Young Achiever Awards - 2012/2013

In March of each year the Club recognises and honours three persons in the age group eighteen (18) to twenty-six (26) years who have achieved outstanding success in the development of their formal education/training, and who have also made a significant contribution in the form of service to the community. The “field” is canvassed under the following vocational categories:

• Arts & Music;
• Science & Technology;
• Sport;
• Business & Public Administration; and
• Social Welfare & Community Service.

Each awardee receives $1000 and a certificate of achievement from the Club. Since 2003, one of the chosen three awardees has been honoured with an award named after one of the Club’s most famous Past Presidents, the outstanding Australian Sir Albert Coates. This awardee receives the same prize as the others but with the certificate of achievement headed The Sir Albert Coates Memorial Achievement Award, and a copy of the biography entitled “Albert Coates – A Life”.

In 2012/2013 were three awards presented by Laureate Professor Peter Doherty AC, to Sevag Parseghian, Sam Bramham and Tiffany Hunter (Albert Coates Prize).

SEVAG PARSEGHIAN “Automotive Technology”

Sevag commenced engineering studies at but decided to change course (literally) to enrol at TAFE.  He chose the automotive industry at Kangan Institute because of the passion he's always had for working with motor vehicles.

He enjoys working with engines and the challenges that the industry provides.  His course enabled him to gain further knowledge and experience through training and at the workplace on a daily basis.  He completed his and completed a Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology in short time and was recently appointed to a supervisory position at WPC group (Mercedes Benz).

His high standard of vocational skill was recognised when he was awarded Victorian apprentice of the year at the recent training awards and by his advancement at work.  He was also runner up in the Australian Apprentice of the Year Awards.  He is also involved with a support team for motor racing.

Sevag has worked to inspire and encourage others to see the training system as an opportunity to do what their heart desires and enjoy what they learn on a day-today basis.

SAM BRAMHAM “Disability Sport and Recreation”

Sam is a Paralympic swimmer who has made impressive contributions to his vocation and to the community.  Sam was one of the youngest Australian competitors at the 2004 Athens Paralympics but broke the World Record in the 100m Butterfly and won gold, silver and bronze medals.  His performance at the Beijing Games was his greatest so far where he won a gold medal in the Men's 4x100m medley relay and the silver medal winning the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Sam has complemented his sporting skills with a Degree in Sports Marketing & Law and has completed training programs in public speaking, journalism and radio.

Sam has used his skills to assist both his vocation and the community.
Ambassador at Disability Sport and Recreation for three years, working with disabled Victorians and promoting positive health outcomes.

Community programs promoting understanding around disabled issues. The Wheeltalk Program, is a school-based disability awareness and education program, visits over 400 schools each year. Wheelchairs are used to enabling non-disabled children to gain a physical understanding of what it is like to live with a disability.
 
The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Visitation Program is an outreach program for kids (and their families) at the RCH who have acquired a disability through an accident or illness

The Cycle Power Program - an international pursuit for equity where a low socio-demographic area is chosen to cycle in. Sam has been involved in both the 2011 and 2012 campaigns which visited Vietnam and Cambodia respectively. The campaign in Cambodia raised funds to help empower women with disability

Sam’s achievements have been widely recognised. In 2009 Sam was awarded with the Order of Australia Medal for services to his country and for being a role model for his younger team mates. Sam is in the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Hall of Fame and is in the Telstra All Star Team (2006-Current).
 

TIFFANY HUNTER  “Community Services” (Sir Albert Coates Prizewinner)

This proudly Aboriginal young woman is passionate about improving the outcomes for indigenous youth.

Her own start in life was daunting.  An absent father and mentally ill, abusive mother drove her to remove her young daughter (born when Tiffany was 16) and two younger siblings from the violence of the family home.  Now with an infant son she cares for all four children.

Tiffany completed a Diploma in Community Services and Certificate IV in Youth Work at Swinburne.  In her work with the Yarra Valley Aboriginal Health Service she has become a leader and inspirational role model for young women through the Strong and Proud program for which she was a Silver winner in the Victorian Public Health Awards.  She was awarded the 2011 NAIDOC Award for Young Leaders and Koorie of the Year in the 2012 Victorian Training Awards.

Tiffany strongly believes that education provides the way out of a dysfunctional violent environment.  Her resilience has enabled her to develop skills to support the children in her care, assist the community and ensure the voices of Indigenous youth are heard.