Bright minds, bright futures: Students celebrated at 2025 UniSQ Student Awards

The 2025 UniSQ Student Awards (18 November) was a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration as we recognised the outstanding contributions of our students across leadership, community service, student clubs, and sport.

Held at our Toowoomba campus, the annual event brought together more than 100 guests – including award winners, finalists, their families, and proud members of our UniSQ community.

UniSQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the occasion was one of the highlights of the year.

“These awards are about more than recognition – they’re about celebrating the people behind the achievements,” Professor Nelson said.

“Our students balance study, work, family, and community commitments, yet still find time to lead, inspire, and make an impact.

“We’re extremely proud of them and look forward to continuing to support their ongoing study and careers.”

The following students were acknowledged at our 2025 UniSQ Student Awards. Read more about their incredible contributions below.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Award

Dennis Arthur 

As a proud Wiradjuri and Dharug man, Dennis has devoted his work to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through culture, education, and community connection. Dennis has led initiatives such as an Indigenous Games Carnival and the Extension and Enrichment program, fostering pride, leadership, and academic success. His efforts have created opportunities for students to showcase culture, strengthen identity, and build confidence. Through mentoring and collaboration with Elders, he continues to inspire young people to embrace their heritage and reach their full potential. 

Highly Commended: Matt Groves.

All Round Excellence Award

Zachary Vellacott

Zachary has exemplified academic excellence, while balancing significant leadership, community, and professional responsibilities. In roles including Vice‑Chair of the Student Senate, Undergraduate Representative on the Academic Board, and President of the UniSQ Medical Society, he has united advocacy and service with exceptional scholarship. His capacity to achieve at the highest academic level while contributing to sport, tutoring, and healthcare demonstrates resilience, discipline, and a commitment to excellence that enriches the UniSQ community.

Highly Commended: Amandhi Udumalagala and Taylah Anthony.

Club of the Year Award

UniSQ Toowoomba Engineering Club

The UniSQ Toowoomba Engineering Club has made a significant impact on student life by fostering connection, academic support, and pathways to industry. Through initiatives such as mentoring mornings, site visits, and monthly social events, the club has built a strong sense of belonging while preparing students for future careers. Highlights such as the Annual Engineering Ball and a successful rebrand have further strengthened community, industry partnerships, and student pride. Accessible, inclusive, and student‑led, the club continues to enrich the UniSQ experience and inspire excellence across the engineering community.

Highly Commended: Toowoomba Dungeons and Dragons Club & UniSQ Student Paramedic Society.

Young Club of the Year Award

Toowoomba Jujitsuu Kai Club

Founded in 2024, Toowoomba Jujitsu Kai has quickly become a supportive community that enriches the UniSQ student experience. Through mentoring, wellness initiatives, and inclusive training, the club fosters resilience, connection, and personal growth. More than a martial arts organisation, it is a space where students thrive physically, mentally, and socially.

Community Service Award

Fulin Yan

Recognised as the 2025 Young Citizen of the Year, Fulin has made a significant impact through mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and civic engagement. Fulin’s contributions include co‑authoring peer‑reviewed research, presenting at national conferences, and championing initiatives such as the Make It 16 campaign to amplify youth voices in democracy. With a commitment to combining research, advocacy, and action, his work has inspired lasting positive change and strengthened the wellbeing of young people across the community.

Highly Commended: Julia Del Rosso and Annette Grieve.

International Community Engagement Award

Ujwal Jha

As an international student at UniSQ, Ujwal has enriched campus life by fostering belonging, cultural exchange, and peer-led support across a wide range of initiatives. His leadership has seen the Holi, Festival of Colours event become UniSQ’s largest cultural celebrations, showcasing diversity and strengthening community connections. Through roles supporting orientation, mentoring, and student wellbeing, his dedication has empowered international students to thrive and has been recognised with multiple awards for leadership and engagement, helping students start their university journey on the right foot.

Highly Commended: Brahmani Jain and Pujan Patel.

