Hall of Fame

Preparing our graduates to be work-ready and impactful future leaders is at the heart of our commitment to our students and communities. Our partnerships with industry, including workplace learning, classroom collaboration, and recruitment support, are integral to this effort.

Since 2013, the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame has recognised and honoured partners of the University that have made a significant contribution to the workplace learning and employability of our students and graduates. These inductees have played a pivotal role in enhancing the employability of our students past and present and in strengthening our regions.

A selection committee consisting of University senior executives and industry representatives evaluates the suitability of nominations from the University and community for induction. In addition to a strong track record of contributing to the advancement of the University’s workplace learning program, they ideally demonstrate a regional focus and have hosted students on placement for at least three years.

To learn more about our 2023 Hall of Fame inductees, visit the Employability Excellence Awards webpage.


4Tel

In recognition of their longstanding partnership with the University of Newcastle, 4Tel is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame. Since 2015, 4Tel has supported students into employment pathways through facilitating work on real-world problems, practical guidance and providing employment opportunities both during and after their studies.

4Tel is a leading employer of students, having employed 25 graduates and students totalling a third of their current staff across artificial intelligence, software development, and software testing.

4Tel is also an active participant in mentoring student-led groups, having mentored the NUbots robotics team since 2016, and as of 2023, confirmed a platinum sponsorship of Newcastle University Women in Engineering (NUWiE).

Boeing Defence  Australia

In recognition of their outstanding contributions to the University of Newcastle, Boeing Defence Australia are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame. Since 2019, Boeing Defence have nurtured the academic and career aspirations of students across aerospace systems, electrical & electronic, mechanical & mechatronics and software engineering.

Their summer internship opportunities have enabled students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for the demands of their future careers. Boeing Defence continues to employ graduates from these programs, with 18 students having benefited from these invaluable experiences to date. Boeing Defence’s unwavering commitment to the professional development of students places them as a deserving addition to the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame.

Catholic Schools Broken Bay

Catholic Schools Broken Bay are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding contributions to developing the next generation of teachers for over two decades.

In addition to the provision of placement opportunities, Catholic Schools Broken Bay have further strengthened their partnership with the University of Newcastle through the development of their Central Coast Pre-service Teacher Hub. The Hub proactively seeks opportunities to engage with students outside of placements, offering an incentive program for pre-service teachers and visits to schools for group observation of classes. Catholic Schools Broken Bay’s innovative approach to student development has seen them provide opportunities for 73 students in 2023 alone.

CLARITY Imaging

CLARITY Imaging are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their commitment to medical imaging and the development of radiography students. Through providing hands-on experiences and personalised support, CLARITY Imaging equips students with the skills and experiences they need to provide excellent patient care. 

CLARITY Imaging’s dedication to comprehensive growth ensures that students and graduates are not only technically proficient by the end of their placement, but compassionate, confident, and patient-centred practitioners. CLARITY Imaging’s commitment to providing invaluable student experiences for 35 University of Newcastle students places them as a valued industry partner and deserving addition to the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame.

Community Corrections Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

Community Corrections Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their support of the continual learning and employability of University of Newcastle students. Community Corrections is the key placement partner for criminology at the University, providing over 30 placements opportunities a year, totaling to over 100 students during our five-year partnership.

Community Corrections further support the continual learning of students through providing guest lectures delivered by case workers, as well as working with academics to develop assessment items that equip students with the skillsets required for placement. Community Corrections is committed to cultivating invaluable placement experiences for University of Newcastle students.

Hunter Community Legal Centre

In recognition of their 20-year partnership with the University of Newcastle, Hunter Community Legal Centre are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame. Hunter Community Legal Centre have provided over 500 professional development opportunities for students and have employed over 50 University of Newcastle graduates.  

Hunter Community Legal Centre supply workplace learning for law, social work, and communications students, providing students with opportunities to apply their studies to solving legal needs and preparing community legal education materials for some of the most disadvantaged members of the Hunter region. Hunter Community Legal Centre’s outstanding commitment to enhancing the employability of students makes them a valuable addition to the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame.

