Professional Staff Award Finalists
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.
Roberta Anderson, Office PVC - Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Roberta Anderson demonstrates exceptional commitment to mentoring. She builds trust-based relationships, offering tailored guidance that helps her team navigate career challenges, develop leadership skills, and enhance work/life balance. Roberta’s mentorship empowers others, by providing practical strategies for success. Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with her empathetic and encouraging approach, makes her a transformative mentor.
Ester Townsend, Education and Innovation
Ester Townsend, as the Team Leader of the Careers Service, demonstrates a remarkable dedication to mentoring both staff and students at the University. She is committed to promoting and facilitating growth among everyone she collaborates with. Ester has consistently exemplified exceptional principles of inclusion in her primary role and throughout her mentoring relationships, particularly with neurodivergent and international students.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.