2021 Excellence Award Winners

“Our judging panel again commented on the exceptional quality of the 2021 nominations, and even awarded a joint winner in the Outstanding Engagement for Research Impact category due to the high standard of the nominations.

“It’s also notable that three of the eight successful universities and individuals are based outside of the capital cities.”

The winners
Excellence in Community Engagement
University of the Sunshine Coast: The Alliance for Suicide Prevention
The award recognises outstanding collaborations between communities, higher education and industry for societal benefit. Emphasis placed on partnerships that engage rural, regional, urban, disadvantaged or marginalised groups within Australia and New Zealand.

Excellence in Indigenous Engagement
The University of Queensland: Enhancing access to specialist health services through the use of telehealth for Indigenous Australians
The award recognises outstanding collaborations between communities, higher education and industry that directly reduce disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Excellence in Industry Engagement
Monash University: Woodside Monash Partnership
The award recognises outstanding contributions to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education by members of tertiary education institutions, community and industry partners.

Outstanding Engagement for Research Impact (2 winners)
Edith Cowan University: ‘Better Beginnings’ – The development and impact of a State library and university partnership on a family literacy program
Flinders University: Northern Territory Point-Of-Care Testing Program
Recognising excellence in research and development activity, that makes a substantial difference to the community, or Australian prosperity, undertaken jointly by researchers in tertiary education institutes and partners in the community, business and industry.

Award for Excellence in Student Engagement
University of New England: Social Workers in Schools
The award recognises outstanding contributions that improve student engagement on campus, with industry and/or in community.

Excellence in Alumni Engagement
CQ University: 30 Minutes a Month
The award recognises outstanding contributions to enhancing the quality alumni engagement and support in higher education.

Outstanding Leadership in Engagement
Professor John Thwaites AM: Monash University
The award recognises an individual who has made notable contributions to engagement above and beyond that expected for their role, resulting in sustained and impactful partnerships.