Imagecloud

Imagecloud is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing collaboration with The University of Newcastle. Over the past eight years, Imagecloud has offered transformative professional software and AI experiences for final year students in computer science, and software engineering. 

Through gaining hands-on experience at Imagecloud, students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that they are career-ready upon graduation. Imagecloud’s dedication to nurturing talent is further exemplified by their provision of employment opportunities, having welcomed three University of Newcastle students into their team while having guided over twenty students through work placements. Imagecloud also plays a pivotal role in shaping academic programs at The University of Newcastle, ensuring that computing and IT curriculums remain at the forefront of industry needs.

NGM Group

NGM Group is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing investment in the development of current students and alumni. NGM Group, including its Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent brands, is a placement host of business, IT and software engineering students, seeing placements as essential to the creation of their talent pipeline.

NGM Group are committed to sustaining a partnership with the University of Newcastle, laying the foundations for a comprehensive graduate program, intending to expand its offering of placements within different areas of the business. NGM Group greatly value the benefits of placements for all stakeholders, breaking new ground in the region for attracting, developing, and retaining talent from the University of Newcastle.

Recovery Station

In recognition of their 17-year commitment to facilitating placements for University of Newcastle students, Recovery Station is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame. Recovery Station is committed to supporting emerging allied health professionals, having supervised mentored, and trained over 45 placement students and 43 new graduates throughout their longstanding partnership with the University.

Recovery Station employs students as Allied Health Assistants, allowing them to gain exposure to a variety of clinical cases within a supportive environment. Alongside their placement program, Recovery Station also offers a 12-month graduate program that assists new graduates to develop their foundational skills in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Redhead Public School

Redhead Public School is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing commitment to supporting the development of University of Newcastle education students.  

Over the last 10 years, Redhead Public School has provided over 100 placement opportunities for students. Their exceptional mentoring regime has been further strengthened by the provision of demonstration and workshop activities, created in collaboration with our education academic staff. In addition to model lessons, Redhead Public School created, refined, and delivered annual ‘final year workshops’ delivered by staff after school hours, empowering students to close the theory-practice gap as they enter the teaching profession. Redhead Public Schools’ enthusiastic commitment to training the future generation of teachers places them as a model of successful industry and university collaboration.

ResTech

ResTech is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their innovative collaboration with the University of Newcastle. ResTech has been providing industry experience opportunities to engineering students for over six years, with a steadfast commitment to fostering talent and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Through ResTech, students have the opportunity to be involved in real-world projects, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications, and gaining valuable exposure within their respective fields. ResTech ensures that students are mentored every step of the way by skilled professionals, boosting their employability and enriching their skill sets.

University of Newcastle Justice Clinic

The University of Newcastle Justice Clinic is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their significant provision of professional development opportunities for University of Newcastle students. The University of Newcastle Justice Clinic has provided over 400 students with the unique opportunity to gain real life experience in investigating criminal matters.

Students who have engaged in placements at the University of Newcastle Justice Clinic have contributed to coronial inquests, facilitated discussions with the Australian Federal Police where they proposed potential suspects for a high-profile missing person’s case, and contributed to policy recommendations for wrongful convictions.

The University of Newcastle Justice Clinic provide invaluable experiences for criminology, psychology, and law students at the University of Newcastle, enabling them to experience the real-world impacts of their advocacy.

Prince of Wales Hospital (Nuclear Medicine Department)

In recognition of their outstanding commitment to providing professional clinical placement opportunities for University of Newcastle students, the Prince of Wales Hospital (Nuclear Medicine Department) are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame.

The Prince of Wales Hospital (Nuclear Medicine Department) has accommodated University of Newcastle students with their clinical placements for the past 30 years, giving them the opportunity to gain their competencies in all clinical areas under the supervision of highly qualified and motivated staff. Notably, the Prince of Wales Hospital (Nuclear Medicine Department) has hosted 55 students over the last decade, making them a deserving addition to the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame.

