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On Campus Event of the Year
UC Chinese Scholars & Students Association
Chinese Culture Exhibition
The Chinese Culture Exhibition provided students with information on the scholarship opportunities in China which included a guest speaker discussing their exchange experience with attendees. The event also showcased Chinese culture with paper cutting and Chinese calligraphy. Attendees also got to enjoy traditional Chinese dishes.
Off Campus Event of the Year
Winner - UC Graphic Design Club
Digital Frontier
The Digital Frontier was a group art exhibition featuring digital artwork by 27 members of the UC Graphic Design Club. The exhibition ran for two weeks at The Front Gallery & Café and was a huge success, with an estimated attendance of 1000 over the 2-week period. It was also an excellent networking opportunity for members as well as a chance for them to exhibit their work in a professional setting.
Club of the Year award
Faculty Club of the Year Award
Winner - The PIRaNaS
The PIRaNaS have had another hugely successful year with an impressive program of events including the PIRaNaS Lecture Series and presentations by guest speakers including Professor the Honourable Gareth Evans. They also hosted a number of social events including the extremely successful Trivia Night – Supporting Soldier On, as well as holding an Essay Writing Workshop and Exam Revision Sessions for their members. On top of this, the PIRaNaS have also performed highly in the areas of financial management and administration.
Runner up - The University of Canberra Advertising and Marketing Society
Social/Cultural Club of the Year Award
Winner - UC United Nations Students Society.
The UN Student Society has successfully re-established itself from its folding last year to become one of the strongest clubs on campus with over 100 members. The club holds weekly meetings and has also hosted a number of other events including trivia nights, an inter-social debating competition, and their own 2-day Model United Nations Conference. They also sent a number of their members to the Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference in Perth.
Runner up - UC Chinese Scholars and Students Association
Sporting Club of the Year
Winner - UC Touch Club
The UC Touch Club organised and ran an impressive 15-week Touch Football competition, complemented by a season launch and a presentation night for their players, and their family and friends. The UC Touch Club has also helped coach primary school children throughout the year. The club has been successful in a range of competitions including ACT Touch, National Touch League Competition, and Superleague.
Runner up - UC Hockey Club
Faculty Club Leadership Award
Andrea Mya Riboust – PIRaNaS
Andrea has been a member of the PIRaNaS committee for over 2 and a half years. The incredible quantity of service that Andrea has provided PIRaNaS, the faculty, and the University is surpassed only by its quality. PIRaNaS is richer for his service. Andrea is a remarkable asset to PIRaNaS and has been an exceptional mentor to a number of first year students. Andrea has worked hard to ensure that PIRaNaS is an inclusive and welcoming society at the University of Canberra.
Social/Cultural Club Leadership Award
Kevin Escobia – Filipino Society
As the founder and President of the Filipino Society, Kevin has been instrumental in its successful establishment. Kevin has led the fundraising activities for the society’s impressive scholarship program. Kevin’s positive and approachable nature makes him an asset to the society: a society that would not be in operation today if not for all of Kevin’s hard work.
Sporting Club Leadership Award
Tehliah Dundas – Ultimate Frisbee Club
Tehliah is an extremely dedicated and hardworking member of the UC Buckets Ultimate Frisbee Club. Tehliah has organised fundraising activities, tournaments and leagues, social events, facilitated the development of the club logo, and much more. It is likely that without Tehliah, the UC Buckets wouldn’t be able to function as a club. The time and passion she puts into the club are second to none.
Lion Nathan Club Person of the Year
Ian Dudley
In his first year with the club, Ian has worked tirelessly to completely turn the club around. He has brought a whole new vision to the UC Graphic Design club and lifted the club’s level of professionalism and quality. Ian has organised and promoted a huge number of club events, obtained sponsorship for the club, and has created the club website and membership cards. Ian is a pleasure to work with and should be extremely proud of his achievements.
Coach of the year
Farah Atallah – Touch
Farah is heavily involved in the respective UC club as well as several teams that participated at Uni Games – coaching and running three teams at Eastern Uni Games and one team at the Australian University Games. Not only does she have great knowledge of the tactics and skills required in the sport, but she also spends a lot of time around the administration. Farah has been described as respected, approachable, and enthusiastic. She has great leadership skills and is willing to go above and beyond to help out on any occasion. This coach has led several fundraisers to ensure that events were affordable for all to attend.
Unsung Hero
Jeremy Hegarty – Futsal
Jeremy quietly worked away in the background to help ensure that Australian University Sport events have been as enjoyable as possible for all involved. He captained UC at both the Eastern University Games and Australian University Games, whilst captaining his own team. He spent time organizing a social function in the lead-up to both events and always went out of his way to ensure everyone was happy and everything was operating as it should have. He was a vital part in helping to change the culture of an inclusive whole, being Team UC. His leadership skills transferred on to his sporting arena where his team won division 1 at the Australian University Games, leaving the competition as the top university Futsal Team in Australia. He never expected anything in return for his dedication in behind-the-scenes work and was a vital component in the overall success of Team UC.
