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October 20, 2014

Alumni Awards presented to three outstanding graduates

The recipients of this year’s UOW Alumni Awards were recognised at a formal dinner and ceremony hosted by Chancellor Jillian Broadbent at the Innovation Campus on 16 October.

From left: Vice-Chancellor Paul Wellings, CBE, Silvio Rivier (Award Orator and alumnus), Dr Teena Downton, Grahame Gould, The Honourable Tashi Wangmo, Chancellor Jillian Broadbent AO

Family and friends of the winners, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings and other distinguished guests, including ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery, attended the celebration for this year's winners: Lifeline South Coast Executive Director Grahame Gould, recipient of the Community Service Alumni Award; Junior Medical Officer at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital Dr Teena Downton, recipient of the Young Alumni Award; and Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan, The Honourable Tashi Wangmo, recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award.

“The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ of ¾«¶«´«Ã½ were established in 2013 to recognise the extraordinary achievements of our alumni worldwide. They are our greatest ambassadors,” UOW Director of Advancement, Ms Monique Harper-Richardson, said.

“The finalists and recipients, though diverse in their chosen field of study, employment, industry and location in the world, share a passion and skill for inspiring others and making a contribution to the world around them.”

Mr Gould, who completed a Master of Clinical Psychology at UOW in 2000, has spent more than 20 years assisting people who are experiencing a personal crisis through Lifeline, which operates 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

“Grahame Gould has been Lifeline’s face and ambassador in this region, going beyond the mere coordination of services to engage with a wide spectrum of the local community,” Chancellor Jillian Broadbent said.

“Under his leadership, Lifeline South Coast is one of the most respected of Lifeline’s services. As a direct impact, it has saved lives.”

Dr Teena Downton, who graduated from UOW in 2012 with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery, was presented the Young Alumni Award.

While a student, Teena took it upon herself to become an advocate for rural health and rural health practitioners. She has continued her advocacy role since relocating to Tamworth as President of the Tamworth Resident Medical Officer Association and Deputy Chair of the Junior Medical Officer Quality and Safety Committee.

“Teena Downton is an outstanding model of engaged community leadership. She has inspired country kids at rural high school visits and Indigenous Festivals, sharing her own story and promoting health career opportunities,” Chancellor Broadbent said.

The Outstanding Alumni Award was bestowed on The Honourable Tashi Wangmo who studied mechanical engineering at UOW as an international student more than 20 years ago. Since graduating, Ms Wangmo has made immeasurable contributions to Bhutan’s progress and development and in 2008 her service was recognised: At the age of 35, Ms Wangmo was chosen as a representative of the National Council by His Majesty the King.

“We are honoured to be part of the extraordinary journey Ms Wangmo has taken from a remote village to her appointment as an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan.”

Chancellor Jillian Broadbent AO, Lynn Woodley, Associate Professor Linchong Chorrojprasert, Associate Professor Yvonne Kerr, Professor Wellings CBE

¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fellowships, regarded as the highest recognition for outstanding service to the ¾«¶«´«Ã½, were also awarded on the night.

Associate Professor Linchong Chorrojprasert was recognised as a committed member of the Alumni community and for helping to forge ties between UOW and Assumption ¾«¶«´«Ã½ in Thailand.

Yvonne Kerr was recognised for dedicating two decades of her career to developing policies and procedures to guide teaching practices and shape the student experience at UOW.

Lynn Woodley was recognised for her service to the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ and contribution to sound governance, academic quality and strategic renewal as a member of the UOW community since she signed up to help ¾«¶«´«Ã½ ¾«¶«´«Ã½ College prepare for transition to an autonomous ¾«¶«´«Ã½ in 1975.

Halina Majer was recognised for her unique contribution to the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ as Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor for 30 years.

A portrait of former UOW Chancellor Michael Codd was also unveiled on the night.

Mathew Lynn (artist), Dr Annette Wellings, Michael Codd, Professor Wellings

View the  from the 2014 ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Fellowships and Alumni Awards Dinner on the Official UOW Alumni Facebook page.