Recognising Outstanding Excellence at Deakin Res’ Awards Night

The red carpet was recently rolled out for one of the most anticipated nights on our residential calendar. We gathered to celebrate Deakin Residential Services’ annual Student Experience Awards, recognising the achievements of students across our four campuses. 

The evening was hosted by DRS CEO Marion Grey, who welcomed many distinguished guests. Among them were Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Martin, Dr. David Halliwell (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Partnerships and DRS Board Chair), and Ms. Alice Faulkner (Executive Director, Faculty Services and DRS Board Member) as well as many other esteemed Deakin colleagues and guests.  

Alongside the awards, residents from our Burwood, Geelong and Warrnambool campuses shared their talents through outstanding musical performances. These moments highlighted the importance DRS places on every aspect of student life, including arts and cultural engagement. A moving address was also delivered by respected DRS Alumni Amy Shay, now in her Professional Year as a trainee Financial Adviser. Amy shared how her time in residence shaped her career path, with the connections she formed proving more valuable than grades alone. Thank you, Amy, for your inspiring and humorous reflection. 

These awards are highly valued by our students and reflect the values that DRS fosters within the residential community. CEO Marion Grey summed it up perfectly: 

Our annual Student Experience Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate residents who go above and beyond. From supporting others to belong better, to exhibiting leadership skills, living our RESPECT values, and excelling academically — this night honours them all. It is a highlight of the year for students and staff, and a personal favourite of mine.

Burwood’s, Leadership Award winner Bhavadharni E recalled her elation at hearing her name called and the impact it had on her;

Receiving this award was a deeply humbling moment that I will carry with me always. This recognition isn’t just about me, but about the community we built together - filled with care, laughter, and resilience.

Bhavadharni

Bhavadharni also noted.

"Along the way, I learned that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up with love, stubbornness, and hope. Every event, late-night conversation, and small acts of support added up to something bigger than I ever imagined. I’ve always believed in leaving places better than you found them, but what I didn’t expect is how much Res would leave me better too - turning me into someone who dares more bravely and loves more gently. This award feels like both an ending and a beginning - a reminder to keep showing up with heart, wherever life takes me.” 

Gold Accreditation for Deakin Res 

The night held an extra surprise. Marion proudly announced that, for the second year in a row, DRS has secured Gold Accreditation in the global Residential Experience Standard for 2025. Not only did DRS maintain their top-tier status, we also improved our overall score from last year. (But more on that in upcoming blogs!) 

 
We were also delighted to share recent resident feedback: 

• 95% feel safe and comfortable living at Deakin Res. 

• 90% feel connected to their community. 

• 98% understand and live by our community expectations, including our RESPECT values. 

• 90% felt ready to take on the year following Orientation. 

So far this year, over 25,000 individual attendances have been recorded across 750 events. This extraordinary offering reflects the dedication of our staff and the vibrant community spirit at Deakin Res. 

Honouring Leadership, Community and Academic Success 

This year's award recipients are:  

Emerging Leader Award - celebrating students who are showing great promise as emerging leaders across our residences.  

Burwood – Lisa N 
Waterfront – Lucy W 
Waurn Ponds – Daniel S 
Warrnambool – Scarlett MT 

Leadership Award – celebrating Residential Leaders who go above and beyond to support fellow students in their life on Residences.  

Burwood – Bhavadharni E 
Waterfront – Asha G 
Waurn Ponds – Ella L 
Warrnambool – Emily B & Stella S 

RESPECT Values Award – celebrating the quiet achievers who consistently make life better for those around them, and who epitomize the DRS RESPECT values.  

Burwood –Vi Vo  
Waterfront – Beau M 
Waurn Ponds – Maggie H 
Warrnambool – Danielle R 

BELONG BETTER Award – This award is for residents who have really made the Deakin Residential Community a better place to belong, and is exclusively nominated by Deakin Res staff.  

Burwood – Niam Y 
Waterfront – Angus Q 
Waurn Ponds – You Sheng O 
Warrnambool – Liam K 

Academic Achievement Awards – celebrating those who achieved the highest score from each faculty in Trimester One.  

Arts and Education:   
Burwood – Gia N 
Waterfront – Krishna A 
Waurn Ponds – Sarah H 
Warrnambool – Tasfia T 

Business and Law:   
Burwood – Mackenzie L 
Waterfront – Ruby H 
Waurn Ponds – Megan D 
Warrnambool  - Lana M 

Health:   
Burwood – Apoorva N 
Waterfront – Abbey F 
Waurn Ponds – Chloe B 
Warrnambool - Vincent W 

Science, Engineering and Built Environment:   
Burwood – Krishna A 
Waterfront – Julia L 
Waurn Ponds – Tasfia T 
Warrnambool – Charlee H 
 
DRS would like to thank all involved in making the night such a spectacular success. Here’s but one of the videos we shared on the night, highlighting the vibrant year that was 2025.   

And if you’re ready to call DeakinRes home, it’s not too late to apply for 2026! Apps are now open! We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate your successes at this night in the years to come!