Spirit Award
Sam Burns
Sam participated at this year’s Eastern Uni Games, Australian University Games, and the UC v ANU Intervarsity Sports Day. This enthusiastic individual would be very vocal both on the sports field and on the sidelines of not only his own teams but any UC Team that he went to watch. The support of this individual helped to boost the Team UC spirit of those both on the sports field and those cheering alongside him. Subbing himself out of the Tug-of-war for the team's own benefit, he confidently took on a coaching role where his support spurred UC into 4th place. Sam is well respected and sets the standard when it comes to supporting his fellow UC team members. He is seen to get involved in several UC-organized initiatives and is also an active member of the Ruckus crew.
Team Spirit Award
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee participated in both Eastern University Games and the UC v ANU Intervarsity sports day. At the Eastern games, the Ultimate Frisbee team would make an effort to get around as many sports as possible, when possible. Where most teams would opt for a sleep-in if they had a late game, they would make an effort to get up early to support fellow Team UC athletes. The contribution and morale-boosting acts of this team helped to lift the performance of others whilst they were on the sports field and were a successful component of helping to unify Team UC.
Half Blue
To be eligible for a half blue award the athlete must have been either selected for a merit team for an Australian University Sport national event or have represented their sport at a high competition level. Tonight we have 3 recipients of this award.
Jeremy Habtemariam: Jeremy has been in the UC futsal team for 2 years now, having played in the Intervarsity sports day and beating ANU winning Gold at the 2014 eastern Uni games and gold at the 2014 Australian university games in division 2. Jeremy was also a part of our 2015 men’s futsal team that brought home gold in Division 1 at this year’s Australian university games. Jeremy’s outstanding performances on the Futsal court lead to him being selected in this year’s Futsal Green and gold merit team.
Jeremy Saleh: Jeremy has had the same involvement in Futsal at UC that Jeremy has, winning a gold medal at last year’s Eastern games and Australian games and was a key player in this year’s team's gold medal success at the 2015 Australian university games. As the team's goalkeeper, Jeremy also got acknowledged for his talented playing ability by being selected for the men’s Futsal Green and Gold merit team.
Brent Irvine: Brent was a part of this year's Mixed Handball Team that travelled to the Gold Coast for the Australian University Games. The team performed well throughout the week bringing home a division 2 silver medal, which also automatically promotes the team to division 1 for 2016. Brent was rewarded for his solid performances throughout the week when he was selected for the AUS Green and Gold Merit Team.
Full Blue Award
To be awarded a sporting Full Blue the student must have competed in their chosen sport at an international level as deemed by their Sports National Sports Organisation or international body. All of the athletes receiving their Full Blue award tonight are also all finalists to receive the Coca-Cola Amatil Athlete of the Year.
Karl Warrener: Karl was a key member of the mixed Handball team that participated at this year’s Australian university games, bringing home a division 2 silver medal. Karl also represented UC at the Handball club championship in May earlier this year. This year Karl has represented both NSW and Australia. At this year’s U21 Nationals his NSW team won a silver medal. Through Karl’s representation of Australia, he has traveled to Spain, Italy, Mexico, and Samoa and will be in the Australian U21 team to play against Singapore in Brisbane later this year.
Caitlin Baker: Caitlin captained this year’s UC Team at the Australian University Games, bringing home a silver medal. She is also captain of the ACT U21 women's Handball team, which won a bronze medal at nationals this year. Caitlin played for the Australian U21 Women’s Handball team at the IHF Oceania qualifiers and won a silver medal. Caitlin is heading to Singapore in December to represent the Australian juniors handball team.
Jess Cleary: Along with Karl and Caitlin, Jess is also a Handballer. Jess was a key player in the UC Handball team at AUGs who brought home a division 2 silver medal. Jess was also in the U21 Australian Women’s Handball team, which won a silver medal at the IHF Oceania qualifiers. Along with Caitlin, Jess has also been named in the Australian junior team that will travel to Singapore in December this year.
Michael Roeger: Michael has had an outstanding year on the track with a strong domestic season racing against his able-bodied competitors and achieving a personal best in both the 1500m and 3000m. Michael spent 6 weeks at an altitude camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, and in June this year he broke the T46 1500m World record, which also made him the second-fastest Paralympian over the metric mile. Michael is one of only two Paralympians who has qualified for the Australian Open Nationals.
