Two recent Charles Sturt University (CSU) graduates have won national radio industry awards.

Ms Leilani Vakaahi and Ms Kate O'Bree studied at the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst and both now work for 1503 2BS Gold and 99.3 B-Rock FM (Bathurst Broadcasters Pty Ltd). They won their respective category awards at the 2015 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) at the Gold Coast on Saturday 10 October.

Ms Vakaahi and her team (Bron Davey, Benny Hope, and Libby Daniewska) won the Best Sales Promotion category for 'Honda Lovin'. Ms O'Bree won the Best Talk Presenter category. ln addition, Ms O'Bree was a finalist for Best News Presenter, and Ms Vakaahi was a finalist for Best Newcomer Off-Air.

Communication course director in the CSU School of Communication and Creative Industries Mr Brett Van Heekeren said, "It is wonderful to see these two young professionals receive such high accolades so early in their careers. Leilani and Kate are great examples of the quality graduates that emerge from our communication program at Charles Sturt University. The strong practical experiences they received during their course have translated into high-quality professional practice almost immediately in their work and these awards are testament to that."

Ms Vakaahi graduated from the CSU journalism course in 2013, and then from radio at the end of 2014.

"I'm so honoured to receive an ACRA less than 12 months after graduating," Ms Vakaahi said.

"I think it really shows how valuable the education and experience provided by Charles Sturt University is in succeeding in your chosen career. Although I designed this promotion, it wouldn't have been possible without the support of everyone at Bathurst Broadcasters, David Maxwell from Charles Sturt University, and our clients Paul and Julie from Brabham's Outdoor Power Centre in Bathurst. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for my career."

In addition to the award, Ms Vakaahi was recently advised by Commercial Radio Australia that they will be preparing a case study on the 'Honda Lovin' promotion. This will be available in the coming weeks from www.radioitsalovething.com.au.

Journalist and announcer Ms O'Bree graduated with a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) at the end of 2013 and began work with Bathurst Broadcasters in March the next year.

"It's incredible to be recognised by both my peers and industry leaders after less than 18 months in broadcast radio," Ms O'Bree said.

"I was not very academic and certainly never the top of my class at University, but a drive to do well and a soul for the Bathurst community has given me the opportunity to succeed. Charles Sturt University really set me up to thrive in the industry by ensuring course material was both engaging and practical.

"Who would have guessed that the girl whose school reports always said in bold 'talks too much' would one day be awarded for talking?"