Excellence in University Engagement and Sustainability

Winner - Staff Individual

Christine Jones Diaz

Dr Christine Jones Diaz, Senior Lecturer, School of Education

Dr Jones Diaz has worked as a volunteer for the Latin American School of the Inner West Inc. for 21 years in a number of roles including Secretary and Treasurer. Since 2002, she has been the School’s Principal. The nomination is based on key achievements of the school, through which her leadership has secured. This includes the co-ordination of a successful parent managed not-for-profit, poorly funded Spanish Community Language School; the provision of a quality educational program that facilitates the learning of Spanish for primary school aged children, and the establishment of a viable research site that supports Western Sydney University research initiatives and programs.

Winner - Team

STITCHES Team

Serving Through Inter-professional Community Health Engagements (STITCHES)

  • Dr Brahm Marjadi, Director of Engagement, Senior Lecturer, Community Engaged Learning, School of Medicine
  • Dr Miriam Brooks, Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine
  • Dr Lawrence Tan, Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine
  • Dr Stacy Blythe, Lecturer, Director Engagement and International, School of Nursing and Midwifery
  • Sue Willis, Director of Academic Program - Clinical, School of Nursing and Midwifery
  • Dr Nerida Klupp, Director of Academic Program, Bachelor of Health Science, School of Science and Health
  • Nicole Peel, Associate Lecturer - Therapeutic Recreation, School of Science and Health
  • Dr Freya MacMillan, Lecturer, Inter-professional Health Sciences, School of Science and Health

Serving Through Inter-professional Community Health Engagements (STITCHES) is a team of academics across Western Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, and Science and Health. STITCHES liaises with various community groups and mobilises students from health –related courses to provide health checks and information at community events. From its humble beginning as one School’s (Medicine) response to random community requests in 2012, STITCHES now provides the community with integrated services; elevates the Western profile; provides community engagement and inter-professional collaboration experience for students; and generates teaching and research ideas for the academics – a true win for all parties involved.

Winner - Team

Ally Team

Ally Network

  • Michelle Falconer, Senior Coordinator, Equity and Diversity Programs, Office of Equity and Diversity
  • Luce de Buitleir Andrews, Driector, The Academy
  • Vanessa Noble, Student, Bachelor of Psychology
  • Brahm Marjadi, Director of Engagement, Senior Lecturer, Community Engaged Learning, School of Medicine
  • Melinda Blackmore, Personal Assistant to the Director, Administrative Officer, Office of Equity and Diversity
  • Dr Tinashe Dune, Senior Lecturer, Interprofessional Health Sciences, School of Science and Health

2017 marks the tenth anniversary of Western Sydney University’s Ally Network. Across these ten years the Network has always significantly contributed to the University’s inclusion of LGBTIQ students and staff. However, recently it has expanded its impact to see its highest membership numbers, greatest student engagement, and widest outreach across more campuses than ever. This year, the Ally Network has had over 340 participants at a range of activities. The 170 volunteer students and staff constituting the Network come from every School and Division across the University, each making their own contribution and regularly collaborating on the Network’s shared goals.

Winner - Student Individual

Lisa Marie Lewis

Lisa Marie Lewis, Bachelor of Social Science

Lisa is an outstanding student who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in encouraging others to embrace themselves and become civically engaged. Lisa encourages others to reach self-acceptance and new heights in leadership and is a NSW Multicultural Youth Ambassador. Lisa has been a selfless advocate for LGBTIQUA+ rights volunteering at IDAHOT, Mardi Gras and Queer Collaborations. She is a spokesperson who empowers women of colour and low- SES students, as a representative of Amnesty International, and as a club founder on Kingswood Campus.

Highly Commended - Student

Gerard McGookin, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Advanced Business Leadership)

Nominated - Staff Team

Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Team

  • Rowena Saheb, Mental Health and Wellbeing Promotions Coordinator
  • Erin Rutherford, Mental Health and Wellbeing Project Support Officer, Student Participation and Success