To learn more about our 2022 Hall of Fame inductees, visit the Employability Excellence Awards webpage.


Australian Taxation Office (Newcastle Office)

The Newcastle Office of the Australian Taxation Office is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing support of the University’s Practical Legal Training (PLT) program.

Since 2016, they have supervised multiple law students each year, facilitating PLT placements, and providing valuable experiences and insights into the Australian Public Service.

The success of this program has inspired several other ATO offices to subsequently adopt similar approaches across the country. Prior to commencing their placement, students indicate which areas of law they are most interested in, allowing the ATO to tailor and enhance their PLT experience.

Barwon Health

In recognition of their longstanding partnership with the University of Newcastle, Barwon Health at University Hospital Geelong is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame. For many years, the Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Department at Barwon Health has provided placement opportunities to University of Newcastle Nuclear Medicine students of all year levels.

As a teaching health service, Barwon Health provides training to shape the next generation of exceptional health professionals. Led by Clinical Tutor Kim Eedy, they take great pride in the level of work given to every placement student, including catering to their learning needs and styles.

Callaghan College

Callaghan College is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing commitment to supporting the development of University of Newcastle teaching students. For many decades, Callaghan College has provided students with a fully immersive experience, exposing them to teaching of all levels, wellbeing practices, Key Learning Areas, minimum standards, and special needs education, in addition to guidance in their preferred course areas.

Supporting University of Newcastle students is part of Callaghan College’s broader connection to the local community, and they are proud to contribute to the future of the education profession and its future leaders.

The Dietetics Department at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital Health Campus

The Dietetics Department at the Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their longstanding partnership with the University of Newcastle. Over three decades, they have facilitated placements for 350 Nutrition and Dietetics students, many of whom secured employment within Hunter New England Health upon completion.

Their staff work closely with the University through the Department of Rural Health, including delivery of teaching and learning, which ultimately enhances their placement delivery through greater understanding of curriculum.

Their relationship with the University has evolved over time to include community nutrition placements, food service, clinical, community nutrition, public health placements, Independent Professional Practice Placements and year-long immersive rural experiences for students.

Early Links

Early Links supports people with disabilities and their families within the community, helping clients to coordinate and tailor supports and services around their individualised goals and priorities.

For more than a decade, Early Links has supported the professional development of University of Newcastle students through Work Integrated Learning placements, Allied Health Assistants (AHA) positions during their studies, and graduate employment opportunities.

Students working within Early Links benefit from the comprehensive and well-designed student placement program that prioritises multifaceted learning and holistic student experiences. Through the Professional Support Program (PSP), students working with Early Links collaborate with peers and staff from multiple disciplines, including Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics, Music Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, and Allied Health.

Hunter School of Performing Arts

Hunter School of Performing Arts is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their ongoing relationship with the University of Newcastle to support future generations of teachers and educational professionals. Students undertaking placements at the Hunter School of Performing Arts are immersed in a dynamic learning environment, within a school whose purpose is to foster and challenge each student as they pursue their love and passion.

Hunter School of Performing Arts are passionate about supporting the development of the next generation of teachers and value the energy and enthusiasm that University of Newcastle students bring into their placements.

Newcastle High School Cooks Hill Campus (Big Picture School)

Since 2014, the Cooks Hill Campus of Newcastle High School has provided over 200 Work Integrated Learning opportunities to teaching students at the University of Newcastle.

The Cooks Hill Campus is a ‘Big Picture’ Education Provider, offering students the opportunity to engage in project based learning, with individualised curriculum tailored to include their interests and passions in a real-world setting.

Cooks Hill Campus has also worked collaboratively with the University on pilot projects, hosting senior executive speakers and leading a national research initiative.

NSW Health Pathology – Forensic Medicine Social Work

The NSW Health Pathology’s Forensic Medicine Social Work service is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their collaborative partnership with the University of Newcastle. The service works very closely with the University of Newcastle’s Social Work program which has an enviable local, national and international reputation.

