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Media Release

June 3, 2004

Hard work and entrepreneurship prove winners at UniSA

Hard work and entrepreneurship will be rewarded at UniSA’s annual alumni awards at The Stamford Plaza this evening, Thursday 3 June, 2004, 6:30pm.

The awards recognise the major academic achievements of outstanding graduates and the presentation of two of UniSA’s key alumni scholarships the Pank Prize for Entrepreneurial Activity and the Irene and David Davy Scholarship for Advancement of Aboriginal Education.

More than 70 graduates will be recognised for outstanding achievement in the areas of Health Sciences; Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment; Education, Arts and Social Sciences; and Business and Enterprise.

Winners of the inaugural Pank Prize of $10,000 Anita Paech and Nicholas Zupper plan to tap into the $1.5 billion Australian film industry with a plan to establish a state-of-the-art video, sound, multi-media post production business.

According to Nicholas and Anita there is a lack of accessible and affordable post-production facilities available for independent film makers in SA and they have developed a business plan that will provide an affordable alternative for the high demand.

The Pank Prize is open to all students at UniSA who have submitted a business plan as part of the requirements of their program of study.

James Charles, winner of the $4,000 Irene and David Davy Scholarship balances a delicate juggling act. A final year podiatry student, James has recently been working 12-hour-day placements at the Community Health Services in Mount Barker and Murray Bridge. At his home in Para Hills, James studies in the evening for his final year assignments and also helps his wife Sharon care for his family of four children aged between 10 and 2.

“I’d like to give something back to the community by helping those who need it the most in the Aboriginal Health Sector when I finish my studies this year,” said James.

“The incidence of diabetes in the Aboriginal community is as high as 30 per cent, resulting in a high rate of foot ailments and a great need for podiatrists.

“I hope that by educating people I can help reduce the prevalence of foot conditions in the Aboriginal Community.”

James’ long term goal is to own and manage a successful podiatry practice.

UniSA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Denise Bradley will address the graduates and special guests include Robert Hunt from the Pank Family Trust and Judith Moffatt, niece of Irene and David Davy.

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