General News
1 October, 2025
Top awards for uni students
THIRTY-four James Cook University standout Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have been honoured at the ninth annual Indigenous Student Awards in Cairns last week.
JCU’s Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC) recognised the students for their outstanding academic achievements, hard work and dedication to their studies across JCU campuses in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Mt Isa.
This year’s award winners are studying in a diverse range of fields and JCU Indigenous education and strategy deputy vice-chancellor Professor Martin Nakata paid tribute to their efforts.
“The awards night is a celebration of the remarkable dedication and perseverance our Indigenous students have demonstrated throughout the year,” he said.
“The achievements of these award winners reflect not just academic excellence, but the resilience, creativity and leadership they bring to their studies and communities. Every student here has a story of commitment and growth that deserves to be recognised.
“These awards highlight the importance of the networks that sustain our students — from family and community to the staff across the Indigenous Education and Research Centre and the wider university.”
Prof Nakata also highlighted the broader impact of the success of Indigenous students and how it enriched the entire region.
Among the winners is Torres Strait Islander woman Jacquelyne Partridge, with cultural heritage that also connects her to Papua New Guinea and European ancestry.
She is completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in human resource management and has transitioned to external studies while simultaneously stepping into a full-time HR position.
Ms Patridge said a highlight of the awards night was seeing everyone receiving their achievements and hearing the different stories of where people have come from.
“I feel so honoured to be recognised myself – I honestly didn’t expect it at all,” she said. “To be acknowledged and to have the hard work I’ve put in recognised really means a lot to me. Having my mum and my sister there made it even more special.”
“I would urge all Indigenous students considering university to take that crucial first step. Achieving meaningful goals always requires beginning somewhere.
“University education extends far beyond academic credentials, it’s about discovering your capabilities, developing your unique voice, and accessing opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
“Your educational journey has the potential to inspire others in your community, creating positive impacts that extend across generations.”
Prof Nakata praised Ms Patridge and all the award winners, saying they are not only achieving their own goals but are inspiring others and helping to shape the next generation of leaders and role models across North Queensland and beyond.
“From those recognised through the Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, to the Spirit awards at our Cairns and Townsville campuses, and the CSIRO and Sage awards, each student shows determination, resilience, and a willingness to support others,” she said.
“Our award recipients across all categories have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and talent.”
2025 Indigenous Student Award Winners
Laura Douglass (Bachelor of Arts)
Tenason Stark (Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Laws)
Arabella-Ann Davis (Bachelor of Social Work)
Jalen Sewell (Bachelor of Social Work)
Zoe Zumaran (Bachelor of Education, Primary)
Charlie Rattray (Bachelor of Education, Secondary)
Rikisha Phineasa (Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Laws)
Samuel McKechnie (Bachelor of Laws)
Jacquelyne Partridge (Bachelor of Business)
Cyril Mount (Bachelor of Business)
Lara Pinkard (Bachelor of Pharmacy, Honours)
Harrison Ladyman-Wightman (Bachelor of Pharmacy, Honours)
Jade Byrne (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
Catherine Nugent (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Myles McKenzie (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Ailee Hookey (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
Nicholas Gulliver (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
Jessica Neucom (Bachelor of Speech Pathology, Honours)
Logan Richmond (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Honours)
Suzanne Thew (Bachelor of Science)
Dejarn Hopkinson (Bachelor of Science)
Amy Byrnes (Bachelor of Engineering, (Honours)
Corey Camilleri (Bachelor of Information Technology)
Loree Martyr (Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Honours)
Koininea Youse (JCU Prep/Bachelor of Nursing Science)
Louk Grant (JCU Prep/Bachelor of Social Work)
Spirit Award
Blake Punton (Bachelor of Marine Science)
Wudarabin Snider (Bachelor of Education, Secondary)
CSIRO Award
Rebekah McCann (Bachelor of Advanced Science)
Richard Kelaart (Bachelor of Engineering, Honours)
Cody Brown (Bachelor of Engineering, Honours)
Tara Ganley (Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management)
Murtupuni Centre for Rural & Remote Health Award
Toneil Warnes (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
Sage Award
Jodie Mottram (Doctor of Philosophy, Health)
Read More: Cairns