Hayley Clarke, a UWA Bachelor of Science student, was today named co-recipient of the McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s Outstanding Intern Award (OIA) at the Centre’s major end-of-year event.
Hayley was recognised for her internship role with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, where she made a significant contribution to the work of a team managing consultation with Aboriginal groups who had provided submissions on the proposal to enter a place on the State Register of Heritage Places.
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.
Adelyn Siew, Director, Historic Heritage Conservation with the Department, was Hayley’s internship supervisor, and nominated her for the Award.
“Hayley undertook the tasks assigned with great care and exceeded expectations by showing initiative, professional autonomy and maturity for someone who has not worked in an office environment prior to the internship,” Dr Siew said.
“Hayley assisted with the analysis of the comments in the submissions received from Aboriginal groups during the consultation period, undertook administrative tasks, and attended meetings with the groups.
“Hayley was genuinely interested in the work she was involved in and showed a high level of self-motivation,” Dr Siew said.
Hayley said that having her efforts and achievements recognised through the Award was a surprise that she didn’t take for granted.
“It is always nice being recognised for your work and I’m grateful that my efforts have been acknowledged both by my director and by the McCusker Centre,” she said.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage was learning how this work benefitted the community.
“Giving back to the community was not initially an obvious part of the job, but it was great seeing how the work inadvertently enriches the community by preserving historic buildings and places around WA.
“I gained an appreciation of the value of consulting with the people these buildings and places are important to, to be able to gain the full story and understand the significance of the places.”
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.
Sandra Iacopetta, who interned with Legal Aid WA, was announced as co-recipient with Hayley for the government sector OIA, with Natalie Lim presented with the community sector OIA, for her achievements with the Telethon Kids Institute.
Hayley, Natalie and Sandra were selected as recipients of the Award for the Summer and Semester 1, 2023 internship period from a field of 20 strong nominees.
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, for interns in the Summer and Semester 1 internship period, and the Winter and Semester 2 period.
“Our end-of-year event is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Outstanding Intern Award recipients and nominees,” said Michelle Scott OAM, McCusker Centre for Citizenship Director.
“Our panel faced a difficult task selecting the Award recipients. I congratulate all of those nominated on their outstanding efforts, and Hayley for the valuable support she provided for work on a complex and important issue through her internship.
“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.