The Gold Coast’s top students were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the city through the Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards at The Star Event Centre last night.
Mayor Tom Tate presented the awards to each of the winners, while other dignitaries included Experience Gold Coast Board members the Hon Rob Borbidge AO (Chair), the Hon Kate Jones, Danielle McFall-Weis and recently appointed CEO of Experience Gold Coast, John Warn.
Warn emphasised the importance of recognising the achievements of the city’s students saying “We are a city that celebrates our achievements and it’s wonderful to see so many students contributing to our community. Experience Gold Coast is proud to showcase their contribution to our city and in doing so we amplify their success to ensure our place as a preferred education destination for students from all over the world”.
Gold Coast Executive Director of Education Jennine Tax said, “Each year I am inspired by the extraordinary contributions our local and international students continue to make to our community. Thank you for your countless hours of voluntary service to support your peers, or those less fortunate. Thank you for using your time and skills to promote health and wellbeing, champion diversity, care for the environment and foster the creative arts. These selfless contributions may be a small part of your overall student journey but don’t for a second underestimate how much they are valued.”
The 2023 Gold Coast Student Excellence Awardees are:
Excellence In Enhancing Our Communities: Iris Pham, Bond University. A firm advocate of community engagement for mental wellbeing, Iris is the founder of A Waiting Cove, a free weekly women’s support group, while also working at the After-Hours Safe Space in Southport. Iris is a member of Global Shapers, a network of young people driving dialogue, action and change. Her volunteering credits include the Youth Advisory Council Committee in Headspace, Drug ARM, Smart Recovery, Red Cross, and the Wesley Mission.
Excellence In Protecting Our Environment: Matilda Grant, A.B. Paterson College. Managing her school’s Sustainability Club, Matilda inspires students while raising awareness about environmental issues. As an EcoMarine Ambassador, Matilda represented Australia at the Global Link competition where her team spoke about the devastating impact of shark nets on wildlife, awarded 1st place for their ongoing conservation efforts. Matilda was also recognised at the Asian Pacific Soroptimist Art Competition, taking out first place with an animated video dedicated to protecting our oceans.
Excellence In Championing Diversity: Rudolf Orbacedo, Griffith University. As a Pride in Law Advocacy Officer and LGBTQ+ Ambassador, Rudolph has elevated the academic, professional, and social experiences of law students, while also advocating for LGBTQ+ rights on Radio Metro and podcasting on the student support platform Vygo. Rudolf’s achievements reflect a commitment to foster diversity and inclusion in both academic and community settings, cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued while enriching our community through diversity and inclusion.
Excellence In Peer to Peer Support: Mekhala Egodawele, Southern Cross University. Mekhala has worked with many organisations to empower students in the community through academic support, mental health, publications, and mentorship. As a volunteer for the Transforming Transport Makers project, Mekhala guided high school students with their social enterprise ideas. She’s also been a global advocate for education on the Gold Coast and contributed to SCU’s teaching and curricula development while assisting students across the Gold Coast, Papua New Guinea and China.
Excellence In Fostering Creative Arts: Sehar Ijaz, New York Film Academy Australia. In Pakistan, Sehar was President of the Kinnaird Literacy Society, where she initiated a campaign addressing educational disparities in Baluchistan by collecting and donating over 7,000 books to girls’ schools, colleges, and libraries, advocating for education in a region where access is limited, especially for women. Now studying with the New York Film Academy on the Gold Coast, Sehar is committed to academic excellence while supporting her fellow students in their filmmaking journeys.
Excellence In Promoting Sport and Wellness: Cecilia Picaut, Australian Pacific College. Cecilia’s Community Wellness Program united local residents through group exercise, nutrition workshops, and mental health awareness seminars with participants reporting notable weight loss, increased vitality, and a heightened sense of belonging. Cecilia also instigated a successful Online Sports Education Platform and recently expanded local fitness options through the introduction of her Aquabike program, providing a dynamic and invigorating workout experience for amplified engagement, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and healthier community.
The Koala congratulates Experience Gold Coast for hosting such a fabulous event showcasing the achievements of the students on the GC as well as all the award recipients themselves – well done!
