Image: Kate Carter Lecturer and Unit Coordinator TRACKS; Uncle Colin Ahoy, Oorala Elder-in-Residence, Guido Posthausen, Academic Coordinator; Sam Fowler acting Director Oorala; and UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran.

Achievement, excellence and impact were celebrated at the annual Oorala Awards held at the Armidale City Bowling Club recently.

The Awards acknowledge the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and the UNE staff that support them. This year marked a significant milestone for the Awards with the organising team received 65 nominations, up from 25 in 2022.

Student excellence are recognised in four categories: Achievement, Academic Excellence, Impact to Community, and Sporting Achievement. These categories are open to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander undergraduate, postgraduate, and higher degree research students. The winners exemplify outstanding contributions across various domains, showcasing the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Indigenous student community.

A highlight of the 2023 Oorala Awards was the recognition of Guido Posthausen with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment to Aboriginal education at tertiary level. Guido first joined UNE in 1999 and has been a steady force, blending tradition with innovation to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, throughout his career. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of Guido’s enduring legacy and the immense impact he has had on many students and colleagues.

In addition to student awards, the Oorala Awards recognize the pivotal role of UNE staff in fostering Indigenous success. Staff Awards are presented in three categories: Recognition, Tertiary Impact, and Impact to Community. These categories are open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous professional and academic staff who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in their academic journey.

List of winners:

Students

Student Sporting Achievement Award

• Haleigh McCarney – Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science

Student Impact to Community Award

• Kisani Upward – Doctor of Philosophy

Student Academic Excellence Award

• Katie Cox – Bachelor of Psychological Science (Undergraduate)
• Dylan Katthagen studying a Masters of History (Postgraduate)

The Higher Degree Research Academic Excellence Award:

• Peter Smith – Doctor of Philosophy

Student Achievement Award

• Kimberley Peckham – Bachelor of Arts (Undergraduate)
• Danika Lee – Master of Teaching (Primary) (Postgraduate)

Student Leadership Award

• Courtney Baker – Bachelor of Social Work

Staff

Impact to Community Award

• Brendon Kassman – SportUNE

Staff Recognition Award

• Lexie McGourty – Student Engagement Manager, Oorala Aboriginal Centre

Tertiary Education Impact Award

• Dr Bernie Cocks – Lecturer in Psychology – The School of Psychology
• Kate Carter – TRACKS Program, Oorala Aboriginal Centre

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Guido Posthausen, Academic Co-ordinator, Oorala Aboriginal Centre