Twenty awards were presented to students who have demonstrated leadership and impact across cultural programs at UNSW.
The 2025 UNSW Culture Awards on Thursday 6 November celebrated the remarkable contributions of students and clubs to the University’s creative, cultural and community life.
The annual event, organised by the Creative Communities team, recognises outstanding achievements by student clubs and individuals who have demonstrated leadership, innovation and impact across art, music, performance, religious programs and cultural engagement.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs opened the evening by celebrating the creative spirit that defines the University.
“You have helped make our campus come alive through art, music, storytelling and cultural connection, and you have shown extraordinary commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. I congratulate all our nominees and award winners!”
Twenty awards were presented to clubs and individual students, highlighting the diversity and creativity that shape the University’s cultural experience. Many of the collaborative activities recognised at the awards were supported by Arc and our partner Medibank.
“Our Culture team has continued to build connections across art, music and faith life at UNSW,” said Sonia Maddock, Director of Creative Communities.
“From new collaborations and art acquisitions to student-led performances and cultural networking events, we’ve seen how creativity fosters belonging on campus. Our Chaplaincy team has supported inclusive multifaith initiatives, the Art Unit has grown the University’s collection and partnerships, and our music ensembles have brought together students, staff and alumni through performance and community. These programs embody the diversity, care and imagination that define UNSW’s cultural life.”
Recognising new perspectives and decades of service
A special presentation was made to Imam Mahmoud Jaam e, who was recognised for 30 years of chaplaincy at UNSW. As the Muslim Chaplain and long-time Religious Centre Coordinator, Mahmoud has provided invaluable service, guidance and leadership to the UNSW community.
The Art Collection Writing Prize 2025 was awarded to Ebony Casagrande. Presented by UNSW’s Art Unit with the support of UNSW Press, the prize invites students from all faculties to submit a short creative response to selected works from the UNSW Art Collection, encouraging new perspectives and engagement with the University’s rich artistic holdings.
The event also featured the presentation of the Willgoss Instrumental and Choral Prizes, awarded by Eleasha Mah and conductors Paul Vickers and Dr Steven Hillinger, supported by the generous ongoing patronage of Richard and Sue Willgoss.
Thanks to the students and student organisations who performed: Vocallective; Punjabi Society; Nimbus Wind Quintet; UNSW String Ensemble; myEnglish Choir; Malayalee Society; Kannada Society; Iranian Student Association; Music Society; Rafa Alaztar; Alice Zou and Chisom Nnedimma Ezeaku.
Thanks also to the UNSW Photography Society and all the student societies and clubs who contributed to the photo gallery at the event.
The 2025 Culture Awards honoured achievement and reflected the spirit of belonging and collaboration that defines UNSW’s vibrant cultural community.
2025 UNSW Culture Award winners
Club Awards
- Club Cultural Impact Award: Indonesian Students Association (PPIA)
- Club Creative Impact Award: Drawing Society
- Club Contribution to Student Wellness: International Students Association (ISA)
- Religious Community Club Impact Award: Islamic Society of UNSW (ISOC UNSW)
- Collaborative Cultural Impact Club Award: Chinese Student Association (CSA); Chinese Musician Society (CMS)
Individual Student Awards
- Student Community Impact award: Ada Choi
- Student Cultural Impact award: Jason Lao
- Student Creative Impact award: Oliver Brunsdon
- International Student Impact award: William Nguyen
- Student Above and Beyond award: Joseph Lee
- Chaplaincy Community Contribution award: Omar Khursheed
- Art Collection Writing Prize: Ebony Casagrande
Willgoss Prizes
- Willgoss Choral Prize – Collegium Musicum Choir: Paul Rowan
- Willgoss Choral Prize – Highly Commended Collegium Musicum Choir: Sarah Birrell
- Willgoss Instrumental Prize – UNSW Orchestre: Ernest Quah
- Willgoss Instrumental Prize – Highly Commended UNSW Orchestra: Nadia Hui
- Willgoss Instrumental Prize – UNSW Wind Symphony: Carter Smith
- Willgoss Instrumental Prize – Highly Commended UNSW Wind Symphony: Blake McCarren
- Willgoss Choral Prize – Corde: Daniel Shieff
- Willgoss Choral Prize – Highly Commended Corde: Ella Fisk and Luna Wenshuo Bao
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