RUSU Student Life Awards

Congratulations to our 2026 Award Winners

The RUSU Student Life Awards recognise students who make outstanding contributions to student life at RMIT. These awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to build community, support their peers, and create positive experiences on campus.

RUSU continues to recognise the diverse ways students demonstrate leadership, initiative, and impact. From fostering connection and belonging to supporting wellbeing and creativity, these students play a vital role in shaping a thriving RMIT community.

Award Winners

Club of the Year Winner: RMIT Bangladeshi Association

Their dedication to building a welcoming and inclusive community has made a lasting impact on student life at RMIT. Hosting six major events and growing membership and collaborating with other Bangladeshi student associations and expanding to Bundoora, their standout Esho Hei Boishakh celebration welcomed over 500 attendees, making it one of Australia’s largest Bengali New Year celebrations.

Award of Distinction: Project Management Chapter

Best New Club Winner: RMIT Physiotherapy Association

RMIT Physiotherapy Association is a deserving winner of Best New Club, making an outstanding contribution in its first year. Filling an important gap for physiotherapy students, RPA has built a vibrant community through welcome events, forums and professional development, while strengthening connections between students and staff and ensuring student voices are heard.

Award of Distinction: Creative Connect Club

Best Club Activity Winner: RMIT Malayalis Club

The RMIT Malayalis Club’s incredible Onam celebration showcases the impact students can create when they come together. Planned and delivered almost entirely by students, the event welcomed more than 650 attendees and celebrated Malayali culture while fostering friendship, inclusion and wellbeing. Its success earned the club the Best Club Activity Award 2026.

Award of Distinction: RMIT Drama Club

Best Club Community Contribution Winner: RMIT Strategy and Consulting Society

Creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, learn and engage with the wider professional community. Through partnerships with industry organisations, RSCS delivered case competitions and workshops that brought real-world challenges to RMIT students, helping them build practical skills, confidence and industry awareness. By making these experiences accessible to students, RSCS strengthened connections between the RMIT community and industry while helping students prepare for their future careers.

Student Life Champion: Ayen Gurrea

Ayen is a dedicated student leader who has strengthened the communities she is part of through her roles with the RMIT Information Security Collective and Pinoys at RMIT. She has expanded academic and industry opportunities, supported funding, sponsorship and membership growth, and created meaningful opportunities for others, making a lasting contribution to student life at RMIT.

Volunteer of the Year Winner: Dimithri De Meraal

Dimi has made volunteering a meaningful part of her university experience through the RUSU Volunteer Program and Well-Fed with Just Food Collective. Bringing enthusiasm, reliability and genuine care to every initiative, she consistently supports fellow volunteers and creates a welcoming community. Her warmth, generosity and dedication make her a deserving Volunteer of the Year.

Award of Distinction: Ngoc Bao Bao Duong

Inclusion Award Winner: Jack Benci

Jack Benci, winner of the Inclusion Award, is recognised for his commitment to supporting students facing barriers to participation. Through personalised academic guidance, tutoring and his work improving Foundation Studies materials, Jack helps students build confidence and succeed while creating more inclusive learning environments across RMIT.

Wellbeing Award Winner: Eemana Rahim

As President of the Medical Radiation Student Association, Eemana Rahim has shown a genuine commitment to student wellbeing. Through events, communication and thoughtful support, she creates safe, inclusive and accessible spaces that foster connection. Her compassionate approach helps reduce isolation, build confidence and strengthen both academic and social wellbeing within the MRSA community.

International Student Award Winner: Rubiat Mim

Rubiat is recognised for her commitment to helping international students feel welcomed, supported and connected at RMIT. As President of the RMIT Bangladeshi Association, she has led six events, built a strong peer network and provided practical support to students navigating accommodation, university life, Melbourne and settling into a new community.

Indigenous Student Award Winner: Dillon Stocks

Dillon Stocks, winner of the Indigenous Student Award, is recognised for his contribution to the Ngarara Willim Centre and his commitment to supporting fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Through building connections, preparing to become a peer mentor and sharing his experiences, Dillon demonstrates cultural pride, leadership and a genuine desire to give back.

Award of Distinction: Jemimah Jordan

Creative Impact Award Winner: Muhammad Abdullah

Muhammad Abdullah, recipient of the Creative Impact Award, is recognised for his creative contribution to promoting the Pakistani Student Association’s Movie Night. Through a humorous promotional reel inspired by Dhurandhar, Muhammad used storytelling and cultural references to capture students’ attention, build excitement and create a welcoming sense of connection before the event even began.

2025 RUSU Student Life Award Winners

Congratulations to last years winners, whose dedication and talent were recognised and celebrated on Wednesday, 13 August 2025. We’re proud to honour the many ways students make campus life vibrant and inspiring.

Club of the Year

Supports club leaders who have demonstrated exceptional organisational skill and innovation in building a community.

2025 Winner: RMIT Law Student Society
2025 Distinction: RMIT Afghan Student Association

Best Club Activity

Supports clubs who take initiative to design and deliver outstanding student events that build connection, culture, and inclusion.

2025 Winner: RMIT Malayalis Club
2025 Distinction: RMIT Association of Chemical Engineering Students

Best New Club

Assists student in establishing new clubs that meet emerging needs and spark engagement on campus.

2025 Winner: RMIT Matcha Club
2025 Distinction: RMIT Bangladeshi Association

Volunteer of the Year

Acknowledges students who have given significant time to volunteer work, contributing to the RMIT Community.

2025 Winner: Dona Grace Joseph
2025 Distinction: Naomi Ann Abraham

Student Life Champion

Supports students with a long-term, consistent track record of contribution across multiple areas of student life.

2025 Winner: Tehmina Yaqoob
2025 Distinction: Zahid Zakir Bharti

Community Wellbeing Champion

Recognising someone who has made a significant contribution to community wellbeing.

2025 Winner: Chris Nguyen
2025 Distinction: Rabia Khan

Inclusion & Diversity Champion

Recognising a student who has actively championed inclusion, equity, and diversity at RMIT or in the broader community through meaningful actions that foster belonging and challenge discrimination.

2025 Winner: Mirza Bushra Yamin
2025 Distinction: Elvin Rozario

Creative Contributor Award

Supports students using creativity and artistic expression to enrich student culture and bring people together.

2025 Winner:Sabrina Gabrielle Fernandez

Indigenous Student Community Champion

Honouring an Indigenous student who demonstrates outstanding leadership, cultural pride and commitment to strengthening mob wellbeing.

2025 Winner: Anastazia Lewis-Mitchell
2025 Distinction: Lachlan Wills

Active International Student Leader

Recognising an international student leader who actively supports and connects fellow students, enriches campus life, and exemplifies the spirit of RMIT.

2025 Winner: Aahnaf Mohammad Azfar
2025 Distinction: Thi Tuoi Nguyen

Food Security Champion

Recognising a student who has made a significant contribution to addressing food security at RMIT or in the community, through 'hands on involvement in the delivery of food security programs.

2025 Winner: Kirti Sharma