limb complications.

3. Individual: Michelle Kennedy

   College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing

   Dr Michelle Kennedy is a proud Wiradjuri woman and is a prestigious NHMRC emerging leadership fellow in the School of Medicine and Public Health. Her research aims to develop culturally appropriate frameworks for understanding and addressing the health issues that matter most to First Nations communities. Dr Kennedy’s outstanding research, teaching, and training programs are exemplary examples of the University’s values of equity, engagement and excellence. The University truly benefits from her hard work to enhance research by and for First Nation’s people, through new training, close partnership with communities, implementation of traditional approaches in research and development of new ethical research frameworks.

4. Team: Michael Bugeja, Tim Dale, Richard Eyre, David Alexander, Peter Digby, Mathew Anderson, Sam Scanlan, Nathan Baker

   McMullin Demolition Project Team

   The demolition of the McMullin Building and ancillary buildings proved to be a benchmark project for the University. The project team established complementary business protocols for planning, achieving, and exceeding best practice sustainability through environmental, recycling, HAZMAT removal and safety across all phases of the demolition project. The project has subsequently been shortlisted for two awards in sustainability in demolition, both internationally and nationally.

Awarded to an academic who has provided dedicated and valuable support to foster and develop the careers of other academics through their active and skilled participation in a University mentoring program(s).

1. Individual: Scott Brown

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Eight academic staff from the School of Psychological Sciences collectively nominate Professor Scott Brown for the Inspiring Excellence Academic Award. Scott - an outstanding and busy researcher, educator and engager - generously offers his time to colleagues to share his expertise and insight. He has a warm and unhurried manner. His personalised School-based mentoring program for early-mid career academics is an outstanding example of the University's commitment to excellence and equity. Scott undoubtedly inspires excellence.

2. Individual: Brett Nixon

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Professor Brett Nixon uses his position as a world leader in reproductive health research to inspire and support the next generation of scientists. Brett’s ability to inspire excellence has put Newcastle on the map as a hub of research on fertilization and a highly sought-after environment for research training. Brett truly garners more joy from the achievements of his students and generously provides his time and expertise to shape the research careers of others.

3. Individual: Erica Wanless

   College of Engineering, Science and Environment

   Professor Erica Wanless is an inspiring mentor with a wealth of knowledge and kindness. Erica has been generously sharing her time and extensive expertise to mentor hundreds of researchers - from early career researchers to more established career academics - going well beyond standard expectations for senior academics. Erica’s sustained guidance and her dedication to honest, respectful, and impactful mentoring fully deserves recognition.

Awarded to a professional staff member who has provided dedicated and valuable support to foster and develop the careers of other staff members through their active and skilled participation in a University mentoring program(s). Has displayed outstanding passion and commitment in mentoring professionals at a level above and beyond normal job requirements and expectations.

1. Individual: Ann Stevenson

   College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing

   As a Mentor in the Professional Staff Mentoring Program, Ann has demonstrated an ongoing commitment and a passion for staff capability development and support. Utilising a non-judgemental approach and building psychological safety, she provides the space for mentees to explore and express their goals, ideas, and barriers; assists mentees to leverage their existing skills and experience, helping to expand thinking and grow confidence and provides guidance and accountability in relation to planned actions.

2. Individual: Coral Black

   Academic Division

   A sincere leader, Coral is always generous with her time and advice and sees mentoring as a professional responsibility to ensure the continuation and growth of contemporary Library practice, and development of emerging Library leaders. As a senior executive, at a time when Coral was leading our Library through pandemic-driven service changes combined with an organisational restructure, she continued to dedicate her time to mentoring Library career-driven professionals with phenomenal outcomes for her mentees.