Like the University of Newcastle, NSW Health Pathology is committed to quality, collaboration, innovation and excellence. These values and qualities align with Forensic Medicine Social Work’s partnership with University of Newcastle’s Social Work program in developing best practice and contributing to positive and sustainable student and graduate outcomes in serving the needs of our communities.

Queensland X-Ray

Queensland X-Ray Nuclear Medicine are being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of fame in recognition of their ongoing support and training of University of Newcastle Nuclear Medicine students. They provide exceptional guidance and a supportive team culture for their students.

Offering training for students across all years of study, in both stand-alone practices and hospital settings, Queensland X-Ray see placements as an opportunity to strengthen their profession and mentor the next generation of Nuclear Medicine Technologists.

They also offer paid Regional Nuclear Medicine Scholarships to fourth year students to support students undertaking clinical placement in a regional area, with guaranteed employment with the department after completing their degree.

Regional Youth Support Services Inc

This year, local not-for-profit Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) is being recognised for the ongoing delivery of exceptional placements for human services and social work students.

RYSS delivers innovative, responsive youth services across the Central Coast. Students undertaking placement at RYSS become part of the service delivery team and are supported with opportunities to provide meaningful assistance and observe the realities of youth service delivery within a practical, safe, real-world setting.

As part of their commitment to supporting the development of the youth services sector, they assist students to find employment either with their service, or other local providers.

Snowy Hydro

Snowy Hydro is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of more than a decade of supporting University of Newcastle students to enhance their employability through internships, holiday placement programs and graduate pathways.

A leading provider of peak renewable electricity, Snowy Hydro has a world-class reputation in engineering innovation, technical expertise, and clean energy. Students undertaking placements with Snowy Hydro have reflected on the supportive environment that they experienced, including a central focus on their personal and professional development.

St John the Baptist Primary School

For more than 25 years, St John the Baptist Primary School has worked closely with University of Newcastle to provide quality Work Integrated Learning opportunities. At St John the Baptist Primary School, students are exposed to a broad range of learning experiences, including interactions from Kindergarten through to Year Six.

Their dedicated educators provide quality modelled teaching, mentoring, and coaching to ensure that the students have a positive and worthwhile experience and are prepared for their teaching careers. In addition to hosting teaching students for placements, the school also works with Social Work students to develop tailored wellbeing projects for the school as part of their fourth-year courses.

Central Coast Local Health District - Pharmacy Services

Central Coast Health District (CCLHD) Pharmacy Services is being inducted into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame in recognition of their tremendous efforts in the training and development of pharmacy students.

Through a strategy coined ‘Train Our Future’ which focuses on Work Integrated Learning experiences, education delivery and research opportunities for undergraduates, CCLHD Pharmacy Services has helped hundreds of students transition into their careers. The program places significant emphasis on students being involved in a hospital context. From directly caring for patients day-to-day to clinical interactions with medical officers and nursing staff, students pick up critical skills in the field. “This partnership has led to pharmacy service attracting a higher number of applicants to join our workforce. In addition, a strong sense of satisfaction has been shared by many of the pharmacists who deliver the programs” – Dr Tim Garrett (Director of Pharmacy CCLHD). The CCLHD Pharmacy and the University of Newcastle aim to strengthen their already decade-long partnership long into the future.

Hunter Primary Care

For the last 15 years, the not-for-profit Hunter Primary Care has been in partnership with the University, providing placements for postgrad students undertaking the Master of Professional Psychology program. Here, students gain firsthand experience in the assessment and treatment of clients presenting with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and more.

From sitting in on sessions with senior clinicians, to reviewing casework, students are guided through unique industry experiences. Not only is this invaluable to their employability but also shines a light on Hunter Primary Care as a trusted talent pool for the up-and-coming psychology workforce. We are grateful for the continued relationship we share with Hunter Primary Care and are proud to welcome them into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame.

Maroba Aged Care

Since 2012, Maroba Aged Care have been providing dynamic work-readiness placements for students across speech pathology, and other allied health programs.

