Cricket has long been hailed as the gentleman's game, a sport that captivates and inspires millions around the world. It is a game that transcends boundaries and unites people from different cultures and backgrounds. For Nuwan Ranasinghe, cricket was more than just a game; it was the catalyst that propelled him on a remarkable journey from the cricket field to the newsroom. Today, we celebrate Nuwan as the second recipient of the prestigious David Leckie Seven Scholarship Program, a shining example of the impact Charles Sturt University has had on his life.

Established in September 2021, the David Leckie Seven Scholarship Program is a tribute to the late David Leckie, former CEO of Seven West Media. This annual scholarship offers a 12-month role at Seven West Media to a graduate with a passion for sales, programming, or news. Nuwan Ranasinghe, a proud alumnus of Charles Sturt University, has emerged as the deserving recipient of this esteemed opportunity, following in the footsteps of the inaugural recipient, Madeline McKeown, who has secured a full-time producer position at Weekend Sunrise.

Nuwan's journey began when he enrolled in the Bachelor of Sports Media program at Charles Sturt University in 2020, graduating with distinction in December 2022. Despite being a distance student based in Melbourne, Victoria, Nuwan found himself immersed in a vibrant online learning community that nurtured his passion for sports media. Reflecting on his time at Charles Sturt, Nuwan recalls the overwhelming support and encouragement he received from his lecturers and tutors.

"I have so many lovely memories from studying at CSU despite being a distance student. I was overwhelmed at how supportive and caring my lecturers and tutors were, and how they kept motivating me to strive for what I wanted to achieve with my degree," Nuwan shares.

In the virtual world of online learning, Nuwan found a sense of camaraderie and intellectual engagement through his participation in online learning groups and class discussions. Interacting with like-minded individuals who were well-informed about major social, political, and sports news issues fuelled Nuwan's growth as a critical and analytical thinker—an essential skill in his pursuit of a career in media.

Today, Nuwan stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the opportunities that unfold when passion and dedication meet opportunity. As a Media Graduate under the David Leckie Scholarship Program, he is currently based in the sports news department at the Seven Network. Every day in his role brings something new and exciting, as Nuwan supports and shadows senior reporters, journalists, and camera operators.

"Every day has been so different and exciting! I'm fortunate enough to attend multiple press conferences with all the Melbourne-based AFL clubs, and I get to witness the questions and discussions that unfold between our reporters and the coaches and players," Nuwan enthusiastically shares.

His work also involves compiling story packages for the daily bulletins, cutting and editing videos, and finding the best excerpts of interviews to include in the final product. Nuwan's eagerness to learn is evident as he embraces every opportunity to observe and understand the inner workings of the newsroom, even spending time in the control room with news producers.

"What I love most about what I do is being able to work in a space where I witness all the magic that unfolds in the Channel Seven newsroom. The team is incredibly supportive and encourages me to develop my journalism skills," Nuwan remarks.

But this is only the beginning of Nuwan's exciting journey as a David Leckie Scholar. The program spans a year, offering rotations in major departments of the Seven Network, including news and broadcasting, sales and marketing, and programming and communications. With three more months in his current rotation, Nuwan eagerly awaits the next chapter of his scholarship program.

Nuwan's career journey has been marked by diverse experiences and a relentless pursuit of his passion. Before embarking on his sports media studies, he explored various roles in sales, technology consulting, and even UX and UI design. These experiences equipped him with invaluable transferrable skills that have proven invaluable in his pursuit of a career in sports media and journalism.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented its own set of challenges for Nuwan during his undergraduate studies. The restrictions and lockdowns in Victoria demanded innovative approaches to complete media assignments that required outdoor video and audio content. Through this adversity, Nuwan honed his time management, communication, and attention to detail—skills that have served him well in the dynamic and fast-paced world of media.

From a young age, Nuwan's love for cricket ignited his passion for broadcasting and commentating. The captivating voices of legendary broadcasters such as Michael Holding, Harsha Bhogle, and Isha Guha inspired Nuwan to pursue a career in this field. At Charles Sturt University, Nuwan found an unwavering supporter in Jock Cheetham, who mentored him and provided invaluable insights into achieving excellence in cricket commentary.

When asked what advice he has for current students aspiring to join the ranks of sports media, Nuwan's message is clear: "If there is something you truly want to achieve, no matter how outlandish or minimal the chances of success, go for it anyway." Nuwan emphasizes the importance of breaking down dreams into tangible goals, steadily working towards them, and seizing every opportunity that comes your way.

As Nuwan Ranasinghe continues to make his mark in the media industry, he stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, the unwavering support of mentors, and the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream. His journey from the cricket field to the newsroom is a testament to the role Charles Sturt University has played in shaping his success.

Nuwan's story reminds us all that when passion, opportunity, and dedication align, extraordinary achievements are within reach. As Charles Sturt University continues to nurture and inspire future generations of students, it is through the success stories of alumni like Nuwan Ranasinghe that we find renewed motivation to chase our dreams and create our own legacies.