• Charles Sturt PhD student in Wagga Wagga receives Pat Keill OAM Award on Commonwealth Day

A Charles Sturt University student was named the recipient of the Pat Keill OAM Award by the Commonwealth Day Council.

Commonwealth Day was on Monday 14 March and the Pat Keill OAM Award, which is sponsored by the Country Women’s Association (CWA), is awarded in recognition of people making continuing contributions to their community and achieving success in their chosen field.

Ms Veronika Vicic is in her final year of her Doctor of Philosophy with the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences in Wagga Wagga.

Her research involves interviews with dairy producers to address on-farm and supply chain barriers for non-replacement male calves and live animal nutrition studies.

“Currently, non-replacement male calves are a low value by-product and there are associated welfare concerns with these animals,” she said.

“The opportunity to create a viable and profitable supply chain will help overcome many barriers on-farm and throughout the supply chain.”

Ms Vicic was presented with her award during a ceremony in The Parliament of NSW in Sydney on Monday by the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, and Ms Catharine Sloan from the CWA.

Pat Keill worked in community outreach and influenced the younger generation, according to Ms Vicic, who also said she was honoured to be recognised in the same way.

“It is a very honourable award … but to be nominated shows that what I am doing day-to-day is making an impact to a larger audience,” she said.

“I am at a stage in my career now where I have greater capabilities to influence younger students and help in the community through the Country Women’s Association branches and programs, such as action4agriculture.”

Ms Vicic is hoping to encourage young people to volunteer with charitable organisations and discover different career pathways.