One of Australia’s most respected and awarded journalists can add another feather to his cap after he was revealed as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in 2012.
Since graduating in 1995 from a Bachelor of Arts, Mark Willacy has worked his way around the globe as an ABC reporter covering some of the world’s biggest stories.
He is one of Australia’s leading foreign correspondents, having spent nearly 10 years reporting from more than 30 countries.
But it was to Toowoomba that Mr Willacy returned today (17 April, 2012) to accept his latest prestigious accolade.
‘It’s truly an honour to receive this award and to be back in my hometown,’ Mr Willacy told the large crowd gathered at the Burke and Wills Hotel for the award ceremony.
He explained that while he started his study at USQ in an engineering course he quickly realised he was destined for a different path.
‘The Faculty of Arts really did challenge me to think. That was where I found my intellectual home.’
Mr Willacy has twice won Australia’s most prestigious journalism prize, a Walkley Award.
In 2011, as a nominee in more categories than any other journalist, Mr Willacy took out the Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism, Radio News and Current Affairs with his report on the devastation of the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami.
He is now the Bureau Chief/North Asia correspondent for ABC TV and Radio, based in Tokyo.
‘It’s been a long, winding and often hair-raising road from my graduation to be here today,’ Mr Willacy said.
‘This award is truly up there with some of the highlights of my career. I am amongst some very talented and esteemed company.’
USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Jan Thomas presented Mr Willacy with his award and acknowledged the depth of talent amongst all finalists.
‘Listening to the achievements of only a handful of our 70,000 alumni, it just goes to show what an amazing university this is,’ Professor Thomas said.
The winners of the Young Alumnus of the Year and International Alumnus of the Year awards were also announced.
Young Alumnus of the Year Katrina Hobbs completed a Bachelor of Business externally through USQ and has gone on to perform at an exceptionally high professional level.
In January, 2004, Mrs Hobbs was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Eden Farms Family Group — a group of agri-businesses that turns over in excess of $20 million per annum and employs more than 120 people.
Personally, Mrs Hobbs has been a strong advocate for positive press on pregnancy, women’s health and family values.
She is president of Emily’s Voice, a pro-life organisation, and has also been involved in supporting mental health in rural Australia.
USQ’s International Alumnus of the Year has many strings to his bow incorporating academic, professional and personal achievements.
Khalid Al-Mabrouk Adballa is the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Libyan Government’s Investment Promotion Fund as well as Chairman of the Libyan Investment Holding Company in Africa.
He is responsible for the Libyan government’s massive investment program designed to build economic sustainability in developing countries, particularly in Africa.
He is also one of Libya’s most prominent supporters of important social causes, particularly in Southern Libya where he is the Head of the Aid Association for Southern Libya and founding member of a charity organisation established to set up playgrounds for children.
The 2013 Alumnus of the Year program will commence in October this year.
For more information about the USQ Alumni Network visit www.usq.edu.au/alumni
Below is a list of 2012 finalists and winners:
Alumnus of the Year Faculty Award Winners (also finalists for the Outstanding Alumnus):
Faculty of Arts:
Mark Willacy
Faculty of Business and Law:
Atalina Enari
Faculty of Education:
Dr Victoria Close
Faculty of Engineering and Surveying:
Tony Brun
Faculty of Sciences:
Dr June Henry
Young Alumnus of the Year:
Katrina Hobbs
International Alumnus of the Year:
Khalid Al-Mabrouk Adballa
USQ Outstanding Alumnus of the Year:
Mark Willacy
Contact Details:
Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +617 4631 2977
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