Utilising a multidisciplinary approach, the placements work symbiotically for the benefit of students, residents, families of residents, staff and the wider community. At Maroba, fostering close relationships between stakeholders is always a priority. Even during the pandemic, the organisation welcomed students’ involvement in online (zoom) sessions with residents, which not only helped them master important telehealth skills, but was also a vital morale booster for elderly residents. “It’s been an excellent program for students to get really hands-on experience, understand their idiosyncrasies and for residents to get supervised care in all its forms,” says CEO Viv Allanson. Maroba Aged Care continues to play an influential role in the lives of future leaders in our health system and we’re so glad we can acknowledge them in this way.

Mayfield West Demonstration School

For more than 20 years, Mayfield West Demonstration School has worked closely with the University of Newcastle to nurture generations of teachers and leaders in education. This year, they have been honoured with an induction into the Work Integrated Learning Hall of Fame. The school is a key partner in the University’s mission to provide the best teacher preparation programs in the country.

At Mayfield West Demonstration School, practical experience is of a high priority, with students diving headfirst into the full range of teacher experiences. They are encouraged to build upon the characteristics required to thrive in the profession. Through a combination of work-integrated learning and open discourse, Mayfield West Demonstration School has created a learning environment where people feel valued and cared for. “Our children appreciate the investment of students in their learning and over the past three years, we have a 100% employment pathway for all final level placement students.” - Principal Matthew Bradley.

Rider Levett Bucknall

Since 2003, Rider Levett Bucknall have been preparing students of the University of Newcastle for success in the construction/property workforce. Whether it’s cadetships, mentoring, site visits, or advisory panel accreditation support and engagement, Rider Levett Bucknall are dedicated to cultivating skilled, career-ready personnel.

Rider Levett Bucknall prides itself on inspiring students from the get-go. Participating heavily in Career Expos, employees engage with potential cadets giving them a taste of what a career with them truly looks like.

Going above and beyond, they also facilitate lunchtime discussions on different consulting professions, providing added industry exposure and mentorship. What’s more, they offer lecturers providing ongoing insights along the journey to assist in accreditation and research integrated learning. Rider Levett Bucknall enhance employability and have been an aspirational company in the eyes of construction students for many years.

Umwelt Australia

This year, social and environmental consultancy Umwelt Australia are being recognised for their efforts in providing University of Newcastle students with practical work opportunities. Through targeted placements, students gain regional and national perspectives across a variety of industries including mining, renewable energy, urban development, defence and government. In the office or out in the field, students work closely with Umwelt leaders, contributing to meaningful projects with real-world impacts.

Umwelt Australia provides an empowering, respectful and supportive culture for students, encouraging and incorporating innovative ideas and methodologies formulated by students within the program. Fostering capable environmental and social professionals is of the utmost importance to Umwelt Australia - “We’ve been partnering with the University for six years now and have had 21 placement students, six of which are now employed full-time within the business.” -  Dr Sheridan Coakes.


To learn more about our 2021 Hall of Fame inductees, visit the Employability Excellence Awards webpage.

2021 Employability Excellence Awards

Varley Group

Nominator: Kristen Elloy, Varley Group, and supported by Dr Paul Stolk, University of Newcastle

Varley has been actively involved in providing WIL for engineering students at our University for over 20 years, extending their range of opportunities to students in the Newcastle Business School since the program’s inception.

Over the years, student placements for WIL have included projects and departments in a wide variety of areas including human resources, marketing, finance, and law. In addition to WIL, Varley offers a summer intern program opportunity for students at the entry level and further along their studies, in addition to the ‘Lucy and Empower Mentoring’ program.

Varley have had 47 internship student placements across two Hunter region sites, with six undergraduate engineering students being employed directly through their participation in this program over the last five years.

Janet Dobbie of Varley Group


Department of Communities and Justice

Nominator: Dr Sally Hunt, University of Newcastle

The Department of Communities and Justice (formerly known as FACS or DOCS) has supported WIL at the University of Newcastle for over 20 years.

