Paige Brandwood, who is set to graduate from UWA with a Master of Public Policy degree this year, has been named as one of the McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s Outstanding Intern Award recipients for her contribution to The Kids Research Institute Australia (The Kids).
“I led a research project on parenting programs for incarcerated fathers in Australia. I developed a research plan, including scope, methodology, and clear timeline for deliverables, and conducted a thorough review of the existing academic literature, government reports, and NGO reports to identify the gaps in existing programs and initiatives,” Paige said.
Paige also drafted a report for publication in Psychiatry, Psychology and Law Journal, detailing the current state of incarceration, data supporting parenting programs for fathers, an analysis of the barriers to sustainable programs, and recommendations of pragmatic solutions.
Vincent Mancini, Senior Research Fellow in the Human Development and Community Wellbeing team at The Kids, nominated Paige for the Award, praising her professionalism, and acknowledging her promising future.
“Paige’s work is a testament to her emerging talent as not only a member, but a future leader in her field - it was a privilege to support her in her journey. She worked diligently as part of my small team, and I was able to trust her to represent our team, The Kids, and UWA while forming relationships with key stakeholders,” Mr Mancini said.
Paige said that along with knowing her efforts had contributed to greater awareness-raising and a strong foundation for future research, her internship location had been a personal highlight.
“It was meaningful for me to work in the Perth Children’s Hospital, getting to experience what working in research would be like,” she said.
“I grew up in and out of children’s hospital due to my health, so coming back to contribute to research that would make a positive difference was really fulfilling.
“I feel grateful to have been selected for the Outstanding Intern Award; throughout my time at UWA I undertook a significant amount of unpaid work, and never expected recognition. To be selected as a recipient of this award is really humbling, particularly considering how many amazing interns go through the program.”
Paige is one of eight UWA students and recent graduates named as recipients of the Award, selected from a strong field of 65 nominees who undertook internships from June 2023 to July 2024.
The Awards were presented on 10 October at UWA by McCusker Charitable Foundation Directors the Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC CitWA and Judge Denis Reynolds AM, and Professor Tim Colmer, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UWA.
Image: Professor Tim Colmer, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor UWA, Paige Brandwood, The Hounourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO KC CitWA, and His Honour Judge Denis Reynolds at a McCusker Centre for Citizenship event on 10 October 2024 at the University of Western Australia.