Awarded to

• Ms Eve Elsheikh
• Ms Caterina Franzone
• Ms Tanja Konjarska
  
• Ms Adriana La Rosa
  
• Ms Chau Lam

The ITS help desk has made an outstanding contribution to supporting effective IT use throughout Victoria University. The service receives an average of 5000 requests per month through a range of modes, including: email; self log-in service; fax requests, voicemail; over the counter; and remote control services. Positive feedback demonstrates that this is a strong, responsive and proactive service that meets the diverse and complex needs of the University community.

Awarded to

• Dr Ewa Sztendur (Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science)

Ewa Sztendur’s PhD research has made an important contribution to the theory and practice of Response Surface Methodology. Ewa has published a number of papers in influential international research journals, with more papers expected. Her thesis examiners collectively agreed that her research has made a significant contribution to this field.

Awarded to

• Associate Professor Helen Borland (Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development)

Associate Professor Helen Borland has made an outstanding contribution to the development of postgraduate research students at VU. She has successfully supervised more than 10 postgraduate students, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and has fostered a collaborative and supportive student research culture.

Awarded to

• Dr Colin Hocking (Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science)

Colin Hocking has made an outstanding contribution to the University through his critical role in establishing the Iramoo Community Centre and Wildlife Park, his research on threatened species and his efforts to negotiate with local community groups and agencies to establish wildlife open spaces. His engagement with the community on behalf of the University extends to involvement in a range of community education programs, such as the Belonging and Fire Festivals, the Sustainable Living Mini Festival (2002), the Sustainability Street Program, and the Friends of Iramoo group.

Awarded to

• Ms Michelle O'Brien

Michelle O’Brien has made an outstanding contribution to Victoria University through her critical role in establishing and managing the Youth Transitions Unit. This Unit plans and delivers youth-specific programs that embed learning, welfare and transitional support to ensure the best possible outcomes for young people. Michelle’s passion and commitment has led to improved services and access for early school leavers. Through her efforts, the University now has a stronger, more streamlined program for early school leavers and disengaged youth.

Awarded to

• Mr Robert Bell
• Ms Lisa Cianci
• Mr Greg Giannis
  
• Mr Alan Morgans
  
• Mr Ben Northcott
  
• Mr Mark O'Rourke
  
• Mr Stefan Schutt (School of Further Education, Arts and Employment Services)

This team has made an outstanding contribution to the development of cross-sectoral programs through the creation of the Hybrid. This initiative focuses on the innovative and creative use of new technology in education. Its aim is to generate and support a broad range of collaborative teaching, workshop and project activities, as well as build research capabilities in areas related to interactive media. Learning experiences of Victoria University students are enhanced by: project work; cross class delivery and workshops; paid student placements; industry-based production projects; and folio development workshops.

Awarded to

• Ms Megan Chudleigh (Faculty of Arts, Education & Human Development)

Megan Chudleigh has made an outstanding contribution to the ongoing development of Multimedia expertise across the University. She has integrated both the theoretical and practical components of the discipline to develop courses that strongly model and utilise new technologies, creating user communities both on and offshore. Her commitment to cross-disciplinary and work-integrated learning provides exciting opportunities for students from all faculties while engaging with the external community and industry.