On Monday 1 August 2022, the McCusker Centre for Citizenship were joined by The Honourable Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC CitWA and His Honour Judge Denis Reynolds to formally recognise the achievements of 19 UWA students nominated for the Centre’s Outstanding Intern Award across Winter and Semester 2, 2021.
The McCusker Centre for Citizenship Outstanding Intern Award acknowledges student interns who have significantly contributed to their host organisation and community during their internship.
The Outstanding Intern Award – Government category, which is awarded to students who make significant contributions across the public sector or local government, was awarded to Lucas Roosendaal for his role at Legal Aid WA.
Nominated by supervisor Margaret Irvine, Lucas interned with Legal Aid WA’s NDIS Appeals team, who provide advice to people appealing NDIS decisions with a priority on supporting disadvantaged clients.
Margaret said, “Lucas has been a dynamic, creative and passionate member of our team. He has worked extremely hard to develop a sound database of some of the core case law involving NDIS matters, which will become an important resource for our team.”
Lucas said, “The most rewarding element was seeing my work translate into positive outcomes for vulnerable people. It was incredibly fulfilling to help clients access NDIS funding, which is often lifechanging.”
The Outstanding Intern Award – Community category recognises interns who make a significant contribution in not-for-profit and community-run organisations. The Centre was pleased to have two joint recipients for this Award.
The first recipient was Anne Jovanoski, who interned at Home Hub. Nominated by supervisor Cat Exham, the project Anne supported was designed to connect as many people as possible to affordable housing during the housing crisis.
Cat said, “Anne carried out her role with Home Hub as if she was personally responsible for the project. That kind of commitment and care is so hard to come by. She delivered everything we were hoping for, and more.”
While unable to attend the event due to being interstate, Anne said, “How grateful I am to have received this award. My internship made me more conscious of my efforts and impact on my community - as well as encouraging me to take a more active role.”
The second Outstanding Intern Award joint recipient in the Community category was Belinda Huynh, who interned at the Multicultural Communities Council of Western Australia (MCCWA), nominated by supervisor Ather Pervaiz.
During her placement, Belinda developed MCCWA’s first official sponsorships and partnerships package, helped seek funding for MCCWA and supported MCCWA events, acting as MC and co-facilitating a Q&A session of a panel of mental health experts.
Ather said, “Belinda demonstrated significant professional responsibility in her ability to address challenges and implement solutions effectively. Her contribution will have a lasting impact on the organisation beyond her placement.”
Belinda said, “Through my internship at the MCCWA, I have learnt more about the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse community in WA. I have become empowered to learn more about the issues that face communities I may not directly have experience with.”
Congratulations to Lucas, Anne and Belinda and all students nominated for the McCusker Centre for Citizenship Outstanding Intern Award.