27 November 2025
GOLD COAST’S TOP STUDENTS CROWNED IN 2025 STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARDS
A cancer research pioneer, a world decathlon champion and a mature-age student who’s spent his life helping disadvantaged adults are among the outstanding Gold Coast students recognised in the 2025 Student Excellence Awards.
More than 180 students and supporters filled HOTA’s Lakeside Room on Thursday evening as winners were announced across six categories celebrating entrepreneurship, environment, community, diversity, sport and the arts.
Set against a vibrant jungle-themed celebration, the evening honoured students who embody passion, tenacity, leadership, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact.
2025 Student Excellence Award winners:
- Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Muneera Anwer, Griffith University
- Excellence in Community and Peer Support: Anup Adhikari, Southern Cross University
- Excellence in Championing Diversity: Andrew Harris, Bond University
- Excellence in Promoting Sports and Wellness: Benjamin Guse, Southern Cross University
- Excellence in Fostering Creative Arts: Sophie Schleimer-Newman, Somerset College
- Excellence in Protecting Our Environment: Natalia Drazek, Griffith University
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners in this year’s awards and we look forward to seeing you at next year’s gala.
REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR 2026 KICKSTART GRADUATE PROGRAM
The Kickstart Graduate Program recently wrapped up its final session in style at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, where our talented Kickstarters presented their workplace projects to an audience of proud industry members and mentors. Over 11 transformative weeks, participants tackled real-world projects, built professional skills, and made meaningful connections — all designed to give their careers a powerful boost. The final showcase was a testament to their hard work, creativity, and growth throughout the program. We couldn’t be prouder of our 2025 Kickstarters and their achievements!
If you are — or know — an aspiring individual interested in joining next year’s Kickstart Program, be sure to register your interest via the provided link.
GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY CAREERS OUTREACH – SUMMER JOB FEST SUCCESS
Our team had an incredible time connecting with lots of enthusiastic students at Griffith University’s Summer Job Fest. The Careers Outreach Van was buzzing with activity as students stopped by to explore the wide range of career support services, guidance, and resources available to help them thrive both during their studies and beyond graduation. Many attendees were first-year students from around the world, eager to learn more about opportunities to grow their professional networks. We were excited to promote the Student Hub. This welcoming space encourages students to socialise, build connections, and collaborate with like-minded peers as they embark on their university journeys. We’re proud to continue supporting students in finding their career paths and building the skills and relationships they need for success in the workforce.
BUFTA GALA AWARDS 2025: A NIGHT OF FUTURE FILMMAKERS
Over the weekend the BUFTA Gala Awards lit up the Gold Coast with creativity and celebration. Experience Gold Coast proudly sponsored Australia’s premier filmmaking competition for high schoolers. The evening felt like Bond University’s own Oscars, honouring the incredible talent of Year 11 and 12 filmmakers from around the world.
Since 1996, BUFTA has launched countless careers, and this year’s red-carpet event continued that legacy. Nominees arrived excited, knowing their short films had earned national recognition and the chance to win major prizes, including a full scholarship. The night showcased passion, storytelling, and the future of film.
CELEBRATING JOANNE SHEEHY: A 2025 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to Joanne Sheehy, Principal & CEO of A.B. Paterson College, on her outstanding recognition at the 2025 Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year Awards, where she was honoured with the Champions of Education Award. Joanne’s exceptional leadership continues to shape meaningful educational experiences, connecting students and the wider community through the power of learning, storytelling and culture. Her dedication inspires people of all ages and elevates the Gold Coast’s reputation for educational excellence. This achievement is a proud moment for A.B. Paterson College and the entire education community, celebrating Joanne’s remarkable impact and well-deserved honour.
DECEMBER AT THE GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB
December at the Gold Coast Student Hub will be filled with culture and celebration as students come together for a vibrant month of activities. The program will include migration seminars, English conversation workshops, a Broadwater sightseeing cruise, yoga, festive baking, and a special Christmas-edition Games & Pizza afternoon. The month will finish with our big festive finale — Christmas at the Hub, complete with crafts, Christmas treats and Santa photos.
Please note that the Hub will close for the holiday break from Thursday, 18 December, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January, ready for another exciting year ahead.
QUICK SNIPPETS
- The allocation for 190 and 491 visas has been announced for 2025–2026, with the Australian Government releasing 20,350 nomination places for states and territories. Each year, these allocations allow jurisdictions to nominate skilled migrants who can help meet local workforce and demographic needs and address critical skills shortages. A nomination gives permission to apply for one of the state-nominated visas — the Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491) — based on criteria set by each state or territory.
- Join the Department of Home Affairs for a free webinar on hiring international graduates, designed to help employers understand key visa pathways and recruitment options. This session will cover the Temporary Graduate (485) visa, employer-sponsored visas, skilled migration, VEVO checks, the “Check twice, submit once” campaign, and upcoming migrant worker reforms. Two identical sessions will be held on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, giving employers clear, practical insights into hiring international talent
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.