Sarah celebrates volunteer award

Sarah Yu with her Volunteering ACT award. Photo supplied

Kristyn Comino

19 May 2014: University of Canberra PhD student and tutor Sarah Yu was awarded for her contribution to the Canberra community at the 2014 ACT Volunteer of the Year Awards, having spent over six years volunteering for a range of local events.

Miss Yu received a ‘Recognition Award’ from Volunteering ACT at a ceremony on 13 May as part of National Volunteer Week. The award acknowledges her work at events like ACT’s Australia Day celebration, Floriade, the National Multicultural Festival, Belconnen Community Festival, Canberra Eid al-Fitr Festival and as an ACT international student ambassador.

Miss Yu said she became a volunteer when she moved to Canberra in 2008 from China to help her meet new people. She said she has had an “excellent time working with wonderful volunteers”, even working at events alongside ACT Treasurer Andrew Barr and Minister Joy Burch.

“Volunteer services have enriched my life beyond words, I have improved academically and it has also strengthened my leadership traits,” she said.

Miss Yu graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Applied Economics in 2009 and a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) in 2010. She is now studying a PhD in economics, while also tutoring students in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law and Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics. On top of her latest award she also received the Canberra Award in 2010 and an Exceptional Achievement Award as part of Harmony Day in 2011.