2016 Award winners

Laura has been volunteering as a MultiLit and Event Volunteer with the Adelaide Compass program since March 2014 while completing her PhD in Plant Genetics. Working with low socio-economic schools, Laura engages primary students once a week in a range of learning activities and literacy programs. She works one-to-one with students who are struggling to learn to read, and provides intensive reading support to improve students' literacy, confidence and resilience. 

By assisting students to reach the same reading level as their peers, there is no doubt that Laura has changed the lives of the children she has worked with. Laura’s passion for science and learning shine through in her conversations with students, inspiring them to embrace learning in a similar way, and making her a wonderful role model.

Kahlia has been with the program since it commenced in February 2015. She has guided and mentored new students through their first 5 weeks of University by providing information on support services, and helping students understand the expectations and requirements of life as a university student to help them establish a sense of belonging. 

The program is now in its second year and Kahlia has been involved in recruiting and interviewing new volunteers; she is always open to sharing her experiences, especially with prospective students. Kahlia’s professional and kind manner helps to improve students' confidence and ability to proceed with their study.

Yao has many volunteering roles within the Confucius Institute including event assistant, photographer, Chinese tutor and cultural workshop volunteer. Since June 2015, Yao has assisted at many events to raise awareness of the Confucius Institute. Her photography skills and ability to promote the institute's work on social media, including YouTube videos, has resulted in increased interest in Chinese culture within the community.

Anmol has been involved in the Health and Medical Sciences Senior Peer Mentor program since it commenced in 2015. He provides guidance and support to new students each week while being a leader and role model to new peer mentors. He also assists Disability Services as a participation assistant, helping students with laboratory work. 

As an international student, he has a focus on ensuring other international students establish a sense of belonging within the University and the city. Anmol goes above and beyond his duties by providing assistance with enrolment sessions and speaking with future students about his University experiences.

Merry’s contribution to the program and the Hughes Bequest Committee over the past eight years has been outstanding. Her knowledge of the University and ability to engage with alumni to promote the program has seen a significant increase of awareness which has resulted in providing scholarships to disadvantaged students. She has attended nearly 72 Friends and Benefactors events since 2008. As a passionate supporter of the University, Merry has also been involved in programs such as Talking with Aussies, Friends of the Barr Smith Library and Experience Adelaide.

John was the first volunteer dentist to start in 2011 when the Dental Outreach Program commenced. He continues to support our dental students through his advice and wisdom that only experience can supply. His expertise has enabled these students to provide dental care for the homeless and vulnerable who are often lacking access to timely dental care. John’s reliability provides a sense of stability to the program and a familiar reassuring face for our patients. John also volunteers for Lifeline on a weekly basis and drives a community bus for Unley City Council.

Clare has been volunteering with the University Collections every Tuesday consistently for seven years. She has also been a regular History & Heritage Tour Guide since July 2012. She develops and manages an internal office ‘library’ of resources and correlates records, which she has achieved and grown with minimal supervision. Clare has contributed to improving access to office and tour resources for use by staff, volunteers and interns. As a retired teacher and librarian, Clare’s knowledge and professional opinion is often sought and much appreciated.

Peter has been a committed and enthusiastic volunteer for Talking with Aussies since it commenced 21 years ago. He has worked with numerous international students over this period, meeting with them on a regular basis. Peter encourages the students he meets to engage with the University and local community. He has also been most diligent in attending the weekly group conversation session where students interact in small groups. 

To maintain that level of commitment over all those years, with unwavering good-nature, enthusiasm and patience is indeed a remarkable achievement.

Kevin joined the AU Soccer Club in 2001. Within a year he signed up as a volunteer after seeing the importance of orientation week contact on new student intake. Kevin restarted the involvement of AU Soccer in the University Games after it had lapsed in the early 90s. He joined the AU Sports Board in 2003 and was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Graduates Oval. Since 2007 Kevin has also been involved in women’s soccer from seniors to juniors.

Brian has been a consistent and dedicated volunteer every Tuesday since the group’s inception in August 2008. Not only has Brian been dedicated to University Collections resource tasks and projects, but he has also been a History & Heritage Tour Guide since June 2012. Because of his exceptional knowledge of history Brian is often assigned to host VIP tours for professional international delegates. His reliability and availability for tour guiding has been a pillar of strength for our program. As an alumnus, Brian's enthusiasm for the University and its history has been contagious with visitors, staff and students.

Joy’s volunteering for the University has spanned 11 years and five of the current six volunteer groups at Urrbrae House. As a tour guide, Joy leads visitors through the house museum, providing institutional, architectural and social history to the public. As a flower arranger, Joy is often found in Urrbrae House gardens picking flowers for display. 

Joy is an integral part of the Urrbrae House Schools’ program. Dressed as Agnes the laundry maid, she provides school children with insight into what it was like to be part of Mr & Mrs Waite home. Joy is also the current President of the Friends of Urrbrae House committee, and oversees planning for public concerts and other activities.