Southern Cross University celebrates exceptional students at excellence awards

From those who advocate for student wellbeing and cultural inclusion to those who run marathons to raise money for research, the event showcased the incredible lengths our student community will go to to help others and extend themselves.  

Director of Student Support and Success, Dr Chithira Johnson, congratulated all nominees and finalists for enhancing the student experience and contributing to positive change across the University. 

Academic success rates rose this year, highlighting the benefits of the Southern Cross Model. Unit completion rates rose 16.5% between 2019 and 2025 with twelve students achieving a perfect GPA of 7 this year. These students were presented with academic excellence awards for their first-rate performance, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to their field of study.  

Long-standing donors including Summerland Bank, Twin Towns Services Club and the Twin Towns Community Foundation were also gratefully acknowledged for their continued support of student scholarships.  

The awards were presented by Mr Brendon Nelson, Vice President (Students) and Registrar, who commended the finalists and presented certificates to each category winner. 

And the winners are… 

Outstanding Leadership  

Winner: Anagha Sivaprasad 

Finalists: Banujan Kuhaneswaran and Paige Wilkie 

Recognising those who inspire their peers, champion positive change, and strengthen the University community through purposeful leadership, this award was deservedly won by Master of Nursing student Anagha Sivaprasad. Anagha’s unwavering commitment to the Southern Cross community is demonstrated in her roles as General Board Member of the Coffs Harbour Student Association, Treasurer of the Postgraduate Society, and Executive Member of the Nursing Society.  

Anagha is a Student Ambassador, SCU Vollie, SCU Mates Mentor and organiser of the Nurses’ Morning Tea Meet-Up.  Anagha’s leadership style lifts others up through encouragement, inclusion, and community spirit.  

Community Engagement Excellence

Winner: Georgia Collis 

Finalists: Natasha Parkinson and Adrienne Gooden. 

Georgia Collis is an exceptional student leader and community advocate whose work spans health, education, and cultural inclusion. A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy student, Student Ambassador and committee member of the Occupational Therapy Student Association (OTSA), Georgie played a key role in revitalising the OTSA after a year of inactivity. 

Georgie also raised $15,000 for type 1 diabetes research through the 2023 New York Marathon, has contributed to suicide prevention as a SAFETALK trainer, and supports high school students to connect with First Nations Culture in remote areas through her work with the Red Earth Organisation. 

Her dedication to transformative healthcare is evident in her occupational therapy placements. One notable example includes using mirror box therapy to restore hand function for a stroke patient, leaving a profound impact on both the patient and her peers. 

SCU Engagement Excellence 

Winner: Paige Wilkie 

Finalists: Banujan Kuhaneswaran and Anagha Sivaprasad 

As Founder of the SCU Stingrays Netball Club and SCU Run Club, Paige Wilkie has created inclusive opportunities for students to connect, participate in sport, and foster friendships, with over 100 students engaged weekly.  

A Bachelor of Nursing student, Paige is also the President of the SCU Nursing Society and a Student Ambassador. Paige mentors peers, coordinates academic and social events, and represents Southern Cross University at major events.  

Paige also contributes to campus culture by creating engaging social media content, supporting team sports, and inspiring participation in co-curricular activities.  

Outstanding Achievement in Co-Curricular Excellence 

This award recognises individuals whose contributions in sports, art, literature, performance, or other creative and leadership pursuits have earned them formal recognition at the University, state, or national level. 

Winner: Benjamin Guse 

Finalists: Jasmine Hawkins and Natasha Parkinson 

Benjamin Guse is a Master of Osteopathic Medicine student and an elite decathlete representing both Southern Cross University and Australia. Benjamin manages to balance rigorous academic study with the demands of training across ten diverse track and field disciplines and has demonstrated extraordinary resilience, discipline, and determination. 

In 2025, Benjamin won the Queensland Open Men’s Decathlon Champion, Australian Open Men’s Decathlon Champion, and FISU World University Games Men’s Decathlon Championship. At the World University Games, he achieved personal bests in nine of ten events. 

Benjamin was also recognised at the 2025 Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards, winning Excellence in Promoting Sports and Wellness. This award, presented by Experience Gold Coast, extends beyond Southern Cross and honours a student who has made significant contributions - through their time, skills, knowledge, and passion - toward building a healthier, more active community.  

Beyond personal accolades, Benjamin also mentors fellow students and inspires the broader community.  

The Southern Cross University Student of the Year

The Southern Cross University Student of the Year is the highest honour bestowed upon a student, recognising exceptional achievement, leadership, and service. This prestigious award, presented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin, celebrates an individual who embodies the University’s values of excellence, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility. It is given to a student who not only excels academically, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to creating positive change within the University and the wider community. 

Winner: Banujan Kuhaneswaran 

Finalist: Natasha Parkinson and Paige Wilkie 

Banujan Kuhaneswaran, a PhD Candidate with the Faculty of Science and Engineering,  was recognised for his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and contributions to building a more connected and inclusive student community. 

Through his active involvement in student representation, peer mentoring, and volunteer programs, Banujan has consistently demonstrated empathy, initiative, and vision. 

His collaborative leadership style and ability to unite diverse student voices have strengthened engagement across campuses and created meaningful opportunities for student participation. 

Beyond his on-campus contributions, Banujan has championed equity and wellbeing initiatives that promote belonging and inclusivity, inspiring others to lead with purpose and compassion. His commitment to service and his positive influence across the University makes him a deserving recipient of this year’s top honour.