CQU Counselling, Careers and Health’s Coordinator of International Student Support at the Rockhampton campus, Judy Macfarlane was awarded the Inaugural ISANA Professional Development Scholarship at last week’s ISANA National Conference in Launceston, Tasmania.

A panel of ISANA members, together with an external judge, selected Judy and another two winners to each receive a $500 bursary to be used towards professional development.

International Programs – Project Officer Lisa Watson Brown said this was a prestigious award to win which was voted by peers.

“This is well-deserved recognition for Judy’s hard work in the area of international student support in regional Australia.

Judy said she was honoured to receive the award.

“I was really surprised, but honoured, considering it was awarded by my peers,” Judy said.

“As a regional Australian member of ISANA I intend using the scholarship funding to attend professional development activities in Brisbane and to link with colleagues working in northern Australian universities such as James Cook and University of Northern Territory.

ISANA initially stood for International Student Advisers Network of Australia, with its first conference held in 1990 with mainly international student advisers/counsellors attending. A name change occurred in the mid 1990s to ISANA – International Education Association to reflect the more diverse range of professionals who are now members of this international education association.

The 2003 ISANA International Education Association Conference is to be held at Rydges Capricorn Resort from 8 to 10 October. Judy will be the conference convenor for this function.

“In conjunction with our ISANA Queensland Branch, our local organising committee intends making this conference the best ever,” Judy said.