Early Career Award Finalists
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.
Amanda Hill, Human Resources Services
Amanda Hill has made significant contributions to the University’s safety culture. Leading initiatives like the Laboratory Safety Inspection Program and mentoring award-winning student projects, she demonstrates exceptional leadership and innovation. Amanda also chairs the Combined Hunter Organisation Network Group for Safety, extending her impact beyond the University. Her commitment to safety, collaboration, and external engagement continues to drive positive change.
Scott Laing, Student Central
Scott Laing joined the University in late 2022, after forging a career in health, disability and human services. As an alum, and the senior leader charged with Student Wellbeing , Scott takes a collaborative, human-centred approach to student support. He embodies the University value of Engagement, as evidenced by the way that his teams are now engaging beyond their traditional boundaries to create meaningful support initiatives for our growing and diverse cohort of students.
Annalese Thomas, Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources
Annalese Thomas has been a highly competent contributor at our University for the past three years, working across the NIER and TRaCE teams. As a recent University of Newcastle graduate, she quickly took on a Project Officer role with the TRaCE program, which had only one other staff member at the time. In this complex and high-pressure role, Annalese navigated demanding stakeholder engagement across universities, and complex technical and institutional barriers, setting up the foundation for this important program with calm and competence.
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.