Alexandra Mills:

It was a bright day for CEFA in November 2004 when Alexandra Mills was offered a Research Scholarship. Her significant dedication to CEFA’s aims and objectives were an inspiration to fellow research scholars.  Her scholarship allowed her to engage in a number of developmental, administrative and research duties during the course of the three years she was involved with the organisation.  Alexandra was responsible for coordinating the event planning and curriculum formation for the Governor-General’s “Democracy in Schools” program, which culminated in a 2-day excursion to Canberra with over 50 primary school students and teachers to meet the Governor-General.  She also coordinated the event planning for the Governor-General’s Essay Competition Award Ceremonies from 2005-2007. 

When asked about what a CEFA Research Scholarship offered her; Alexandra responded that it gave “so many valuable opportunities and hands-on experience” that could not be obtained so easily elsewhere. Alexandra recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English Literature at Sydney University. Since moving on from CEFA in June 2007, she is working as the Executive Assistant to the Production Executives of the Seven Network Australia.    

Robert Hoyles:

Robert Hoyles was offered a Research Scholarship in late 2005.  During his time at CEFA, he assisted in writing essay questions for the 2006 and 2007 Governor-General’s Undergraduate Essay Competition.  He was also responsible for the development of the inaugural First Voter competition, run in Queensland, which encouraged young Australians to engage in civic and political matters.  He developed CEFA’s early relationship with the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition and with the Parliamentary Clubs program, for which CEFA still provide continuing support.  He had the opportunity to represent CEFA at meetings in both Brisbane and Canberra during this period. 

Robert completed his Bachelor of Arts (History, Politics, and Philosophy) and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at the University of Western Sydney in 2006, graduating with the Dean's Medal. In 2007 he was Researcher to the Associate Judges in the Supreme Court of NSW and then to the NSW Court of Appeal. He was admitted as a lawyer in the NSW Supreme Court in August 2007 and now practices exclusively in criminal law. Robert continues his relationship with CEFA, acting as a member of CEFA’s Steering Committee and assisting with essay question development. 

Mariam Hussein:

Mariam Hussein was offered a Research Scholarship in late 2005 and was heavily involved with the organisation until late 2006.  During her time with CEFA, Mariam was instrumental in coordinating CEFA’s submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in relation to their inquiry into Civics and Electoral Education. She also represented CEFA’s interests in person at a committee hearing at Parliament House in Canberra. Mariam also represented CEFA at the Victorian YMCA Youth Parliament, which CEFA assisted with sponsorship in 2006.  She was instrumental in the drafting of the Governor-General’s Undergraduate Essay Competition Questions in 2006.

In 2007, Mariam worked as a Paralegal with Justin Lewis & Co. Lawyers and as a Student Researcher for Associate Professor Steven Freeland of the University of Western Sydney Law School. She was then appointed as Deputy Associate to Federal Magistrate Orchiston, based in Sydney. Mariam graduated from her Bachelor of Laws (UWS) in 2008 and undertook her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the College of Law. She was admitted as a lawyer in the NSW Supreme Court in July 2008.  Currently, she is the National Legal Adviser for Toyota Material Handling Australia.

Joel Williams:

Joel is currently completing a Master of International Relations and a Master of International Trade and Commerce Law at Macquarie University. He has also completed a Bachelor of International Business, which involved an academic exchange program at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark. Joel has attended a number of international youth leadership programs including the 15th International Youth Leadership Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, the European Model United Nations in Maastricht, The Netherlands and the Copenhagen Consensus in Denmark.

Why I believe CEFA is important

I believe that CEFA plays a significant role in teaching civics education to primary and secondary schools through such innovative and engaging programs as 'CEFA School Parliaments'. Furthermore, CEFA encourages students pursuing higher education to take an active interest in Australia’s democratic processes and system of government through the annual Governor-General’s Undergraduate Essay Competition. By educating Australians, CEFA helps to ensure our freedom, ensures appreciation for our democratic form of government and promotes Australian values. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to understand and gain a better appreciation of Australia’s history, the evolution of law and our rights and responsibilities as Australians.   

What I gained from my CEFA scholarship

My CEFA research scholarship has helped me to develop a greater appreciation for Australia’s inspiring history and evolution as a nation – from the Aboriginal people who first occupied the continent, to the First Fleet, through the early days of the colonies, to the drafting of the Australian Federation, through the often turbulent twentieth century to the present day. I also gained a greater understanding of our Parliamentary Democracy and Australia’s Constitution and the underlying stability and direction it provides to our nation. 

My CEFA scholarship also enabled me to work with an impressive team of dedicated and accomplished people who are committed to this important work of promoting civics education throughout Australia.

Farah Sultan:

Shortly after dedicatedly volunteering at CEFA, Farah was offered a CEFA research scholarship in December 2006 which gave her the opportunity to engage in a civics related research, administrative and Public Relation tasks. She was particularly responsible for coordinating the 2007 Governor-General’s Undergraduate Essay Competition, where she played an important role in organising the prestigious judging panel and in marketing the competition nationally across various Australian university faculties.   

Farah also coordinated part of the events planning for the 2007 Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award (LJPSA) State Semi-Final competition at Parliament House, which involved over 100 high school students, teachers and special guests. Farah also represented CEFA’s interests at the 2007 public speaking and debating Adjudicators Training Day held by the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET) Arts Unit in Sydney.