Today tertiary students from Adelaide, Armidale, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney were recognized by His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, Governor-General of Australia for their scholarship and intellect as part of an annual prize winners reception for the Constitution Education Fund Australia (CEFA).

“Today’s winners are some of the more than four thousand young Australians currently directly involved with CEFA education initiatives.” Mr Noel Hadjimichael Director of CEFA’s Awards Program.  

“His Excellency enjoyed an opportunity to address more than 70 students, parents, teachers, academics and community sponsors drawn from communities as diverse as Armidale, Beechworth, Camden and Queensland’s Gold Coast. 

The Gold Medalist of the 2006 national essay competition was Ms Jacqueline Parry (NSW Legal Practitioners Admission Board) on her essay regarding mandatory detention. High Court Justice Susan Crennan chaired the selection panel. The joint Silver medalists were Nikki Macor from the University of Adelaide and Matthew Rudd from Sydney University. Other finalists were Jay Tilley from Monash, David Furse-Roberts from UNE and Tasha Naige from Flinders. 

The 2005 essay competition winners were honoured at this reception as well. 

2005 Gold Winner Mila Cerecina has gone on to be Associate to a Supreme Court Chief Justice. Silver Medalists James Morse, Luke Heilbuth and Andrew Vincent have  achieved career starts in commerce, foreign affairs and the law.  

Finalist Gemma Namey is currently at the Hague assisting with the prosecution of alleged war criminals whilst finalist Clare Gregory was the first Macquarie University student to achieve national finals status.  

“Today was a day to celebrate and recognize participation, disposition and excellence” Mr Hadjimichael noted. 

“We at CEFA recognize and value participation even more than excellence. Young Australians showing a positive attitude towards our constitutional democracy is the aim of just about every outreach initiative we run.” 

“Today, Australia’s Governor-General had the opportunity to say thank you to many everyday Australians who have made a special contribution to a better informed community” Mr Hadjimichael said. 

Please direct all media enquiries to Noel Hadjimichael 0417 014 579