Six winners of the 2021 NSW International Student Awards have been lauded as champions of campus multiculturalism, drivers of environmental initiatives and promoters and supporters of international students in the Australian state.
Four winners across individual categories were recognised from Hong Kong, China, Brazil and Laos.
Additionally, Addison Road Community Organisation in Sydney was awarded the Community Engagement Award – Business and Community prize, and Cabramatta High School received the Community Engagement Award – Education Providers award.
“The 2021 NSW International Awards have shone a light on the inspirational international student leaders, education providers, businesses and community groups that celebrate their contributions to our international student community over the last 12 months,” minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said at a virtual ceremony.
In the Higher Education category, University of Sydney student Ho Yin (Joshua) Wan was recognised, while Epping Boys High School student Qiufei (Frank) Lai from China took the Schools award.
TAFE NSW National Environment Centre student Phaeng Xaphokhame from Laos was recognised in the Vocational Education and Training category, and Bruno Prats de Oliveira from Brazil who has been studying at Navitas English Sydney was awarded the English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students award.
“For generations, people from every corner of the earth have come to Australia to seek opportunities and contribute to our rich social fabric. Indeed the Australian experience has played a role in the development of leaders, innovators, experts the world over, especially in our Asia Pacific region. NSW has always been at the centre of this story,” Ayres added.
“The NSW government is honoured to have such passionate and dedicated students choose to study in NSW”
“To our NSW International Student of the year award category finalists, the NSW government is honoured to have such passionate and dedicated students choose to study in NSW. I know the communities that you represent are incredibly proud of your efforts, you are such wonderful ambassadors for NSW,” he added.
“These contributions and achievements are even more noteworthy when you consider that Covid-19 meant they were unable to return to [students’] home countries in 2021.”
Addison Road Community Organisation was recognised for its quick move to help vulnerable international students in Sydney access nutritious food and provide a support network to lean on at the beginning of the pandemic.
“It’s really lovely to hear that we are all in this together,” Addison Road media and communications manager Mark Mordue said, “but I think we all understand that some people are up to their ankles and other people are up to their necks.
“When we saw that there was trouble for overseas students, it was a real pleasure to not only help them but to have them engage with us and make friendships that we think are going to be long lasting.”