Presentation of 2022 Young Achiever Awards to three outstanding young people, aged 18 to 26 years, who have excelled in their chosen or academic career and provided outstanding community service as well.
Our guest presenter was Dr. Alan Finkel AC, Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016-20 and Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technology. In his introductory address Alan shared his own insights of the importance of recognition of the accomplishments of young people, not only to motivate those acknowledged but to inspire others to strive to be their best selves.
He shared his own experience of the three Classic trimesters of our lives: the first (young adult) trimester of life focuses on our own development and our creating our life partner and career pursuits in adult life; the second gives priority to our career and family; and the third, at our peak and beyond, focuses on giving back to the community. Alan commended the 3 awardees for their accomplishments and their service to the community which runs counter to what many regard as the norm.
Marg Leser, Chaired the event and introduced each of the Awardees, Joseph Alkara, Berat Kaya; and Laura McArthur after which each told us their own unique story. Their citations for outstanding achievement deserve to be read below.
The presentations and other elements of the meeting can be viewed on-line by following this link:
Young Achiever Awardees Citations 2022
Laura McArthur
Medical Research and Student Leadership
Laura McArthur completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Monash University. While undertaking her degree as a recipient of a Monash Scholarship for Excellence, she was awarded numerous academic prizes including the Harriet Power Prize in Clinical Medicine and the John Cade Medal. Laura was selected for the University’s prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program, and, has been awarded the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship for 2022. Laura is currently working as a junior doctor at the Alfred Hospital. She aims to focus on the elimination of infectious diseases such as ending trachoma, and hepatitis.
With a keen interest in health equity driving her to pursue a career in medicine, Laura volunteered with the Burnet Institute on research relating to rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases and with the Australian Red Cross on mental health, community connectedness and loneliness. Also, while at University, she launched a global health newsletter in her role as Ignite Global Health Group’s Education Officer, and enjoyed acting as a mentor for junior medical students through the Academic Mentoring Program. Building on interests recognised by her receipt of a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, she continues to enjoy swimming and writing.
Inspired by patients, clinicians, researchers and volunteers, Laura hopes to continue to work towards her passion for health equity. With her Rhodes Scholarship for 2022 she will be traveling to Oxford University in the UK in September to undertake an MSc in Evidence- Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation. Through this, she looks forward to having the opportunity to learn from academics and peers, developing knowledge and skills around the design and implementation of effective interventions for health inequities. On her return to Australia, she looks forward to pursing her career in Medicine.
Berat Kaya
Advocate for Community Service
Currently Berat is completing his double degree in Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology from RMIT. In 2020 he has successfully completed his Certificate IV in Community Services and in 2021 he completed a Diploma of Youth Work at RMIT. His commitment to his studies is testament to the work that he has undertaken with the Brotherhood of St Laurence and other partnered organisations. Berat has actively participated in ongoing community engagement where he has enthusiastically and willingly wanted to support young people of likeminded to engage in the community projects. He continues to pursue his interest in photography
In 2019, he was awarded Youth of the North Award and in 2021, he received two awards for the Young Legends Award for his insights about the importance of Keeping Victoria Beautiful and raising value among young people to respect their living standards. Last year, he also received the Hume Council Young Citizens Award.
Joseph Alkarra
Community Service Leadership
Joseph was a refugee from Syria when he came to Australia. Currently Joseph is completing his Masters degree in Mechatronics from The University of Melbourne. Due to his outstanding academic achievements, he was nominated for Ormond College Scholar in Melbourne University. Recently he also attained Dafydd Lewis Scholarship and Melbourne Access Scholarship.
He is also passionate about the volunteering work and currently is part of Youth Without Borders Non-for-Profit initiative. Delivering a life-changing opportunity for around 120 participants per year who are year 10-12 students to see what experiences are offered by universities, particularly in engineering. He is also a recipient of Western Chances Scholarship. He is involved with the Atlas Programme linked to Lord Somers Camp and a range of other organisations.
