2020 Employability Excellence Awards

The University of Newcastle Employability Excellence Awards showcase the students, staff and partner organisations that support our reputation for producing life-ready graduates.

These achievers have been selected from an outstanding field of 150 nominations, and their stories highlight exceptional achievements in Work Integrated Learning, extracurricular activity, entrepreneurship and paid internships.

Congratulations to all on these tremendous achievements.

Student Awards

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Student of the Year Awards

Industry Awards

Work Integrated Learning Staff Members of the Year

Daniel Matas

News • 10 Nov 2020

Mr Daniel Matas: Bringing students the buzz that comes from real life practice

Daniel Matas has been awarded the University of Newcastle Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the Year for his proactive approach in initiating programs that in conjunction with the Local Court and local legal practitioners, create unique opportunities for students to gain exposure to the profession and have them ‘practice-ready’ in time for graduation.

Alexandre mendes

News • 10 Nov 2020

Dr Alexandre Mendes: Helping students to network in a clever way, with people that matter

Dr Alexandre Mendes has been awarded the Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the Year in recognition of his efforts in creating innovative change within the Computer Science and Information Technology Work Integrated Learning course structure, generating meaningful work experience opportunities for an increased number of students and equipping them with skills required for the workplace.

narelle eather

News • 10 Nov 2020

Dr Narelle Eather: Supplying the next generation of students with proven practices

Dr Narelle Eather has been awarded the Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the Year, aptly nominated by her peers in recognition of her outstanding efforts in re-designing not one, but eight Bachelor of Education programs in the Physical Education department.

Kylie wales

News • 10 Nov 2020

Dr Kylie Wales: Intergenerational pen pals provide unique learning experiences

Dr Kylie Wales has been awarded the Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the Year in recognition of her outstanding efforts in securing quality work placements for all Occupational Therapy students, while developing new partnerships and initiatives to keep the Work Integrated Learning program of courses thriving - both successfully achieved during the height of COVID-19.

Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge

News • 10 Nov 2020

Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge: Virtual training sessions provide real-world learning experiences

Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge has been awarded the Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the Year in recognition of her dedication to providing alternative and meaningful Work Integrated Learning opportunities for students amidst COVID-19 restrictions.

Special mention

Dr ken sutton

News • 11 Nov 2020

Vale Dr Ken Sutton

Vale Dr Ken Sutton receives a special mention in the University of Newcastle Excellence Awards for his incredible efforts in coordinating Work Integrated Learning.

2020 Achievers

Student Awards

2020 Achievers

  • Student Employability Achievement Award: Dr Helena Qian
  • Student Entrepreneur of the Year: David Sivyer
  • Student Intern/Cadet of the Year: Emily Spurway
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Bryce Lynch
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Sophie Montgomery
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Courtney Parnell
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Wednesday Sutherland
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Ryan Kooyman

Highly Commended

  • Student Employability Achievement Award: Elyssia Gasparotto
  • Student Employability Achievement Award: Elliot Thomas
  • Student Intern/Cadet of the Year: Sian Baynham
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Kate Slowey
  • Work Integrated Learning Student of Year: Caitlyn Touzell

Industry Awards

Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame

2020 Inductees

  • Department of Communities and Justice
  • Varley Group
  • North Construction & Building
  • incubatorTank
  • PerformHR
  • Take 3 for the Sea
  • Proactive Physiotherapy and Sports Workshop
  • Ramsland Laidler Solicitors

New Partner in Employability Awards

2020 Achiever

  • BMG Australia and New Zealand

2020 Highly Commended

  • Hunter Water

Work Integrated Learning Staff Member of the Year Awards

2020 Achievers

  • Dr Narelle Eather
  • Dr Xanne Janse de Jonge
  • Mr Daniel Matas
  • Dr Alexandre Mendes
  • Dr Kylie Wales

2020 Highly Commended

  • Mr Mahmoud Ershadi
  • Dr Ann Hardy
  • Dr Paul Stolk

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