Students Recognised For Excellence

Gold Coast students have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the city through the 2019 Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards in a gala event held at the HOTA outdoor stage. The five award recipients are all outstanding individuals who have demonstrated innovative leadership and initiative through their positive impact and the contributions they’ve made within their communities.

In presenting the inaugural awards Mayor Tom Tate praised not only the winning recipients but also the wider student community for their contribution to the city.

“The Gold Coast is a welcoming city that offers so many opportunities and there’s no question that we are a world class study destination. One of the reasons why the Gold Coast so special is because our students become part of the fabric of our community by bringing new ideas, cultural influences and a willingness to embrace our lifestyle.”

In joining the Gold Coast Mayor to present the awards Study Gold Cost CEO explained why the awards were important.

“Students come to the Gold Coast from right across Australia and all over the world. They make a vital contribution to our city and in doing so create opportunities from which we all benefit. Through their fresh perspective and vibrant enthusiasm they enrich our lives.” 

Award recipients (l to r): Sally Gregory, Siobhan Dillon, Emmanuelle Bryant, Bryton Ale and Erin Condrin.

Winners

The five winners for the 2019 Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards are:  

Excellence In Enhancing Our Communities

Bryton Ale (Bond University). Bryton is the President of the Bond University branch of 180 Degrees Consulting, the world's largest student-run consultancy for non-profit organisations and social enterprises. Bryton is also the Treasurer of Make-A-Wish Australia's Gold Coast Volunteer branch.

Excellence In Protecting Our Environment

Sally Gregory (Southern Cross University). During the past four years Sally has instigated over a dozen new environmental initiatives resulting in an extensive ripple effect for a greener, more sustainable campus to broaden the learning experiences of her fellow students while demonstrating “no one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” What’s your something?

Excellence In Championing Diversity

Erin Condrin (Griffith University). Erin recently finished a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Griffith University. She is an advocate for diversity and disability inclusion across Griffith University and the Gold Coast Health and Hospital Service and has presented at a range of conferences and events championing inclusion for disabled people in education and the workplace.

Excellence In Peer To Peer Support

Siobhan Dillon (Griffith University). Siobhan is a third year medical student at Griffith University. Having grown up on an island, she has a genuine passion for improving rural health. Siobhan established a bursary program for medical students completing rural placements and also helped to organise a national rural medical student conference in Cairns this year.

Excellence In Fostering Creative Arts

Emmanuelle Bryant (TAFE Queensland). Emmanuelle is a French-born Australian who moved back to the Gold Coast after a two-year stint in Darwin which she says was life-defining. Upon returning home Emmanuelle decided to study Screen & Media (Film & TV Production) at TAFE because she wants to share stories of culture, love and identity through her own lens. She is a strong believer in continuous learning, shared knowledge and doing the right thing.

The Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards were open to both domestic and international students on the Gold Coast. Winners from each individual category were selected by an independent peer panel facilitated by Study Gold Coast.