NSW a better place for international students: Study NSW 2018 awards announced
Media release | 26 September 2018
The contribution of international students to NSW communities has been recognised at the fifth annual Study NSW 2018 International Students Awards announced last night.
The winners were recognised for their community work in areas such as helping women return to the workplace, resettling refugees, and volunteering with community groups.
Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair addressed the Awards finalists and winners and acknowledged international students’ valuable contribution to the State, and the NSW Government’s commitment to making their study experience the best it can be.
“Last year more than 230,000 international students enrolled in courses across NSW’s excellent education institutions, helping to make NSW the vibrant, multicultural place that it is.
“Many go on to become great ambassadors for NSW as future leaders and advocates for trade, diplomacy and research links.”
In an acknowledgement of his leading role in school support programs and volunteer work in the local Salvos store, Homebush Boys High’s Duy Quang Mai was named the NSW International Student of the Year (Schools).
For her unflinching support for TAFE NSW community initiatives, Kennedy Jackson was similarly recognised in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) category.
Charles Sturt University student and Women’s Officer for the Council of International Students Australia, Forough Ataollahi was named as NSW International Student of the Year in the Higher Education category. She was recognised for her passionate advocacy for international students, and her work to resettle refugees.
International Student Community Engagement Awards were also bestowed in the Business/Community Group and Education Provider categories.
A full listing of Award winners and finalists is below and full finalists’ profiles can be viewed at Study Sydney
2018 International Student Awards winners and finalists
International Student of the Year – Schools
- Mr Duy Quang Mai, Homebush Boys High School from Hanoi, Vietnam (Winner)
- Miss Helga Oladottir, Willyama High School, Broken Hill from Reykjavik, Iceland
- Ms Nabiha Rafi, Chester Hill High School from Karachi, Pakistan
International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Miss Kennedy Jackson, TAFE NSW – Ultimo from London, United Kingdom (Winner)
- Mr David Harmati, TAFE NSW – Western Sydney from Budapest, Hungary
- Ms Marie Sorenza Rebecca Olivette, TAFE NSW - Glendale from Port Louis, Mauritius
International Student of the Year – Higher Education
- Mrs Forough Ataollahi, Charles Sturt University from Shahrebabak, Iran (Winner)
- Ms Vidushi Bhagwanani, Macquarie University from Delhi, India
- Mrs Nirosha Kumudini Ranawaka, University of New England from Kiribathgoda Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
International Student Community Engagement – Business/ Community Group
- Global Scope, Intersective (Winner)
- Beach Safety Advisor, Surf Lifesaving NSW
- City of Parramatta – International students Welcome Event, City of Parramatta Council
International Student Community Engagement – Education Provider
- The Student Experience Passport, University of Newcastle (Joint winner)
- Global Leadership Program, Macquarie University (Joint winner)
- Ready for Western, Western Sydney University