2023 UNE Awards Season Recap
September is awards season at The University of New England (UNE), and we recently had the pleasure of celebrating both the 73rd Annual UNE Sports Awards and the 4th Annual Student Awards. These nights showcased the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of our students and were a testament to the vibrant and engaged community at UNE, where sporting excellence, academic achievement, community outreach and student passion projects are celebrated with equal enthusiasm.
UNE Sports Awards
The Sports Awards ceremony, held on a night of excitement and much anticipation, brought together athletes, sports enthusiasts, and supporters to honour the remarkable achievements of the UNE sporting community. The event highlighted the diversity of sports and athletes that contribute to the rich tapestry of UNE sports. From soccer to netball, rugby to swimming, UNE boasts a wide range of sporting activities that unite students in their love for competition and camaraderie.
Caitlin Bryce, UNE’s Sport Development Officer, expressed her excitement, stating,
“It was great to witness the diverse sportspeople & clubs unite in celebration, congratulating each other on their year’s accomplishments. It showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie at UNE.”
This sentiment captures the essence of the evening, where athletes from different backgrounds and disciplines came together to celebrate their shared passion for sports.
This year’s Sports Awards were lucky enough to be joined by acclaimed middle-distance runner, Georgia Griffith. Read our interview with Georgia here.
Key Highlights:
- UNE Sportsperson of the Year Award: Benjamin Weaver from Robb College was crowned as the Sportsperson of the Year, a testament to his dedication, skill, and commitment to his sport.
- UNE Club of the Year Award: St Alberts College Rugby Club received the Club of the Year Award, recognising their outstanding contributions to the UNE sporting community.
- UNE Club Team of the Year Award: Robb College A Grade Netball team clinched the Club Team of the Year Award, exemplifying teamwork and excellence.
The awards ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge the incredible efforts and accomplishments of UNE’s athletes and sports clubs. These individuals and teams have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also contributed to the vibrant sporting culture at UNE.
Student Awards Night
The celebrations continued on the following night, with the recognition of exceptional students, Clubs & Societies, TuneFM and our student JCR’s who made a significant impact on the UNE community in 2023. This event highlighted the diversity of talents and interests that flourish on UNE’s campus, beyond the realm of sports.
The winners and nominees showcased their dedication to various aspects of university life, including academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Nick Troon, UNE Life’s Student Programs Coordinator said,
“For me, the Student Awards Night really shows the breadth of creativity we have within the student community at UNE. In the UNE Life Student Experience programs, we are in the business of community building, and no one person can take sole ownership of the leaps and bounds we’ve been able to make this year, instead, it’s through the collective effort that we truly make an impact.”
Key Highlights:
- Club of the Year: The UNE Law Students Society (UNELSS) took home the Club of the Year Award, recognising their dedication to promoting legal studies and fostering a sense of community among UNE law students.
- New Club of the Year: The UNE Zoology Society was awarded New Club of the Year, a testament to their rapid growth and commitment to their goals.
- President of the Year: Ash Taylor, from the UNE Writers Society, was named President of the Year for his outstanding leadership and dedication to promoting creative writing and literary exploration.
Our student awards nights showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the UNE community. Whether through athletic achievement, academic excellence, or community engagement, the university celebrated the outstanding contributions of its students.
These awards serve as a reminder of the talent, dedication, and passion that thrive within the UNE community, making it a dynamic and inspiring place to learn and grow.
As the winners and nominees continue to excel, the future of UNE shines even brighter.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of these wonderful communities, you can become a volunteer with TuneFM, browse our selection of Club & Societies and sign up to become a member or get connected with various sporting opportunities through SportUNE.
You never know where these opportunities might take you and you just might find yourself crossing the stage at one of next year’s awards nights.
