Three UWA students were today presented with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s Outstanding Intern Award at the Centre’s major event for 2023.
Hayley Clarke and Sandra Iacopetta were named joint recipients of the Award for government sector internships, for their efforts with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage and Legal Aid WA respectively. Natalie Lim, who interned with the Telethon Kids Institute, was presented with the Award for the community sector.
The Awards were presented by McCusker Charitable Foundation Chair, the Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC CitWA, and McCusker Charitable Foundation Director, His Honour Judge Denis Reynolds.
Image: Sandra Iacopetta, Hayley Clarke, and Natalie Lim, recipients of the McCusker Centre for Citizenship Outstanding Intern Award for Summer and Semester 1 2023 internship rounds
Hayley, Natalie and Sandra were selected as recipients of the Award for the Summer and Semester 1, 2023 internship period from a field of 21 strong nominees.
Natalie worked on two research projects with the Telethon Kids Institute, one focused on food purchasing habits of secondary school students, and one analysing an emerging trend on TikTok involving risky alcohol consumption behaviours.
Joelie Mandzufas, Food and Nutrition team Project Coordinator at the Institute said that the impact Natalie had on the research during her internship was invaluable.
“[Natalie] led a research project from the conceptual thinking through to dissemination. This is far above what we would expect to be achieved in 100 hours, let alone her input to other projects during this time,” Ms Mandzufas said.
Hayley’s internship role with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage saw her make a significant contribution to the work of the team managing consultation with Aboriginal groups who had provided submissions on the proposal to enter a place on the State Register of Heritage Places.
Sandra was nominated by her supervisor for her contribution to strengthening Legal Aid WA’s service delivery for vulnerable young people, particularly her work on the Disability Advocacy and Referral Diversion for Young People (DARDY) project.
“After my time at Legal Aid I felt encouraged that small things make a world of difference, such as creating a safe space where a young person feels seen and heard,” Sandra said.
The Outstanding Intern Award recognises UWA students who go above and beyond in their McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to active citizenship, and is presented twice a year.
All 21 nominees from Summer and Semester 1, 2023 were acknowledged at today’s event, along with three of the internship programs most active host organisations, three highly committed internship supervisors, and students who had recently completed the Minor in Active Citizenship, an academic specialisation offered by the McCusker Centre for Citizenship.
“Our end-of-year event is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Outstanding Intern Award recipients and nominees, and to thank our partners who collaborate with the Centre to deliver our programs,” said Michelle Scott OAM, McCusker Centre for Citizenship Director.
“I congratulate Hayley, Natalie and Sandra for their exceptional efforts.”
“We are delighted to provide students with opportunities for outstanding, real-world learning, through which they can make real and tangible contributions to organisations that are having a positive impact on WA communities.” Ms Scott said.