David Harmati (Hungary)
TAFE NSW, Greater Western Sydney

Three years ago, David arrived in Australia from Budapest, Hungary, without a word of English. From the first, the 30-year-old, who works part-time and is undertaking a Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying, was keen to challenge himself and contribute.‘Volunteering as an assistant coach in ice hockey has been a great way to stay involved with my passion and immerse myself in Australia’s culture and communities,’ says David, who has gone on to coach more than 100 children aged from 9–16 years in the NSW Ice Hockey league. In the future, David aspires to become a construction site manager and coach the Australian men’s team at the world championships. And while his skills on the rink inspire admiration and respect from his students and peers, it’s his reliability, sincerity and positivity as a coach—teaching that it’s important to be a good player and a good person—that resonate.

Kennedy Grace Jackson (United Kingdom)
TAFE NSW, Sydney

After completing her high school studies in Singapore, UK-born Kennedy spent six years travelling and working throughout Asia and Australia, before settling in Sydney in 2017. She is currently undertaking a Diploma of Beauty Therapy at TAFE NSW—Ultimo. Warm, enthusiastic and genuinely inclusive of her fellow students, Kennedy was quick to make a positive impression. The 22-year-old’s professionalism has also earned her a loyal client base at TAFE NSW’s Limelite beauty and spa training salon. Kennedy makes a lasting impact on the lives of many through her volunteer work. She has led a TAFE NSW clothing drive, performed manicures and makeup to support Dress for Success Sydney (a charity that empowers women to re-enter the workforce), and volunteered at Randwick Children’s Hospital’s ‘Carers Thank You’ afternoon tea, where she provided treatments for parents and carers. She has also spearheaded a series of volunteer sessions within the Limelite salon, offering women who are less fortunate the opportunity to come in for a beauty (and confidence) boost.

Marie Sorenza Rebecca Olivette (Mauritius)
TAFE NSW, Hunter Valley

Known for her ‘heart of gold and a love for life that is contagious’, Marie Sorenza Rebecca Olivette (known to all as Rebecca) came to Australia eight years ago from the harbour capital of Port Louis, Mauritius. Now aged 19, she is undertaking a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle. Rebecca’s positive outlook on life and consideration for others is evident through her volunteer work. Each week she donates her time to Food Pantry, an organisation that provides staples to families in need, sings at local retirement homes, and runs children’s craft and reading sessions at her Sabbath school. In Year 12, she raised funds to participate in a school mission trip to Cambodia with Restore One, an organisation dedicated to breaking the poverty cycle in South East Asia. Here, Rebecca provided muchneeded assistance to a rural community, hospital and school. The profound experience helped shape her career ambition to become a nurse and help others in need, both here and abroad.

Meet finalists for the 2018 NSW International Student Awards across five categories