Seamus Leyland: Seamus is seen as a key member of the UC Grizzlies Rugby League team. Seamus was selected in several representative teams this year including the NSW Universities Team, the NSW Tertiary Rugby league team, and in the Australian Universities team. In July Seamus travelled to Canada with the NSW Tertiary team and was named man of the match on 2 out of 3 occasions, which also lead to him being named player of the tour. Just last week Seamus travelled to New Zealand with the Australian Universities Team.
Michael Hatfield: Michael was the captain of this year's Mixed Ultimate Frisbee team that participated at the Eastern University Games in Wagga. Michael has been selected for the Australian Mixed Ultimate Frisbee team for this year’s Asian Oceanic Ultimate Championships that will be played in Hong Kong in late July. This selection follows on from Michael’s previous representation at the World Ultimate Club Championships.
Tom McCallum: Tom represented Australia in the U23 Men's Ultimate team in the international 2015 U23 World Ultimate Championships in London. He was also part of the Australian men’s team that competed in Goannas.
Ryan Waters: Ryan was a key member of the UC ultimate team that participated at this year’s Eastern University Games. He was selected to represent the ACT in the Australian Youth Championships earlier this year and was selected to represent Australia in the Under 18 men’s Ultimate Frisbee team, who competed in the trans-Tasman cup, which was a 3 match series against New Zealand in September this year.
Jonathan Goerlach: 2015 has been a very successful year for Jonathan in the sports arena. Jonathan is an elite Paratriathlete who is currently ranked number 5 in the world in the PT5 category. Jonathan is currently ranked number 1 in the world for the Paraduathlon in the PT5 Category. Jonathan has achieved a long list of successful results this year. 1st in the Paraduathlon World Championships in Adelaide, 6th at the ParaTriathlon World Championships in Chicago, 1st at the Oceanic Paratriathlon in Penrith, 1st at the World ParaTriathlon Event in Mooloolaba, and 1st at the Australian National ParaTriathlon Championships in Brisbane.
Simon Hone: Simon has had a very successful 2015 on the volleyball court. He represented Australia in the U23 national volleyball team earlier in the year and was also selected for the Australian World University Games team, but due to an academic scholarship opportunity was unable to attend. Simon was also selected in the Australian Volleyball League all-star team, where he was named the best blocker and had the highest attack efficiency over the tournament. Simon is currently playing for the ACT Heat who started their season a few weeks ago. Simon was a part of the UC Men’s Volleyball team for this year's Australian University Games, where the team brought home a division 1 silver medal. Simon was rewarded for his outstanding performances on the court by being selected in the Men’s Volleyball Green and Gold merit team.
Jack Connell: Jack was captain of the UC men’s volleyball team at this year’s Australian University Games, successfully captaining the team to claim 2nd place in division 1. A fellow teammate of Simons Jack is also a current player in the ACT Heat Men’s volleyball team, who play against teams from all over Australia and New Zealand. Jack represented Australia through his selection in the U23 Men’s championship team that travelled to Asia earlier this year.
AUS Team of the Year
Men’s Volleyball.
After their division 2 win at the 2014 Australian University Games, the team was promoted to Division 1 for the 2015 Australian University Games. Where most teams would have struggled to hold their own in a higher level of competition the team rose to the challenge and went into the final undefeated. The team came away with an outstanding 2nd place. With the team filled with many Australian age group representatives, they all worked together and unified as a team. On and off the court the team were role models, showing professional sportsmanship, and enthusiastically embracing Team UC.
AUS Athlete of the Year
Simon Hone
Simon was a part of the Men’s Volleyball Team that brought home a division 1 silver medal. This was Simons's 8th and final University game as a UC athlete. Simon led by example both on and off the court, not only for his Volleyball team but for Team UC. Simon was rewarded for his on-court performance by being selected for the AUS Green and Gold Merit Team.
Coca Cola Amatil Athlete of the Year
Michael Roeger
Michael has had an outstanding year on the track with a strong domestic season racing against his able-bodied competitors and achieving a personal best in both the 1500m and 3000m. Michael spent 6 weeks at an altitude camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, and in June this year, he broke the T46 1500m World record, which also made him the second-fastest Paralympian over the metric mile. Michael is one of only two Paralympians who has qualified for the Australian Open Nationals. Michael has managed to successfully continue to compete at a high international level and simultaneously juggle his academic studies.
Blue Star Award
Simone Hone
Simone is in his final semester at UC. Whilst a student of UC he has represented the university at various events for 5 consecutive years of their time as a student here. Simon is seen to go above and beyond, not only what he contributes to his team on the court, but also by giving back to his sport off the court as a volunteer. Simon is seen as a true team player and is willing to let his team succeed at all costs, known for putting the well-being of others before his own. He has contributed largely to the sports program whilst studying at UC and helps to boost morale on and off the court of fellow UC team members and has been seen to truly embrace what team spirit and what Team UC is all about.
