Speakers in Schools Awards
We think our speakers are amazing and to acknowledge their valuable contribution, Advantage SA conducts annual Speakers in Schools Awards.
The awards are presented at the end of each year and recognise the outstanding effort provided by our speakers throughout the year. Our selection panel look for volunteers that have gone above and beyond the expectations of the program in the following categories:
- New Speaker Award
- Metro Speaker Award
- Regional Speaker Award
- Program Ambassador Award
2012 Speakers in Schools Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2012 Speakers in Schools Award winners. Your contributions to program have been very much appreciated and we look forward to working with you next year.
Click here to view photos from the night
Chris Eves | The University of South Australia Metropolitan Speaker Award
Chris joined the Speakers in Schools program in early 2010 after moving to Adelaide. He wanted to do something where he could inspire people and make a difference and when he heard the Speakers in Schools advertisement on the radio, he decided this was what he wanted to become involved with. He has always enjoyed public speaking, whether it be the MC role at weddings or in his church youth group, and the Speakers in Schools program ticked all the boxes for him. He has given 10 presentations during his time with the program and enjoys inspiring students in South Australia. The highlight for Chris was presenting during the Regional Tour to Broken Hill in 2011, where he gave his presentation to a video camera for the School of the Air.
Finalists – Jason Polgreen and David Searles
Shaun Thomas | Credit Union New Speaker Award
Shaun is new to the program this year and has taken on a very active and knowledgeable approach. He has been involved in the education industry for nearly 20 years, previously in roles at Port Lincoln High School and now with the Australian Government as an Education, Skills and Job Coordinator. His new role sees him focus on the different pathways stemming from education into employment, which provides him with valuable labour market information. He joined the program to get back into the school environment and talk with students about career development, the industries with high employment rates and industries with shortages. His presentations are very engaging and interesting for his audiences. He thoroughly enjoys presenting to students in regional areas and says his time on the Regional Tour to Ceduna this year was a highlight.
Finalists – Tom Bourne and Jason Ryan
Edward Milne | RAA Regional Speaker Award
Ed Milne joined Speakers in Schools in 2007 and has given roughly 100 presentations in his time with the program. He has been heavily involved in a number of Regional Tours including trips to Port Augusta and Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Mount Burr in 2012 alone. He also took part in our first Regional Forum, held in Port Augusta. Ed thoroughly enjoys visiting regional areas and taking part in Regional Tours and enjoys connecting with the students. He recently spoke at a Year 12 graduation in Port Augusta and received excellent feedback from the students afterwards. Ed's diversity of experience has brought him into contact with a wide variety of industries and markets including recruitment, training, defence (RAAF), chemistry and government.
Finalists – Tracey Watson and Clayton Burt
Kate Rush | BHP Billiton Program Ambassador Award
Kate Rush has previously worked across both government and non-government sectors as a project manager, social worker and in senior management positions in the areas of child protection, youth justice, primary health care, employment, training, homelessness and housing. Kate has worked across South Australia and the Northern Territory and her career has been guided by a vision to help communities become more socially inclusive. Aside her passion for social justice, Kate has a strong interest in sport and is a member of the Port Adelaide Cricket Club, playing in the women’s competition. Kate is also a players representative with the Port Adelaide Club Committee. She enjoys being an active community member and supporting local community initiatives that build social inclusion and opportunities for participation, particularly in the western suburbs of Adelaide. Kate is sought after as a motivational speaker on leadership and achieving meaningful milestones and has spoken at various events and conferences. Kate is a highly engaging speaker balancing humor and insight on key issues. Kate has thoroughly enjoyed being a speaker with the Advantage SA Speakers in Schools program since 2008.
2011 Winners
Philip Amato | Credit Union SA New Speaker Award
Simon Lane | University of South Australia Metro Speaker Award
Meredith Bruce | RAA Regional Speaker Award
Edward Milne | BHP Billiton Program Ambassador
