Social Impact
Charles Sturt University Distinguished Alumnus of the Year – Social Impact
This award recognises leaders/individuals whose professional or voluntary work has generated significant social impact to a group or wider community(ies).
Winner
Winner: Kamin Gock
Career: ABC 730 Reporter, journalist
Course: Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
Kamin Gock is a multi-award-winning journalist. He reported for Nine News in Orange, Albury and Perth before joining the ABC in 2021, where he has since worked as a multiplatform reporter across news, 4 Corners, and now 7.30.
His insightful reporting on social, political and environmental issues holds power to account and exposes inequalities in society. His work has prompted vital reform, including widespread structural change in healthcare following his investigation into child deaths in hospitals. He also exposed delay tactics used by the NSW Department of Justice, triggering immediate action for victims of institutionalised abuse.
Kamin holds a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) with distinction from Charles Sturt. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious Andrew Olle Scholarship and named Young Journalist of the Year in the Kennedy Awards.
Highly Commended
Winner: Nadia Teong
Career: Managing director / Clinical psychologist
Course: Master of Psychology
Nadia Teong is a clinical psychologist and veteran who served as a Senior Psychologist in the Australian Army for 11 years. In 2021, she founded Veterans Psychology, a unique private psychology consultancy for the military community. Comprised primarily of veterans, her expert clinical team offers services grounded in lived experience for improved mental health outcomes.
A vocal advocate for veteran mental health, Nadia shapes public discourse and policy. In 2023, she received the Prince’s Trust Australia Beyond Service Award and Enterprise Accelerate Award, and was a finalist in the 2023 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards. She holds a Charles Sturt Master of Psychology (Clinical), a University of Southern Queensland Bachelor of Science (Psychology)(Honours), and a Griffith University Bachelor of Education.
