2024 Award Winners

Our volunteers and their exceptional contributions to the community were recognised at the annual University's Volunteer Achievement Awards on Thursday 5 December. Congratulations to all those nominated in 2024.

Student Volunteer of the Year

A photo of Alex Nguyen accepting award from Provost John Williams AM

Alex Nguyen receives her 2024 Student VolunteerÌýof the Year from Acting Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor John Wiliams AM.

Alex Nguyen has volunteered for more than 300 hours across twelve programs for The ³ÉÈË´óƬ. Three volunteer coordinators noted her extraordinary level of commitment and professionalism in her roles. As a member of theÌý, Alex's highlight was elevating the University’s image by guiding Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador during their recent visit to Adelaide, earning 2,500+ views on government social media.

Through her role with the International Student Ambassador Volunteer Program, on behalf of the Future Students Team, Alex's contributions extended beyond routine duties. She took a proactive approach to peer mentoring, program improvement, and knowledge sharing, initiating a resource hub for sharing best practice, positively contributing to the improved confidence and capabilities of newer team members.

In 2024 Alex won a National Student Volunteer Week Advocate role. She capitalised on her roles in the Community Volunteering Advisory Committee and the Community Volunteer Program, to launch two campus-based events, along with tirelessly interviewing volunteers for social media campaigns, spreading the word about volunteering.

Community Volunteer Group of the Year

Talking with Aussies community volunteer group

Tamra Purton (holding certificate) next to Provost John Williams AM, alongside the dedicated volunteers of the Talking with Aussies Program

The Program has been serving international students for 29 years, most recently averaging 4,000 hours of voluntary contributions per year.

In 2024, 130 dedicated volunteers tailored various activities to support their international students, including walks, coffee chats, also group excursions such as visits to cultural centres.ÌýThese dedicated volunteers understand their responsibilities as the ‘safe’ people who support vulnerable international students; however, they also value that the sharing and learning is mutually beneficial.

Tamra Purton has coordinated this popular program which receives ongoing praise through student feedback indicating that participants appreciate the cultural immersion opportunities, building their understanding of another culture, and the growth in their self-confidence.

Student Volunteer Group of the Year

The Academic Integrity student group

Claudia Gottwald (holding certificate) next to Provost John Williams AM, alongside the volunteers of the Academic Integrity Ambassadors Program

Since mid-2022 Ms Claudia Gottwald has led the Academic Integrity Ambassador Program, invigorating enthusiasm about the topic through the wonderful work of 25 volunteers, who have given more than 375 hours over the last two-years. They have hosted Academic Integrity Awareness Week, conducted class visits, hub stalls, also supporting events, colloquiums, and panels, in addition to creating educational resources.

Recently, these dedicated ambassadors demonstrated their self-motivation by coordinating their own participation and being present for the whole of the key event of the year, running well-attended games and pop-up stalls for Academic Integrity Awareness Week.

Ms Gottwald, an avid promoter of academic integrity, has gained recognition at eight conferences, receiving award commendations, a conference grant, also leading the establishment of a Student Academic Integrity Champion International Network.

Volunteer Project of the Year

The recipients of the Volunteer Project of the Year award

Claudia Welsh, John Williams AM, and the volunteers of Children’s University

With such warm smiles and a strong customer service ethic, the volunteers of Children’s University provided the crucial logistical support and customer service response required to ensure the success of Wonderverse, a partnership with Patch Theatre. They coordinated the hustle and bustle of high-volume customer queries to ensure the arrival of excited children, families, and school groups, went smoothly.

Headed by the efficient and effective volunteer coordination of Ms Claudia Welsh, Executive Assistant, Children’s University, these enthusiastic volunteers quickly applied the knowledge they gained from limited briefings and trainings, ensuring that they always responded appropriately in such a demanding and dynamic environment.

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2024 Honourable Mentions

  • Baitao Chang, Adelaide University Sport and Fitness & English Language Centre.

    Baitao Chang is studying a Master of Environmental Policy and Management. He has volunteered for more than 120 hours across eight programs. He was nominated for his commitment and dedication towards supporting events, including those of Adelaide University Sport and Fitness, also the English Language Centre.

  • Vy Thi Be Nguyen, English Language Centre

    Vy Thi Be Nguyen is studying for a Master of Business Administration (Entrepreneurship). In 2024 she won university awards for Outstanding Academic Performance in both New Venture Creation and Social Entrepreneurship.

    Ms Nguyen has volunteered for more than 40 hours with the English Language Centre since 2023. Beyond her commitment to supporting events, she actively participates in discussions about event planning, offering insights into what types of activities resonate with students.

  • Shobhana Khekedar - highly commended for Student Volunteer of the Year

    Shobhana is studying for a Master of Data Science. She volunteered for 60 hours as a Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Ambassadors throughout 2024. She has been a key player in the team, contributing to some of the Faculty of SET's highest profile events such as the Australian Rover Challenge and Open Day.

    Shobhana was given honorary membership to the Adelaide Rover Team in 2024 for her volunteer work. Additionally, Shobhana became the ‘go-to student’ for the Faculty Marketing team if they ever need student-focused assistance.

  • Dr Rachel Spencer, Friends of the Library

    Dr Rachel Spencer is the current President of the University'sÌýFriends of the Library. In 2024 they collaborated withÌýFriends of the State Library of South Australia to co-deliver an event about Philanthropist, Robert Barr Smith,Ìýraising funds for the Barr Smith Library.ÌýSince 2022, under Rachel's guidance, Friends of the Library members have met monthly to distribute regular newsletters to over 2000 members, promoting events and fundraising activities in support of the Barr Smith Library.