Student Voice Award

Zachary Vellacott and Amandhi Udumalagala

Zachary has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advocacy and leadership, serving as Co‑Chair of the Student Representative Committee, Vice‑Chair of the Student Senate, and Undergraduate Representative on the Academic Board. Zachary’s work has ensured the student voice is meaningfully represented in decision‑making, including driving systemic changes to support UniSQ students in postgraduate pathways. As co‑founder and inaugural President of the UniSQ Medical Society, he has built an inclusive community that fostered connection, wellbeing, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on the student experience.

Through roles including International Student Representative, Ipswich Campus Representative, and Co‑Chair of the Student Senate, Amandhi student has excelled in advocating for the student voice and ensuring it is meaningfully represented in decision‑making at UniSQ. Amandhi’s leadership has fostered inclusivity, accountability, and collaboration, while also strengthening academic governance through service as Paramedicine Academic Representative and member of the Student Success and Retention Committee. Dedicated to building trust and empowering peers, Amandhi has created pathways for students to feel heard, supported, and valued across the university community.

Highly Commended: Brahmani Jain.

Student Athlete of the Year Award

Charlie Andersen

Charlie has shown exceptional dedication to sport and community through her achievements as an athlete excelling in running, swimming and OzTag events. Charlie has balanced study, work, and competition with remarkable commitment and continues to inspire through leadership, mentoring, and service to her sporting community.

Highly Commended: Alex Epitropakis and Hasith Perea.

Outstanding Service to Sport Award

Charlie Andersen

Charlie is a distinguished contributor to the Hervey Bay Oztag community, serving as both player and referee since 2018. She has twice been honoured as Queensland Oztag’s Female Rising Star Referee of the Year and recognised for her leadership in mentoring new referees and supporting the growth of the sport. Beyond Oztag, Charlie has volunteered at major events such as the Queensland School State Triathlon Championships, reflecting her enduring commitment to service in sport.

Highly Commended: Jordan Anthony and Nadula Tennakoon.

Student Leader Award

Jahnvi Passi

Jahnvi has consistently gone above and beyond to strengthen community, amplify student voices, and create opportunities for others. As Residential Leader, Student Ambassador, and International Student Representative on the Senate, Jahnvi has fostered belonging, wellbeing, and inclusion across campus. Through founding Namaste Nexus, cultural society that celebrates Indian and global traditions, Jahnvi leadership reflects a commitment not only to UniSQ but to building bridges between the university, the city of Toowoomba, and the diverse communities we belong to.

Highly Commended: Ujwal Jha and Michaela Rozanski.

Innovation Award

Louise Fitzgerald

As Project Officer with Reef Catchments, Louise has combined creativity and sustainability to support local producers and strengthen agricultural practices. Louise’s development of the pHtextura Spoon – a simple tool enabling landholders to test soil texture and pH – has empowered communities with practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to prioritise soil health. This innovation reflects a commitment to creating lasting impact and advancing sustainable agriculture for the future.

Highly Commended: Russell Briggs and Brahmani Jain.

University Values Award

Zachary Vellacott

Zachary has embodied UniSQ’s values of Respect, Integrity, and Excellence through every aspect of university life, professional work, and community involvement. From advocating inclusivity in sport and mentoring peers, to demonstrating integrity in academic and healthcare settings, and striving for excellence in leadership and performance, Zachary has consistently lived these values in both small daily actions and major commitments. He’s dedication reflects the true spirit of UniSQ, building trust, fostering belonging, and inspiring others to achieve their best.

Highly Commended: Fulin Yan and Brahmani Jain.

UniSQ Graduate Excellence Award

Andrew Peach, Lolita Libbon, Katrina Karpathios, Amandhi Udumalagala, Alex Hardy, Grace Read, Tapan Sheth, Michelle Shearer, Jade-Bianca Thomas, Kathryn McKenzie, Fulin Yan, and Keegan Cobb.

The UniSQ Graduate Excellence Award is a program that recognises well-rounded, career-ready individuals who have gone above and beyond their academic studies to develop their graduate skills through sustained effort.