NSW Young Australian of the Year
Jennifer Star, currently a member of the MSc Education course in Comparative and International Education, has been named the Young Australian of the Year in the state of New South Wales for 2012. The award, presented by the Australia Day Council and the Federal Government of Australia, recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of young Australians who have made a substantial contribution to their community and country.
Jennifer was named as the NSW Young Australian of the Year as a result of her work establishing an innovative education charity called Tara.Ed which aims to promote sustainable, quality education in rural India through teacher training and a cross-cultural skills exchange. It works as a partner organisation, with both Indian and Australian schools and teachers working together. Since 2007, Tara.Ed has reached out to 86 teachers and 1817 children in rural and remote areas of India. Jennifer’s aim is to influence the prospects of 20,000 children by 2020.
In true Australian tradition, Jennifer balances her aid work with sport and is an elite athlete in the sport of Judo. She has represented Australia on numerous occasions from 2004 to 2011, including securing Australia’s first ever judo medal at the Youth Olympics in 2005.
Jennifer is one of seven young Australians selected nationally for the honour and will travel to Australia in January 2012 to accept her award from the Australian Prime Minister. The national winner, chosen from the seven, will be announced on Australia day (January 26).