Since the commencement of the Master of Professional Psychology Program in 2019, the local Department of Communities and Justice Service - under the leadership of Jane Davenport - have been a strong supporter, offering external supervised placements for our provisionally registered psychologists and in 2019 almost half of our cohort were placed at the department.

They have also offered clinical placements to Psychology students from other programs, including the Master of Clinical Psychology program.

North Construction and Building Pty Ltd

Nominator: Nicole Redmond, North Construction and Building

North Construction and Building has been involved with the University of Newcastle students for WIL for a decade, engaging 57 students and employing 31 during that period.

With over 100 employees across offices in Newcastle, Tuggerah and Dubbo, North has a rich history of investing in building cadets, trade apprenticeships and work placements, with current employees participating in one of our workplace learning programs making up 25 per cent of all North employees.

By doing this, the company is able to maintain a strong, positive culture founded on well-understood and practiced values as it continues to organically grow. Simultaneously, this intentional support and training investment in people commencing their career strengthens the overall construction industry.

Testament to the company’s efforts in this space is the fact that more than 50 per cent of all North’s employees have only ever worked for the company, in addition to North being lauded as one of the Best Places to Work in 2020 by Great Place to Work Australia.


incubatorTANK

Nominator: Dr Alexandre Mendes, University of Newcastle

Since 2005, incubatorTANK has actively engaged with the School of Electrical Engineering and Computing in a variety of ways including workshops, guest lectures, advisory boards, accreditation panels, and participating in selection committees.

Having hosted some 40 students, incubatorTANK presents WIL projects that are either 100 per cent in-house initiatives, or with third-party clients such as Woolworths and Newcrest. Over 20 students were hired at the end of the WIL project by incubatorTANK or by client companies.

The company puts each student through an intensive program to learn software development best practice, and student feedback is very positive.

Two men in front of plans on brown paper


PerformHR

Nominator: Katie Mead, University of Newcastle

PerformHR provides their growing client base with purpose-fit, leading-edge solutions. They believe in ‘growing their talent from within’ and have a strong focus on employing graduates and fast-tracking their development through relevant, engaging industry experience.

Since CEO Lyndell Fogarty founded PerformHR in 2009, 26 students have engaged in WIL opportunities, half of whom have gone on to gain employment with the company. One of their first interns in 2010, Kirbie McWhirter, is now PerformHR’s general manager and a shareholder.

For a small business, PerformHR have gone above and beyond to engage our University’s students, allowing them integral and meaningful WIL and career opportunities.


Proactive Physiotherapy and Sports Workshop

Nominators: Dr Catherine Johnston and Luke Wakely, University of Newcastle

Proactive Physiotherapy and Sports Workshop is a private practice based in Tamworth that has been closely involved and supportive of the University, in particular, the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health (UONDRH).

Proactive have been involved with WIL placements since the inception of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University in 2002, with approximately 200 students since. Recently the practice increased their numbers and are now offering approximately 16 student placements per year.

Proactive staff contribute to teaching at the UONDRH and new graduates that the practice employs talk to final-year students about preparing for the workforce. Principal Warren Ansell and his senior physiotherapists provide tutorials for locally-based students and contribute to CPD for local clinicians.

The practice regularly employs talent from the University – one third of the current staff are University of Newcastle graduates.

Person walking with assistance of rails


Ramsland Laidler Solicitors

Nominators: Sarah Breusch and Ingrid Barnes, University of Newcastle

Ramsland Laidler have been hosted some 35 students for legal placement and employed three for over the last decade.

They provide students with excellent exposure to criminal law practice while instilling the importance of maintaining good, respectful relationships with all those involved in the criminal justice system, both inside and outside court.

The practitioners at the firm consistently demonstrate and discuss with students the importance of practicing self-care and debriefing with colleagues, especially when dealing with matters which may have quite disturbing aspects to them. The value of these lessons coming from those practicing at the coalface is invaluable.


Take 3 for the Sea

Nominators: Linda Cooper and Dr Jo Brown, University of Newcastle

Take 3 for the Sea is a registered environmental charity based on the Central Coast which has inspired a global movement of people with the simple message to “Take 3” pieces of rubbish with you.

The University and Take 3 work closely on a broad range of initiatives to support both the Take 3 vision and employability outcomes of students. This relationship has included over 250 University of Newcastle students across a range of discipline areas participating in WIL activities.

Take 3 has also directly employed nine students and alumni, and provided volunteering opportunities for many students in areas such as teaching, marine science, communications, accounting, law and marketing.

Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD)
Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD)
Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD)

University of Newcastle 50th year special enterprise award

Nominator: Professor Judith Scott, Faculty of Health and Medicine

Representatives: Matt Hanrahan, CE, CCLHD; Michael Di Rienzo, CE, HNELHD; Stewart Dowrick, CE, MNCLHD

These NSW government agencies provided approximately 32,000 clinical placements from 2012 to 2015, which is equivalent to 2.5 million hours of clinical placements (62% of the 4.2 million hours since 2012) within 13 accredited programs across three faculties.

In addition, approximately 1,000 graduates have been employed by the three local health districts over that same period.

The University could not support our 13 health-related programs without their support of WIL placements. The health-related programs include: Nutrition & Dietetics, JMP Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Psychology, Medical Radiation Science, Social Work, and Speech Pathology.

Matt Hanrahan, Stewart Dowrick, Michael Di Reinzo and John Aitken receiving awards


Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd

Nominator: Associate Professor Willy Sher, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Representatives: Peter Hansen, Pat McAllister and Matt Brandy

Hansen Yuncken (HY) is one of Australia's leading, privately owned construction companies and have been stalwart supporters of the University's Bachelor of Construction Management (Building) degree.

HY have offered our students opportunities to gain real-world experience on a wide range of construction sites, including aged-care facilities, airports and clinics. These placements have been offered on a regular and continuing basis and HY have become a trusted supporter.

In addition to these placements, Hansen Yuncken have also supported the University in a host of WIL-related activities and employ dozens of our graduates.

Perter Hansen, Patrick McAllister, Matthew Brandy, John Smolders and Caroline McMillen

Hunter Imaging Group

Nominator: John Tessier, Lecturer and Course Coordinator, Faculty of Health and Medicine

Representative: Mr Peter Shultz, CEO, Hunter Imaging Group

Hunter Imaging Group is Newcastle and the Hunter's largest provider of diagnostic medical imaging services. The Group provides a comprehensive array of imaging services such as MRI, nuclear medicine, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, interventional procedures and general x-ray.

Radiation science is constantly changing and having a local company with the latest technology available allows our undergraduate program to better prepare students for their professional careers.

The Group has been very generous with the provision of clinical experience. In 2014 alone, 45 students completed professional placements, each five weeks in duration. The staff at Hunter Imaging Group is an asset to our program with their expertise in all imaging modalities, their knowledge of the University’s programs, and their ability and willingness to contribute and support WIL.

Mr Peter Shultz, Hunter Imaging Group CEO, receiving the WIL Hall of Fame Award from Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen

Hunter Water

Nominator: Professor Andrew Parfitt, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), The University of Newcastle

Representative: Jonathan Morris, Group Manager People and Safety, Hunter Water

Hunter Water provides opportunities to undergraduates from a number of disciplines across the University of Newcastle through their support of WIL and industry scholarships.

Since 2002, Hunter Water has sponsored students from disciplines such as engineering, environmental management and computer science through the University of Newcastle Industry Scholarship program. In addition to this significant financial investment, Hunter Water has also employed the majority of scholars after the completion of their studies.

Students are able to utilise their industry experience at Hunter Water as evidence within either the WIL courses in their program or in fulfilling graduation requirements. Industry placements available through curriculum-aligned WIL opportunities and scholarships provide students with skills relevant to industry and an understanding of the culture and ethics integral to the workplace.

Jonathan Morris, Group Manager People & Safety, Hunter Water, receiving the WIL Hall of Fame Award from Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen